Rangers rue Tassie blast

By Paul Pickering
TWO losses in 24 hours stopped the Ranger revival in its tracks on the weekend.
Dandenong returned empty-handed from its Tasmanian double-header, going down to Hobart and North West Tasmania on consecutive nights.
The Rangers, coming off wins against both of last year’s grand finalists, were ice cold in an 87-64 loss to the Chargers at Aurora Stadium on Friday night.
Back-up forward Matt Witherden top-scored with 13 points as the visitors shot just 36 per cent for the night and committed 18 turnovers to Hobart’s six.
They recovered on the back of a 29-point outing from skipper Vince Inglima on Saturday night, but paid dearly for a third-quarter lapse in going down 102-91.
Scores were tied at 41 at halftime, before the Thunder unleashed a decisive 31-20 third term.
Brent Hobba (21 points), Luke Fitzgerald (15) and Lucas Walker (11) were the only other Rangers to fire.
Dandenong, now 2-7 and propping up the East conference ladder, will hit the road again to face Mount Gambier and Bendigo on Friday night and Sunday afternoon respectively.
Meanwhile, the lady Rangers scored a 94-89 win at Bendigo on Saturday night to vault into the top six for the first time this season.
Dandenong’s third consecutive win was highlighted by starring roles from Amelia Todhunter (23), Hope Terdich (20, 13 rebounds) and Clare Papavs (15, 10).
They will now head south to face Hobart and Launceston this weekend.