For the second week running it appeared that a stunning strike from budding journalist Daniel Cristy would grab the headlines before an even better goal from Warriors centre-back Lucas Hill denied him an exclusive.

“I would have preferred a win,” was the typically honest assessment from Rangers’ straight-talking coach Lino Sciulli.

“It was a good game – end to end, a lot of possession for both sides, and the huge crowd we’ve got here got what they paid for.”

The last comment may have been tongue in cheek but Sciulli was spot on about the contest as both teams produced plenty of energy, endeavour and ultimately entertainment.

Olympia livewire Gordon Gurson fired the game into life after just three minutes with a finish every bit as stylish as his gloves but after Adhar N’gor had struck the woodwork the hosts eventually levelled when captain Nick Lanau-Atkinson cashed in on the efforts of Harry Thannhauser down the left.

Dale Itchins’ men regained the ascendancy but were repeatedly frustrated by a sensational display from Rangers keeper Sam Whatman.

Gurson was denied either side of the interval and with Joffrey Nikoso wreaking havoc down the left flank, Eduardo Castaneda added his name to Whatman’s list of victims.

But having repelled four clear-cut chances in seven minutes, Rangers made the most of their own as Cristy capitalised on composed work from Thannhauser, N’gor and Will Humphrey with a long-range beauty over Warriors keeper Brett Johnson.

A week after his free-kick winner in a five-goal thriller at South Hobart, it enabled Cristy to keep up the pressure on Lanau-Atkinson in the club goal-scoring competition.

However, Hill earned the visitors a share of the points with a jinking run and delightful shot seven minutes from time which suggested he may be missing his vocation at centre-back. 

Despite the late leveller, Sciulli was delighted with his side’s effort.

“I’m proud of them. They’re a good bunch of lads and we’re playing against quality opposition and to go out there and show the heart they are showing, it’s very good to be on the coaching side of things watching that.”

Launceston City also recorded a 2-2 draw but would have expected more at lowly Kingborough who snatched a point three minutes into stoppage time.

Daniel Smith volleyed both City goals, early in each half, with a Lindsay Millington own goal keeping the hosts in the contest.

Noah Mies and Tyler Fischer both had chances to finish things off before Trent Pearce curled in a 93rd-minute equaliser.

A Brayden Mann hat-trick helped leader Devonport to a 6-0 win over Clarence while the match of the round looks set to be the South Hobart v Hobart Zebras clash at Darcy Street on Sunday.