25 July Rangers won their CNS Cup quarter final at Papamoa, 2 - 1. A late home team penalty made the last ten minutes interesting, but Rangers, with two goals from player of the day Adam Barkla, deserved their win. Here's the report.
Other CNS Cup results: Te Puke upset Otumoetai, Katikati beat TCU div two side, and TCU beat 10 man Opo. We're waiting to see who Rangers will meet in the semi on Aug 21st.

23 July The Wellington Phoenix knocked over South American legends Boca Juniors 2 - -1 in wintry Welly tonight. The Nix played very well and deserved their result. Goals to Dylan McAlister and Andrew Durante.

18 July A good win away at Taupo, 2 - 1, goals to Adam and Adam! Read the report, and check out Sam's photos.
A 6 - 5 result between next week's opponents Papamoa and Old Blues must have been entertaining!

16 July Indoor football is back on, Awakeri Events Centre, Mondays, 6 pm, $5 each. See you there.

14 July Sadly, the World Cup is over, life goes reluctantly back to normal, there were two Dutch shirts at training tonight, just prolonging the moment. Doesn't anyone have a Spain shirt?!! Did anyone notice: the rise of Paul the Octopus seemed to coincide remarkably with the fall of Moko the Dolphin? Paul got all his predictions spot on, he's world famous now. Moko, who was world famous, didn't get any predictions right, and now he's dead. Sigh.
Back to normality... Rangers are away to Taupo this Saturday, meet at Edgecumbe at 11am, bring your thermal shin pads. Next week in the CNS Cup Rangers are drawn to meet Papamoa away.

4 July An entertaining game at Tauranga City, down 2 - 0 early, led 3 - 2 at half time, hit the woodwork twice, drew 3 - 3. Goals to Ben, Wett and James Mitchell. Here's the report, and here are Liz's awesome photos.
Sounds like quite a few people going to Hamilton on the 10th July for the Phoenix Brisbane preseason game. Tickets from Ticketek.

28 June A good night at indoor tonight. Liz scored a hat trick! Sam left blood on the floor and Shaun had his shooting boots on. No more till 19th July.
An invite from Whakatane to their Hawaian Night, this Saturday, $5 entry, from 6.30pm, prizes for best dressed.

27 June Pretty unlucky to lose to Otumoetai today in the rain. Rangers dominated the first half and did well in the second, but a sloppy five minutes midway through the second half cost them. Goals to Richie and Cam. Jimmy had one disallowed, lost 3 - 2. Read the report.
Indoor on Monday night will be the last for a few weeks. 6 pm at Awakeri, $5 each.
Check out all the World Cup second round games here. Some great match ups.

25 June The NZ All Whites dream run in the World Cup is over. A 0 - 0 draw with Paraguay means we exit the cup unbeaten, above World Champs Italy in our group. We are very proud of our NZ team: Mark Paston, Winston Reid, captain legend Ryan Nelsen, Tommy Smith, Leo Bertos, Simon Elliott, Ivan Vicelich, Tony Lochhead, Shane Smeltz, Rory Fallon, and Chris Killen, subs Chris Wood and Jeremy Brockie, coach Ricki Herbert plus other squad players who didn't get on the pitch. You're all history makers.

21 June We're happy as! The All Whites draw 1 - 1 with World Champs Italy has brought the profile of football in NZ to a new level. Everyone's talking football. Ex-Rangers player Matty Ward was featured in the fans celebrating in South Africa (see here) . Good football at indoor soccer tonight too, as those awake enough to turn up emulated their heroes... toe poke goals, shirt pulling, dives... and that was just Cameron!

20 June News that Rangers game against Tauranga City has been brought forward to July 3rd, when the next round of the CNS Cup is on.
All Whites v World Champs Italy at 2 am tonight. Who'll be tired at work?? Lots of us, hopefully we'll be happy as well!

19 June Rangers were unlucky in going down to league leaders Katikati 2 - 1 in a hard fought game at Awakeri today. Johnny Noblett player of the day for a sound game in goal. Here's the report, here are some photos..

15 June Some great football at indoor last night. Remember, it's 5 bucks at the Events Centre, 6pm Mondays. Only a couple of hours till the All Whites are in action. Can they do as badly as Aussie? Aussie Aussie Aussie, eh John! (nb this is pick on John week).
A couple of very interesting comments in our guest book recently. Check it out!! Add your own.

13 June A good win yesterday, Jimmy broke his drought with a hat trick, Richie survived 30 min, Finchy reffed well. Read the report. Here are some photos, courtesy of Jacqui. Whakatane knocked over Katikati too.
England want a new keeper. Are you for sale John?!! Our World Cup scoresheet.

11 June Wett has his predictions for the World Cup plastered all over the back page of the Beacon today. Who's he picking??? Hmmm we wonder! Oranje is the colour! Tomorrow's ref Finchy is also on the panel, he's backing Brazil. Bring five bucks with you tomorrow Finchy and Wett will let you have a go in his World Cup predictions sweepstake.

9 June Guess who's down to referee us on Saturday? .... Finchy!! Woh, a huge turn out at training tonight, enough for 11 v 11 game. Looks like Richie Nillesen is back from injury and might get a run on Saturday.
The CNS Cup draw is out. Check it out on the BOP results page.

7 June Whakatane's run in the Chatham Cup came to an abrupt end today, losing 8 - 0 at Eastern Suburbs. Now Tauranga City is the only BOP team, left in it.
If you want to read the TCU version of Saturday's game, click here!

6 June A 1 - 1 draw at home with TCU, the visitors stealing their goal in the final seconds of the game. Jezza player of day, Adam B the scorer. Here's the report and some pics.
The Federation has brought forward our game against Katikati to June 19th, since we have a bye in the CNS Cup for that day. The other two in the top four (Otumoetai and TCU) also have their clash rescheduled to June 19th.
Indoor football is still on this Monday, $5 each, 6pm start at Awakeri Events Centre.
More mind boggling scores today, Turangi were beaten 20 - 0 in BOP div two, a 10 - 0 and a 6 - 3 in Fed One as well!!

4 June Next All Whites warm up game is 6.30am tomorrow Saturday. Get in the mood for TCU with NZ v Slovenia! Check out the main World Cup draw here.
Quite a few Rangers player profiles have been up dated, check them out! Jezza helped with some interesting info!
On July 10th, the Wellington Phoenix have a preseason game, in Hamilton, against Brisbane Roar. Unfortunately it's on a Saturday afternoon (we're due to play Katikati). The Federation is saying clubs can postpone their game (to the Sunday or later) if they want to attend the Nix game.

30 May Another brilliant result for NZ football with the All Whites beating Serbia 1 - 0 last night in a pre-World Cup 'friendly'. Serbia, ranked 15, (cf NZ 79) were rattled and fans invaded the pitch and threw flares and bottles, halting the game for several minutes. A special Smeltzy goal gave us the win.
Here's the Rangers match report from yesterday. To see the new strip, click here. Remember indoor soccer tomrrow night (Mon), 6 pm at Events Centre. Cost is ony $2 this week. Come and score like Smeltzy , or Ben, whatever!

29 May Rangers christened the new strip with a win at Papamoa today. Ben's goal made the difference in the end, with shots from both teams hitting the woodwork and Paps missing a penalty adding to the excitement! Here are some photos from the game, a report is coming shortly.
Some massive scores in the Fed leagues today, e.g. Fury putting 12 past Kawerau Town.

27 May Plenty of well spent energies this week, firstly a good turn out at indoor on Monday, then a good run on Wednesday too. Rangers will be sporting their new strip on Saturday, the new all green strip.
The format and rules for the CNS Cup has just been sent out by the Federation....
The Waikato Bay of Plenty Football Federation is pleased to announce that CNS Clinic will be sponsoring the Knockout competition for Men's Bay 1 and 2 sides to be known as the CNS Clinic Knockout Cup.
Structure for 2010
20 teams
" The 4 top ranked teams from Bay 1 as of June 6 will join the Cup competition at the Quarter Final stage.
" The remaining 16 teams will play in the Cup competition with the 8 losers of Round 1 going into the Bowl competition. The 8 winners continue in the Cup competition
" The 8 winners from the Cup in Round 1 continue to the second round dates
Cup - Rnd 1 June 19, Rnd 2 July 3, Quarter Final July 24, Semi Final August 28,
Final September 18
Bowl - Quarter Final July 3, Semi Final August 28, Final September 18
Venues and Times
In all matches up to and including the Quarter Finals, the first team on the draw will be at home with a 2pm kick off. The Semi Finals will be played at Fergusson Park and Finals will be played at Links Ave.
Semi - Plate kickoff 12pm, Cup kick off 2pm
Final - Plate kickoff 12pm, Cup kick off 2pm
Important notes
" Squads limited to 16 players; " No rolling subs; " Live draw date and time - to be advised; " Plate final - no extra time, if draw at fulltime penalty shootout occurs

22 May What do Rangers do when their game is called off? Go and watch another game... well, at least seven Rangers players were watching Whakatane play Ngongotaha, curios no doubt to view the Ngongy line-up and compare it to last week. There were a few similarities!
Don't forget, indoor soccer Monday 6pm at Awakeri, $5.

21 May Te Puke have defaulted to Rangers, sad! The return fixture on August 21 will now be a home game.

19 May Indoor soccer Monday night at Awakeri, 6 pm, bring sneakers or bare feet and $5 if you want to play.
Wett has organised a World Cup sweepstake, where you guess the scores and who goes thru the rounds of the World Cup. Get a scoresheet on Sat, $5 entry. What was the discussion after training? Holland to win the Cup (Wett), NZ to play them in the final (Bazza), Aussie to get thru from their group (John, well he would have said it if he'd thought of it!), Ghana to do well (Jezza), Which is the group of death? ...
Check out photo of the week for the Junior Club new sign at Awakeri!! It's almost better than ours!
Our new strip should be ready for Saturday! Go green!

18 May Chatham Cup draw has neighbours Whakatane away to past winners Eastern Suburbs on June 7th.
A reminder that players need to get their fees organised by the end of May. It's not far away!!! Looks like Whakatane leading Old Blues 2 - 0 before game abandoned at the weekend won't count. It's been rescheduled by the Federation. Check our BOP results page.
Only a month to the World Cup Yeeha! NZ v Aussie on Monday night 9.30pm Warm up game.

16 May A strong Ngongotaha lineup beat Rangers 4 - 1 yesterday, heavy rain and lightning formed an impressive background. Match report. Some photos too!

10 May A couple of very interesting and amusnig comments on our guest book this weekend!! Check them out! Add your own!

9 May Here's the match report. There are also some cool photos of the game here, thanks to Frank Wetting.

8 May A good win at Whakatane, 2 - 0, a tough Wett header and a toe in over the keeper from Cameron. A clean sheet for Johnny Noblett, plenty of war wounds, including Wett's self inflating eye, Paul's back and ankle. Whakatane keeper Jamie Cory tried to get sent off but failed! Ex-Rangers player Matt Dalgity got some strange looks when encouraging Edgecumbe by mistake. "Little Ben" got player of the day with a terrier like performance in midfield.
Rangers opponents next Saturday, Ngongy, had their first win away to Taupo. Check out the rest of the results.

5 May Another hard out training, lots of competition for spots, which is great. Check out our player portraits for some interesting info!! New updates: Christian, John, James, Jeff and Adam.

3 May May Day, Duck shooting.... Rangers battled to a good win 3 - 1 at home to Taupo. Jimmy Krause gave three assists, with Ben the Machine and Cam the recipients. John's point blank save in the first 30 seconds kept us in it too. The changing room discussion? How many kilos of feed per hectare the farmers have and the value of colostrum... Not many of NZ's football teams could boast those discussions! The Beacon are writing their own match report this week, so watch out for it. Here's Bazza's version
Let the hype for next Saturday's game with Whakatane begin!! Who is JP?? Whakatane v Te Puke in the Fed One league is also on, but it looks like our game will be on at same time.

29 April Two of the country's elite secondary schools have drawn BOP opposition in the Chatham Cup. Te Puke travel to play Auckland Grammar and Tauranga City Utd are at home to Kevin Fallon's Mt Albert Grammar on May 15th.

28 April An impresive turn out at training tonight. Good to see Richie Nillesen back running around. Jezza gets a start on Saturday.
Muggsy turned on the style at training, managing to nutmeg two opponents, but he balanced that up with an own goal. Muggs also had to limit our two keepers Chris and John from trying to out score each other!

24 April The suspension of captain Christian Wetting meant Rangers were up against it in their game at Katikati. The home team won 3 - 1, with Rangers not firing very well. Jaiden Ibbetson was player of the day, with honourable mentions to Jeff Krause, Paul Inglis and Chris Johnston. Here's the match report.
Sad to see Kawerau got another hiding in the Federation League, 8 - 1 today. Also Te Puke won their Chatham Cup game, and Whakatane's opponents have forfeited the game, so Whakatane go though as well.

21 April A hard out training tonight getting the boys psyched up for Katikati on Saturday. Remember the game is at Katikati College, on Beach Road. Turn right from the main street, just after the Tui pub.
The Chatham Cup draw is out with a number of BOP teams competing. Whakatane are at home to Te Atatu on Sunday, 2 pm, might be worth a look. Check the rest of the games on our BOP results/Fixtures page.

19 April A number of ex-players, including Jordan O'Gilvy have written in our guest book recently. Feel free to add yours or just have a read. There are also lots of votes coming in on our latest fun poll. You won't believe how some of the results are going!! Follow the links bar on the left to the Poll or the Guestbook.

17 April A hotly contested red card decision made a huge impact as Rangers went from a 1 - 0 lead at half time to lose to Otumoetai 3 - 2. Captain Christian Wetting received his marching order early in the second half for dangerous play, when an unseen defender came through to head the ball and receive a kick in the face. Here are some good photos (courtesy of Jacqui Johnston and Frank Wetting), and here's the match report.

11 April A good start to Rangers 2010 campaign with a 4 - 1 win away at old Blues. Here's the match report, but, in a nutshell, Old Blues pressed early, forced a lot of corners, we broke away and scored, a great finish from Cameron. Then a Captain Wett pile driver and a Ben McPherson one-on-one had us 3 - 1 up at half time. Late on Ben added a second with a good shot on the turn. Muggsy named Bazza player of the day, with Cam highly commended.
Rangers opponents next week, Otumoetai, had a huge 8 - 0 win over Taupo, so both teams will be full of confidence. Opotiki also had a good win in div two, while Kawerau got thumped in Fed wo. Check out our BOP results.

9 April The serious stuff begins tomorrow, Rangers meeting in Rugby Club car park 12 noon, to travel to Waipuna Park, Kaitemako Road, Welcome Bay, Tauranga to play Old Blues at 2.30pm.
A bad start for Ngongotaha Raukura, having to default to Tauranga City Utd in their first round Bay One game.

2 April Have you had your say on our just-for-fun survey yet?? We now have the whole Bay Two draw on here.

1 April Wayne Rooney fakes injury to sign for Plains Rangers. Ricki Herbert decides to check out the Rangers line up for possible Phoenix signings for next season. Yellow Fever set up a temporary grandstand at the Awakeri Sportsfield. Muggsy turns down the possibility of Carlos Tevez playing for Rangers, saying, "Wayne hasn't forgiven Carlos yet for leaving Old Trafford, so I'm not taking any chances. However I'm not ruling out David (Beckham) coming over after his time in Italy." Oh hang on, it's after mid day!

31 March The Bay One and Two draws have changed, with the div two Old Blues team withdrawing. Now we won't have a curtain raiser for our 10th April game at Old Blues! Several of Plains Rangers' fixtures have changed. Opotiki have a huge travel ask, away to Turangi now!!

28 March Check out these great photos from yesterday's game. Well done photographer Nicki Ibbetson.

27 March Trainings from here on are at the Edgecumbe Rugby Club on Wednesdays at 6 pm.
A good final pre-season game against Opotiki, ending in a comprehensive win for Rangers. Very warm conditions at Awakeri made for a fast energy-sapping game, that was well refereed by Michel Nillesen and his two assistants and played in a good spirit. Highlights included some well worked team goals, e.g. good combination between Ben McPherson, Cameron Wills leading to James Krause's first goal. James scored a great solo second and got his hat-trick late in the game. Jaiden Ibbetson also notched up a hat-trick, while Cameron and Jeff Krause scored two each. Opotiki fought hard to the end and kept the Rangers defence working.

25 March Our fun survey has been updated for the new season. Click here to have your say!!!

24 March A good hard out training last night, lots of numbers. Looking forward to our final preseason game this Saturday, at home to Opotiki.
Check out these action packed photos of our games with Rotorua Utd White last season!! Ouch Ouch!! Many thanks to Teresa of Rotorua who took the pics.
Also, check out these pics from Saturday's game at Te Puke. Thanks to Paul Ibbetson.

20 March Rangers put in a good performance in the preseason game at Te Puke today. A good diagonal cross from youngster Jaiden Ibbetson set up Cameron Wills for an excellent finish to open the scoring. Cameron's good work down the right wing opened the game for Ben McPherson to lash the ball home. Te Puke's goallie made several outstanding saves to keep his team within touching distance. In the final seconds, James Krause went through to put the ball under the keeper and seal a 3 - 0 win. Others to shine were the midfield pairing of Christian Wetting and Ben Fretwell.
The draw for the Bay One season has just come out... Rangers are away to Old Blues in the first game on 10th April. Click here for some of the draw.
Sydney FC beat Melbourne Victory in a penalty shoot out to win the A League grand final after a 1 - 1 draw.

14 March Wellington Phoenix were destroyed by a moment of cheating in the A League preliminary final at Sydney FC last night. Chris Payne scored with his arm to put the home team 2 - 1 up. The Nix were then chasing the game and were undone by the fast breaking Sydney forwards, losing 4 - 2 in the end. A sad end to an excellent season. Check out our Phoenix pages here.

13 March Rangers first preseason game had its pluses and minuses today. Rangers managed to find eleven available players, all but two aged under 20, debuts for four youngsters who all acquited themselves well against a Matamata team who play in Fed 2, a league above Rangers. A serious injury to centre defender Chris Johnston after 25 min saw him boarding an ambulance for hospital and Rangers playing over an hour with ten men. Matamata led 1 - 0 at half time but pulled away with their advantage to win 6 - 1. Ben McPherson converted from the penalty spot for Rangers and had another couple of good shots saved.
Te Puke did well hosting the day. Their Fed One team lost 3 - 0 to Matamata, while the two clubs' women's teams and 3rd teams also played preseason games.
Rangers' Trainings continue at Awakeri 6pm Tues and Thurs.
Phoenix huge game tonight 10pm away to Sydney in preliminary final.

7 March Another brilliant day for NZ football, Wellington Phoenix beating Newcastle Jets 3 - 1 after extra time in front of 33000 fans to get to preliminary final next weekend. They'll travel to Sydney, after Melbourne beat Sydney tonight. Winner plays Melbourne in final.

4 March BOP clubs meeting Wed 10th at 7.30pm Welcome Bay. Phoenix v Jets Sunday 4pm.
Rangers preseason games: 13 March v Matamata Res at Te Puke 1pm
20 March v Te Puke Res at Te Puke High Sch 2 pm
27 March v Opotiki at Awakeri.

28 February Club meeting at Margaret's on Tuesday 2nd March, 6.30pm. Trainings start in earnest from Thursday 4th, Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 pm at Awakeri. All welcome. We need a bit more experience in a couple of positions.

21 February Not a bad turn out at first training run, not as many as the 24000 that watched the Phoenix win a heart stopping penalty shoot out against Perth Glory! Rangers did their bit, cheering from the Events Centre and advising the refs!

17 February Great news!! Phoenix semi final will be on the TV in the Awakeri Events Centres at 5pm Sunday, straight after Rangers first run which starts at 4 pm. Be there, or... miss out!!
Another preseason game confirmed, against Opotiki, March 27th.

12 February Despite Radio 1XX getting it wrong on Bulletin Board, the Rangers first run is on Sunday 21st, not this Sunday!! 4pm at Awakeri.
Tonight the Wellington Phoenix booked a home semi final, also on Sunday 21st, hopefully the two times don't clash!! Paul Ifill ran amok, scoring twice and tormenting the Mariners as the Nix won 3 - 0. Check out our Phoenix pages.

9 February Not long to go till Rangers first run of the season! Also booked in is a preseason game with Te Puke on March 20th, 2 pm at Te Puke.
Meanwhile, Wellington Phoenix are into the play offs, and if they win their final game of the league this Friday at home to Central Coast Mariners, they will have a home semi final the following weekend. Great times to be a football fan!

30 January A record 19200 fans turned up to watch the Phoenix play a home game in Christchurch, beating Adelaide 1 - 0. Well done Christchurch!!

25 January We're back on line.... a change of date for the first Rangers run: it's now Sunday 21st Feb, 4pm at Awakeri. Too many Rangers players had romantic commitments for the scheduled Valentines Day gathering, apparently!
Watch for the Phoenix away game to Melbourne tomorrow night, 8 pm Sky Sports 1.

10 January Two goals, including a brilliant overhead kick by new signing Eugene Dadi gave the Wellington Phoenix another good win, against Brisbane. This Friday night is another home game. If you're anywhere near Wellington, go see it!! Robbie Fowler, ex-Liverpool star leads the line for the visitors.

1 January 2010 Happy New Year to all Rangers players, associates and supporters! The Phoenix gave their fans a good start to celebrations with a 2 - 0 away win last night, meaning a good outlook for the next game, in Wellington Sat 9th January. Should be a great atmosphere!

21 December First Rangers training for the new year is Sunday 14 February at the Awakeri Events Centre, starting 4 pm.
Our guest book is now running again. Sorry, all those old gold entries have vanished. Post a new message for us!!
Merry Christmas all Plains Rangers players and supporters!!

14 December While Auckland City kept NZ's good run in football going, winning a game at the World Club champs, the Phoenix have run into suspension and injury trouble. Muscat and Sigmund suspended for violent conduct, Paston out for rest of season with broken leg, Greenacre missing as well.

5 December NZ All Whites in Group F of World Cup finals, along with current World champs Italy, plus Slovakia and Paraguay. First game against Slovakia (pop 5.3 million) on 16 June 2010.

4 December Ouch! Phoenix had victory snatched away in last five min as league leaders Melbourne grabbed a late 1 - 1 draw. Tim Brown nice header, Mick Ward red card. Will Siggy get suspended for punching his opponent? Joining Manny Muscat on the sideline after his elbow last week? Wait for the next gripping instalment!

26 November Rangers AGM saw the present officers retained, Aaron Muggeridge reappointed coach. Click here to read the president's report. Preseason training will be notified late January. Two preseason games already organised. Several new players rumoured to be coming to Rangers, all good!

22 November A few photos from the All Whites day of glory, plus the pre-game photo from the Sponsors' Challenge.
The Wellington Phoenix continue a good week for football with a 1 - 0- away win over Newcastle Jets.

16 Nov We're going to the World Cup!!! Quite a few EBOP people down in Wellington at the weekend to be part of NZ football history. The 35000 white out crowd was amazing to be in. Legends were born... Rory Fallon, Mark Paston. Ryan Nelsen led by example. EBOP people spotted: Aaron Wood, Christian Wetting, Tony Mitchell, Keith Fraser, Ronald Overdevest, Jeremy and David Gray, Nick Twaddle, Ash, Jeremy and Barrie Hawkes. Probably several others too.
Plains Rangers AGM coming soon.

4 Nov The Phoenix whipped Newcastle Jets 3 - 0 tonight in a catch up game. Another home game Sunday, against Perth Glory.

1 Nov A good prize giving and break up last night. Many thanks to Gary Fowell for the bar tab, Chris and Karen Stanton for the bar work, Mill River catering for the excellent food. And the winners were:...
Endeavour: Vince Russ
Personality: Brendon Oats
Most Promising: Chris Johnston
Sportsman of the Year: Jordan Ogilvy
Golden Boot: James Krause
Young Player of the Year: Chris Johnston
Players' Player of the Year: Jason Pullar
Player of the Year: James Krause
Check out the past winners on our Honours Board, and watch out for our AGM coming soon.
This site is now www.plainsrangers.com
Make sure you update us on your favourites / bookmarks

26 Oct What a brilliant performance from the Phoenix, smacking over league leaders Gold Coast 6 - 0. Bazza was lucky enough to be in the crowd. Highlights... the Yellow Fever chanting " Smeltzy Smeltzy, what's the score?" to Shane Smeltz, who left the Nix for Gold Coast's better money, after each goal! Paul Ifill setting up three goals then scoring. A golden patch of 11 minutes and four goals after half time. Centre back Durante beating six players on a run up the middle. Lochhead heading the ball while lying on the ground. The Yellow Fever going absolutely mental with their shirts off. The singing in the Back Bencher pub afterwards....

18 Oct A very entertaining sponsors' challenge at Whakatane yesterday. The home team eventually won 3 - 0, but it was a good contest. Good to see the legendary Wett play a full 90 minutes, and Bas had a half as well. A shame to see Jono Whitaker stretchered off after 15 min with a badly sprained ankle, he'd been making an impact down the left as well. Here's a brief report.
All Whites game is now sold out.
Plains Rangers prize giving Sat 31st Oct, at the Awakeri Events Centre, from 5.30 pm. $10 a head, families welcome. And despite Kirk telling Gary Fowell it is Halloween fancy dress party, no actually it isn't. Gary was worried there for a bit!

14 Oct Venue for sponsors challenge confirmed as Rex Morpeth Park Whakatane, start time 12.30 pm on Saturday. Players bring $5 each towards food.
Check out the new Plains Rangers sign at the Awakeri Events Centre. You can't miss it!! Many thanks to Gary Fowell.

12 Oct Great result for All Whites, now its all on in Wellington Nov 14th!! 20,000 tickets sold, be in quick if you want to go!
BOP meeting tonight confirmed promotion/relegation of one team between Bay One and Two. Various arguments on use of play offs to determine promotion/relegation and the regulations governing them, prompting one delegate to walk out.
Be at training this Thurs, game probable start 12.30pm on Saturday!

7 Oct Sponsors' Cup game is back on!! Saturday 17th October is the date, kick off time to be confirmed, venue Whakatane. Training Thursday 6.30pm.

4 Oct Prize Giving is Saturday October 31st at the Awakeri Events Centre. $10 a head.
Watch out for the NZ All Whites crucial World Cup qualifier against Bahrain next Sunday (11th) morning, 4.30 am. Yes, I know some of you boys will just be coming home about that time.... and then the huge home game on Nov 14th in Wellington.

26 Sept Congrats to Te Puke who won their promotion play off against Hamilton Wanderers and will be in Fed div one next season. Visique Whakatane lost their catch up game to Ngongotaha today and will remain below Rangers on the points table.

22 Sept Sponsors Challenge for this weekend has been called off, Whakatane cannot field a team. Very disappointing!
If you haven't done so, text Muggsy with your nomination for Players' Player of the Year. Prize Giving is Saturday October 31st at the Awakeri Events Centre. $10 a head.

20 Sept Matamata clinched the Fed div one title, Te Puke beat Hamilton Wanderers away in a div one/div two play off (first leg). Katikati won the CNS Cup.
The Phoenix managed to surrender a lead in the 94th minute to draw at home to NQ Fury 1 - 1. Quite a few Eastern Bay players going down for next Sunday's game against Central Coast, so hopefully the Nix will do well.

16 Sept Nice photos in the Beacon the last two days Kirk and Jords!
CNS Clinic Cup and Bowl Finals this weekend at Mt Maunganui. Ngongy v Katakati in Cup (2.45 start), Te Puke v Te Puke Young 'Uns at 2 pm.

13 Sept Excellent game from Phoenix dominating at Melbourne, a 1 - 1 draw.
Here are some photos from Rangers v Whakatane game, thanks very much to Jacqui Johnston and also Rhona Whitaker for them. Here's the match report.

12 Sept Last league game... No goals but plenty of bruising action, a red card too. Typical local derby. Whakatane Town 0 Plains Rangers 0.
Congratulations to Rotorua Utd White 1st in div one, Katikati 2nd.

8 Sept A hard to take 5 - 4 loss to Taupo. Although Rangers were always playing catch up, it was good to see the goals flying in, but not at both ends! Here's the report.
One more game to go, at Whakatane this coming Sat, then sponsors cup game likely to be Sat 26th, also at Whakatane, against their 1st team.
Club meeting after training on Thursday.

29 August With Rangers having to cool their heels for the second week in a row, quite a few of the players headed to Whakatane to watch their Fed One team struggle to beat Ngaruawahia 2 - 1. Ex-Rangers player Ben McPherson scored both goals for Whakatane. Matatmata knocked over Taupo to take the lead in that league.
Meanwhile another ex-Rangers player Ian Finch is dancing tonight in the Dancing With Stars fundraiser. Finchy and partner Becks Rouse will entertain the 800 strong crowd with their theatrical samba.

23 August A day off from football! Well for Rangers at least. In Fed Two the league leaders both got beaten - T B Coll and Fury.
The Phoenix got an good away draw at Brisbane, Greenacre scoring with a good header. Robbie Kruse put himself on the Yellow Fever black list with a shocking tackle on Nix hero Leo Bertos. Wait till you play in Wellington Robbie they'll be saying!

17 August Nice photo of Jason and Carwyn in today's Beacon.

16 August An entertaining 2 - 2 draw with Whakatane Visique in front of a good crowd despite the rain. Jono's own goal was the best strike of the day. JP player of the day, with Robbie Sonntag for Whakatane. Ref Ian Boult did a fine job, allowing for the conditions and being decisive where necessary. Here's the report.
No training this Thursday, since there is no game for two weeks, and to allow injuries to heal.
Watch out for the Phoenix at 5 pm v Perth Glory, first home game.
Looks like Tauranga Boys have wrapped up Fed Two, Old Blues Bay Two and Rotorua White are close to wrapping the Bay One title.

9 August Jono smacking a ball into Kyle as he tried to eat his pre-match pie hinted that luck wasn't going to go our way. True. Rotorua White played well and we struggled at times. A few crunching tackles, and couple of head clashes.... Here's the report.Click here to read Rotorua United's version.
In Fed Two, Tauranga Boys lost their first game this season, 2 - 1 to Fury.
The Phoenix's defence looked similar at times, as they went down to Newcastle. Oh well, we're both at home next week!

7 August Wellington Phoenix start their new A League season on Sunday, away against Newcastle Jets. It's on Sky TV, at 5pm. Check out our Phoenix pages, and the ones going back into the Phoenix, Knights and even Kingz history.
League champs Melbourne started with a loss to Central Coast.

2 August Losing Jimmy, Josh and Muggsy to injury and a 3rd minute red card penalty..... hmmm not a good day for Rangers. Rotorua beat nine man Rangers 6 - 0. Here's the match report.
The first double figure score was recored this season in BOP div one with Katikati showing no mercy to Te Puke. 14 - 0.

26 July A good win at home to Te Puke. The return of Joel Ogilvy and the debut of John Noblett made a difference, and a determined effort from all round the line-up made for a 5 - 2 win. Jimmy Krause nailed a hat-trick, Rangers' first since 2007 when Skinsy and Richie both scored hat tricks. Here's the match report. Check out the match photos, thanks Jacqui!

22 July The Phoenix new season kicks off on August 9th. Follow it at our Phoenix pages.

19 July Lots of surface water at Awakeri, today's game postponed until July 25th. Now you can do Jeremy's trick and go skim boarding on the puddles, or hit the waves, surf's up!
Not many games played in the Federation this weekend. Check out Tauranga Boys College's blitz on the Federation division two!!

14 July Club meeting after training on Thursday. This Saturday will be the first home game where Rangers fully are the hosts at the Awakeri Events Centre. Players make sure you pitch in and help.
The Rangers squads page is updated. A little bit of fresh history.

11 July Well 9 - 0 is quite a close game in rugby, but unfortunately Rangers were playing football yesterday. Katikati was too strong for Rangers' bare eleven. Rangers did their best not to turn up at all, having got waylaid by a large motor accident at Te Puna and then going to the wrong ground at Katikati (well it was the ground that was on the referee appointments and no-one had told us other wise). Memories? One striker getting a decent penalty shout turned down for the second week in a row, JP getting tackled by his own team mates twice. Here's the brief report.

5 July Rangers exited the Bowl in frustrating, unlucky style. Having gone behind, Rangers led 3 - 2 in the second half but were unable to close the game out. Here's the report.

28 June From all accounts a good game, gutsy effort, great header from Jords, well refereed by Paul Higgins. Read the match report.
Te Puke knocked over Fury in Fed Two, and Rotorua White beat Katikati 4 -0 in Bay One.

21 June An incident packed game yesterday: field damaged by some bastard in a vehicle over night, two red cards, several crazy goals, a penalty save, extra time... Rangers bowed out in the end 2 - 4. Here's the match report. Here are a few match photos, courtesy of Jezza. The draw is now out for the CNS Bowl on July 4. Rangers are away to the other 1st div team, Te Puke.

13 June Part of the Awakeri pitch was under water this morning, good decision to postpone the game. The game v Old Blues will now be played this coming Saturday (20th), with the league fixture postponed. Reset your calendars!!
Monday morning NZ v Spain, 6 am. Can we repeat the performance against Italy?

9 June This Thursday, NZ v World champions Italy, live Sky Sport 2 starts 6.45 am. Woohoo!

7 June Unlucky, but didn't play as well as last week, is the short summary of Rangers 1 - 0 loss to Tauranga City yesterday. Here's the match report, and here are the photos.
Rangers have a drawn a home game against Old Blues in the first round of the CNS Clinic Cup this coming Saturday. Kick off 2 pm. Old Blues are the run away leaders of div two, so it will be a tough game.

3 June Club meeting after training tomorrow. 8.15pm in the Club rooms. Bring any unpaid subs.
A new sponsor and name for the Knock out competitiion for BOP clubs. It's now called the CNS Clinic Cup (a WBOP Chiropractic company). The rules include that the top four Bay One teams get a bye in the first round (June 13), all 20 teams in divs 1 & 2 are in, losers in first round play in a bowl comp. The draw will have to be done after this Sat's games to see who the 4th team to get the bye is.
Sounds like the Tasman Cup is no more.... rather sad if that is so.

31 May A closely fought home game with Whakatane Town, 1 - 1 a fair result. James Krause again the scorer, Kirk player of the day. Jimmy Mitchell did a good job in centre midfield with JP. Amongst the spectators we had most of last year's team... Wett, Bas, Caleb, Josh, Jeremy, Dan... Not a bad line-up! Here are the action photos, and here's the match report.
Woh, check out the high scores in Federation Div 2 !!

25 May An unusual way to move up the table!! Rangers lost 3 - 1 at freezing Taupo, but moved up a place due to goal difference. Jimmy Krause scored a beauty, Brandon came close with two lobs, Vince cleared the ball repeatedly at 70 metres a kick, but it wasn't enough. Read the match report.
In Fed Two, Tauranga Boys beat Fury 4 - 3. Must've been a good game.
p.s.if a cop car is racing up behind the Rangers convoy traveling to Taupo through the back roads with lights flashing, which of these drivers will he be after....Bazza.... Chris.... Jono....or.... convoy leader J.P.??!!
Answer - none of the above, he roared past us all, much to everyone's relief!

21 May Our fun quiz has been updated. Click here to have a go!
Check out the player profiles (it says portraits on the link). Who is the most good looking?

17 May A win! A gutsy performance saw Rangers grab a 3 - 2 win at Whakatane. Player of the day Chris Johnston saved a penalty and had another top game. Here are the action photos and the match report.
Leaders Katikati got beaten by Tauranga City. Te Puke was the only BOP team to win their Chatham Cup game today. Check out all the results by following the link to BOP results.

10 May A scrappy game with Rotorua Utd White. Rangers fought hard, losing 1 - 0. Mark Jeynes deservedly player of the day with a strong performance at centre back. Here's the match report.

3 May Unlucky!!! Rangers deserved more than the 2 - 1 loss they got at Te Puke. The Te Puke keeper was player of the day and made two excellent saves to deny Jimmy Mitchell and Jason Pullar, while poor Luke Overworth had the indignity of scoring a late own goal. Mitchell also smashed a rocket off the post. Here's the match report.
Radio Station IXX managed to win the laugh award of the day. When they were texted the result, "Te Puke 2 Plains Rangers 1"
"Chers 4 tht. Was tht th rugby?" was the reply!
This managed to edge out Jimmy turning up with his own boots for the first time this season. " Where did you find them?"
"In my soccer bag where I left them!"
Meanwhile, Rangers' next opponents Rotorua Utd White gave Whakatane Visique a hiding, 7 - 1.
In Federation Div One news, the BOP teams by far outshone their Waikato opponents. Check out the results on our BOP results link.

30 April Some new and updated player profiles are on the portraits page: Check out the young fullas!

26 April Rangers produced a gutsy performance and made league leaders Katikati work for their 5 - 1 win. Jordan scored his third goal in a row. JP did everything but score. Paul played keeper with his head. Brendon and Vince got a run. Jono was player of the day, while Brandon produced his best game yet. Here's the match report. Here are some photos of the game too.

20 April The Hot Springs 'training' proved an inspiration tonight, lots of ideas talked about, and a strategy to encourage Brandon to score goals was formulated. Dan gave Bhima a geography lesson and promised more. Mark didn't make any promises, he knows what trouble that usually gets him into...
Did you know - there were 27 goals scored in five games in BOP div two on Saturday, that's an average of....well, you divide 27 by 5 and thats what it is. Check out all the results on our BOP results link.

19 April Unavailability of a number of players didn't help, but Rangers got a pasting at Ngongotaha, where the home team played some nice football to win 8 - 1. Here is a minimilistic match report! Training this Monday is at the Awakeri Hot Springs. Maybe we can practice diving!

14 April An improved performance from Rangers, but a 2 - 1 loss to Rotorua United. Jordan Ogilvy scored, pouncing on a rebound from Jason Pullar's header. Here's the match report. And here are some action photos, courtesy of club treasurer Stewart Sutton. Thanks Stewart!

8 April This Saturday's game is confirmed to be played at Awakeri School, kick-off 2.30 pm. Trainings from now on start at 6.30 pm.
This item is borrowed from Stuff:...
"An English football player has been handed a yellow card for breaking wind while an opposition player was attempting a penalty. The referee ruled the act as "unsporting" and called for the penalty shot to be retaken. The player, from Sunday league football side Chorlton Villa, caused further trouble as, after the second attempt was converted, two of his teammates were sent off for questioning the call."
Don't get any ideas J P!

5 April Rangers made a bright start against Tauranga City, going close twice, before having a Jordan Ogilvy goal disallowed. The home team then scored twice in two minutes just before half time and took the game 2 - 0. Rangers best efforts came from player of the day Dylan 'Skins' Arthur, Kyle Knight, Chris Johnston and Josh Hyndman. Read the match report. Everyone except Kirk is leading the Golden Boot. He's on minus one! When asked after the game how he was, Skins replied "sweet... and sore"! A rather Chinese sounding answer, but he did make one very courageous interception!
The Federation website is very up to date with results. Good one!

2 April Coach Aaron Muggeridge has named his likely starting line-up for Saturday, with a very new look Rangers team about to take the field at Tauranga City. The likely starting eleven: Chris Johnston; Paul Inglis or Mark Jeynes, Dan Baxter, Dylan Arthur, Kirk Bain, Kyle Knight; Brandon Collier, Jason Pullar (capt), Josh Hyndman (vice capt), Jordan Ogilvy; Luke Overworth. The team was also issued with dress shirts and are to meet at Edgecumbe at 12.20 pm Saturday.

1 April Not an early kick-off. The game starts at 2.30 pm at Links Avenue #2, Mt Maunganui this Saturday. A Federation league game starts at 2.45 on the #1 pitch.

30 March Great to see a full-on intense training tonight, no doubt people were stung into action by Saturday's game.

28 March Kawerau beat Rangers in a pre-season hit out today, but some good points emerged, the efforts of debutants Chris Johnston in goal, and Brandon on the right wing and Josh Hyndman playing 90 minutes, his first game back from injury early last season.

21 March Rangers players should look smart this season, with training jackets and embroidered shirts to wear. Josh Hyndman is even training with boots now, with his long awaited pair doing the business at training, a couple of scorching finishes left goalkeeper Chris Johnston and the rest of the squad watching in wonder.

18 March Club meeting after training on Thursday (19th) at 8.15 pm at Margaret's. Trainings start at 6 pm. Be there or be....... fined!
Here is the confirmed BOP div one draw for the season, plus the beginnings of others The Fed div 2 and BOP div 2 draws are also confirmed and available on the Federation website.

9 March A very good turn out at training tonight.
Here are the Rangers fixtures for the season (so far decided). Check it out here.

7 March The numbers turning up to pre-season training are reasonable, giving coach Aaron Muggeridge some idea of how his team might line up.

1 March Melbourne Victory took out the A League grand final last night with a tough feisty 1 - 0 win over ten man Adelaide. Victory ended with a red card themselves, but hung on for the win.

25 February A reasonable turn out at the BOP clubs meeting in Tauranga tonight, but some clubs were noticably missing. Of most interest was the discussion on the make-up of the leagues. It looks like there will be a 12 team Federation division 2, with eight of those teams from the BOP: the top five from BOP div one last season, plus Ngongotaha (relegated from Fed One) and Greerton and Otumoetai Two who both applied to join, despite being in BOP div two last season. Rumour has it that Greerton have players returning from Matamata. Therefore, there will be between 18 and 22 clubs playing in BOP leagues. Discussion on whether BOP div one will be the top ten remaining teams from BOP divs 1 & 2, or whether teams just apply and Federation makes the decision.
Paul Higgins is the new refs appointment officer. Good luck Paul! The season kicks off on April 4th.

22 February Trainings at Edgecumbe Domain Mondays and Thursdays, 6.30 pm start.

12 February News from the meeting tonight... Funding from the Southern Trust gratefully received. As is confirmation of sponsors Gary Fowell Builders and Little Orchard Pre-School. Looks like Fed div two will definitely happen. BOP senior clubs meeting Wed 25th Feb, 7.30 - 8.30pm at Waipuna Park. Next Plains Rangers meeting 12 March
Next preseason run at Edgecumbe Domain this Sunday at 5 pm. New Players welcome.

5 February Rangers first run for the pre-season this Sunday!! Be at Awakeri ready for 4.30 pm. New players welcome! ph 3222076 for more info.
The A League finals series starts tomorrow night. Shane Smeltz was named Johnny Warren medal winner, golden boot and scorer of goal of the season at the A League Awards after a top year with the Phoenix. A shame he is moving on next season.

25 January The Phoenix couldn't quite pull off a win at Melbourne, but were unlucky to concede a penalty, have several shots blocked, three by their own players, and finished the season in 6th place.

20 January Plains Rangers first run for the pre-season is Sunday 8th Feb, 4.30 pm at Awakeri. A friendly kick around!
Wellington Phoenix are still alive, but have to beat Melbourne over there 10 pm Friday night and hope Adelaide beat Central Coast. It'll be a huge mission.

13 January Two lots of good news for Plains Rangers: Little Orchard Pre-School have continued their generous sponsorship for the coming season, co-owner Brian Skilling a long time Rangers supporter; and Jason Pullar is returning to Rangers from Whakatane. His transfer was approved by the Federation.
Meanwhile this Sunday, the Phoenix have their last home game of the season. It'll be a great atmos. See you there, if you're in Wellington.

4 January Phoenix had a flattering but extremely exciting win against Newcastle to stay in contention for finals. Happy New Year everyone!

21 December Rangers' new coach Aaron Muggeridge is recruiting for the new season. If you're interested, contact him or email the club president.
Another win to the Phoenix, putting them right up there, but the league is now very tight. Perth Glory wasted Sydney 4 - 1 tonight. There are two more Phoenix home games. On 4th and 18th January. If you're near Wellington over the holidays, go to a game. They're great fun!
Merry Christmas to all Rangers players, supporters, opponents, referees, and to football fans in general!

28 November Great win by the Phoenix over league leaders Melbourne 2 - 1. Check out our Phoenix pages. Phoenix now up to 4th on table.

23 November A Phoenix win against 9 man Newcastle; NZ Under 20 Women beat Chile in their World Cup; NZ to play Spain, South Africa and Iraq in Confederations Cup in June.

15 Nov At the AGM, Aaron Muggeridge was elected coach for the 2009 season. Other positions remained the same. Issues discussed included the home ground for 2009, and a women's team in 2009.
Meanwhile, Rangers keeper Christian Wetting was selected to be part of the Whakatane Top Town team, who are travelling to Christchurch for the TV series to be filmed in the near future. Wett's fellow footballers in the 12 person team include Rebecca Rouse (Whakatane), Reece Edmonds (Tauranga City) and Lucy Potter (Whakatane High School).
Ask Muggsy for a peek at his tattoo!

7 Nov Great win for Phoenix away at Sydney, 2 - 1.
Plains Rangers AGM this Wednesday 12th, 7.30pm at Margaret's. All members welcome.

19 Oct Wellington Phoenix continue a good run of form, beating Central Coast Mariners, away in 30 degrees heat, 1 - 0. Home game next Sunday (of Labour weekend) should be a goodie against Queensland Roar.

11 Oct A very successful prize giving last night. The hangi was beautifully cooked, hosts Christian and Katie did a great job.
Tributes were paid to sponsors Gary and Marina Fowell, Brian Skilling and Lyn Rutland; secretary Margaret Elliot, treasurer Stewart Sutton, CBR Chris Whitaker, ref minder Peter Fitzgerald, coach Christian Wetting and committee man Bas Overdevest.
The prizes were awarded: Golden Boot - Caleb Hyndman; Young Player of the Year - Jono Whitaker; Most Promising - Scott Geddes; Sportsmanship - Bas Overdevest; Endeavour - Barrie Hawkes; Personality of the Year - Jeremy Hawkes; Players' Player of the Year - Kirk Bain; Player of the Year - Simon Gowing. Click here to see all the past winners.
Click here if you want to take the quiz to see how well you know Rangers 2008. No prizes!

7 Oct Remember... Break-up / Prize Giving this Friday at Christian's place, bring $10 per player for the hangi etc, BYO, from 5 pm onwards.
From the Federation meeting of BOP clubs last night: looks like Federation League 2nd division will go ahead next year. Several clubs have opted straight in to it. Talk about the effects of alcohol on the sidelines, sounds like the behaviour of a number of people at the Tasman Cup final was appaling.

29 Sept A good game, vocal crowd, Caleb got a . . . . . yellow. Sponsors Cup stays at Whakatane. Read the report. Check out the photos, including what happened to Kirk, thanks to Stewart Sutton.
Phoenix had a great win, 2 - 1 v Sydney.
Congratulations to Te Puke and TBC who won the Tasman Cup and Bowl too.

24 Sept Kick-off time for the Sponsors' Challenge is 2.30 pm at Rex Morpeth Park. Everyone needs to contribute $5 towards food. Be there 1 pm.
Club break-up Friday 10 October from 5 pm at Christian's place, a hangi, costs $10 per player.

21 Sept Fury beat Te Puke 3 - 0 yesterday, to take the BOP div one championship. Sounds like a convincing win, Te Puke coach Macca says it was their worst performance of the season. Fury coach DC says they could have scored more and that the ref had a good game.
Phoenix dropped to bottom of the table, losing to Perth Glory 1 - 0. Doh!
A massive score in local women's football, Whakatane beating Ngongy 28 - 0. Hmmm.

18 Sept Break-up and end of year prize giving looking likely to be Saturday 11th October at Christian's place.

14 Sept A good win in the end at Opotiki, highlights Wett scoring, Simon saving a penalty (yes you might wonder what the hell he was doing in goal!), Richie and Muggsy getting two each, the assistant ref mowing the lines! Read the report.
Whakatane lost to Te Puke, Rangers leapfrog back to 6th. Te Puke v Fury showdown next Saturday to decide league.

10 Sept Club meeting after training on Thursday, 7.30pm.at Margaret's place. Bring any outstanding fees or fines.
Have a look at some cool photos from Saturday. Lara is a gun photographer!

6 Sept Three penalties, 2 - 1 down at half time, dominated second half, couldn't beat their keeper. Lost 2 -1. Read the report. In a major shock, Tauranga City held Te Puke to a draw 1 - 1.

30 August Against all the odds, Rangers posted a very good win, 2 - 1 at Tauranga City United. Bas was sick, Kirk and Muggsy couldn't make it, Skins had his birthday party Friday night, so he and several others were 'not at their best'. Skins proved it by throwing up after coming on as sub in the second half, and yet... goals to Richie and Jimi took a well deserved win. Read the report.

28 Aug Sponsors' Challenge will be on September 27th, at Whakatane, 2.30pm.

26 Aug Early kick-off at TCU this Sat, 12.30. If you want a reminder why we are having to replay this fixture, check out these photos of the last abandoned game!! Also if Richie's photo in today's Beacon whetted your appetite, check out these cool pics of our win on Saturday. Thanks Lara!

25 Aug Federation meeting on BOP senior football, a season wrap up Mon Oct 6th, 6 pm at Waipuna Park.

24 Aug A well deserved win at Whakatane yesterday. Jordan and Buzza scored, Muggsy hit the post. Wett only had to make one save. Read the report. Watch out for some cool photos in the next couple of days... thanks Lara!
Te Puke beat Fury 1 - 0 to make an interesting last few games in the league.

17 Aug Tasman Cup finalists sorted: Te Puke and Rotorua Utd 2nd div team (who knocked Rangers out).
The Phoenix had a shaky 1 - 1 draw to start their season.
Ryan Nelsen led Blackburn to a late win in their opening game, his header hitting the post in injury time before the rebound was bundled in at Everton.

11 Aug Old Blues played a good team game, and Rangers competed without causing them a lot of problems, going down 4 - 0. For the first time for weeks, Rangers had some subs to use. Unfortunately Richie went off early (ankle) and Dan managed half a game before the flu got the better of him. Six yellow cards were issued in a game that was played in good spirits, a costly afternoon. Jono had an own goal disallowed for off side!!!! Read the report.Amazingly, after six losses in a row, Rangers are still holding 7th place. See the table!

2 Aug Another scraped together line-up for Rangers, at least we managed to put eleven players on the field, even though Simon should have been in bed sick. TBC, despite having a player sent off, attacked with style and won 9 - 1. 'Nuff said.
The Phoenix had a 3- 2 win, coming from 0 - 2 down at half time, away at Sydney to get into the final of the Pre-Season Cup this Wednesday.

26 July It looked the worst possible day for Rangers, away at Tauranga City, with only nine players in appaling conditions. Richie, not meant to be playing, agreed to go in goal, making nine. Luck changed a little, when captain for the day James Mitchell won the toss and grabbed first use of the gale force wind and rain. He then drove an excellent free kick into the goal, and with Rangers leading 1 - 0, after 15 minutes, the ref rightly decided players' safety was at risk in the hypothermic conditions and he abandoned the game. Here's the report.
The match will be replayed on August 30th.
The other games at Mt Maunganui were also abandoned. Rangers headed home via the Papamoa Tavern, where they thawed out, and amused themselves with games of darts and pool and watching the horse races on the big screen. Strangely significant horses names were running: Keeper Coming, Danzahorse (not true Dan, we know!), Dan's Best... The Whakatane team turned up too, their game at Otumoetai cancelled.

21 July The Wellington Phoenix started their pre-season with a 1 - 0 win.

17 July No training tonight, as Bas said, OSH has a thing about slippery surfaces! Tauranga City game next weekend (26th) is an early kickoff. Their premier team is playing Central United (Auckland, current Chatham Cup holders) after us.

16 July A Federation League Div Two?? The Federation is asking clubs for feedback on this proposal, to start next season. Check it out with your club.
Tasman Cup and Bowl semi finals this Saturday.
The split Bay Two draw has just come out, but it can't be listed on the Fed website fixtures menu till the catch ups are played. Check it out here.

13 July A 5 - 1 loss at Tauranga Boys, but Rangers played better in patches than the score indicates. A few crucial errors and several missed chances gave the lopsided score. It was an entertaining game. Here's the report. Check out the photo of the week..........!

6 July What, there are photos???!!! Yes, click here!
Ooouuuccchhh! Rangers got off to a bad start when keeper Wett was delayed, Jono and Jordan weren't coming, conceding 5 goals in a poor first half. Things improved after the break but Fury won 7 - 1. The only good point was when Muggsy, who could only walk in the second half, beat the Fury centre back to the ball and scored.
Things had better get better next week, our opponents are Tauranga Boys Coll, who beat Te Puke 4 - 3!!! Here's the report. The performance was so riveting Jeremy had gone off to talk to a horse in the neighbouring paddock and missed Muggsy's goal!

28 June Freezing cold and rain and a bad start saw Rangers lose 1 - 0 at Rotorua United and get eliminated from the Tasman Cup. Jordan Ogilvy hit the post, very unlucky. Here's the report.
After the game, Rangers might not have stayed in the Tasman Cup, but those who stayed got up close to the World Cup (FIFA Under 17s Womens that is) which was on display in the clubrooms. Check out Photo of the Week for a pic!.

23 June

22 June Rangers, with ten men for the last 30min and Kirk, Mark and Caleb unavailable, had a battling 1 - 0 loss at Te Puke. Here's the report.

16 June Rangers scraped a 1 - 0 win at Otumoetai Two in the Tasman Cup. With several players unavailable, A Simon Gowing goal, a great save by keeper Jono Whitaker, and a Jordan Ogilvy shot cleared off the line were the highlights, though Mark's 'promise' earning a yellow card was pretty funny! Here's the report. The other Tasman Cup results are in, plus the draw for the next round. Rangers have the Div 2 leaders Rotorua Utd. It's meant to be at home but the Events Centre is not available.
Te Puke, this week's opponents, were duly dispatched from the Chatham Cup by current holders Central United 5 - 0.

8 June In the end, a good win against a much improved Rotorua Utd side. Second half goals to Jimmy (2) and Caleb earned a 3 - 1 win. Here's the report, and here are the photos.
Aftermatch - Wett organised a sweepstake for Euro 2008, kicking off tomorrow morning. After the initial hiccups like trying to remember the 16 teams (Mark suggested Argentina!!), the draw was made (Deano asked if there were any African teams in it!!!): Te Puke were 2 - 0 down with 20 min to play, but managed a 4 - 2 win against Opotiki today!

6 June Te Puke have drawn football giants Central United, the current holders, in the Chatham Cup. They'll be at Te Puke, on Sat 14 June. Coach Shaun Macca McIlwain is even interviewed on Soccer NZ's website. Read it here. Te Puke are the lowest ranked team still in the cup. Taupo is the other BOP team still in. The rest of the draw is here.

5 June The Tasman Cup draw is out. All BOP teams are in the Cup, with the first round losers playing for the Tasman Bowl. Rangers are drawn to play Otumoetai Two, away on June 14, 2pm kick off. Otumoetai Two are currently mid-table in BOP div two. Check out all the Tasman Cup draw here.

4 June Club meeting after training tomorrow night. Remember, subs are now overdue!

2 June A couple of great results in the Chatham Cup today. Fellow BOP div one side Te Puke knocked Fed team Rotorua Utd out 5 - 4 in an exciting finish to go thru to round 3. Fed team Taupo knocked Northern Lge premier team Tauranga City out too. Check out the results here.
Still a few of our old royal blue and gold Plains Rangers shirts for sale. Only $20. See Barrie.

1 June A solid win yesterday, 2 - 0 at half time then 6 - 1. Joel Ogilvy got a bit of game time and showed he can still play. Finchy was back, as referee this time. Here's the report and here are some action photos from the game..
Rangers are up to 7th on the table, with the third best defensive record in the league.
Good luck to Te Puke tomorrow as they take on Rotorua United Fed team in the Chatham Cup. Its at 2pm at Te Puke if you want to watch.

30 May The lure of the long weekend has meant there are gaps to be filled in the line-up for tomorrow. We could see the long awaited returns of Muggsy and Joel, plus Bas has got to the end of kiwifruit harvesting. It'll be just like the old days!!

25 May Check out some entertaining photos from Saturday's game, courtesy of our only spectator, injured player Jezza.

24 May A reasonable scrap with Katikati, but only moments of good football. Mark had an expensive day out with a $170 traffic fine, so did that yellow card collector Deano. Richie hit the crossbar, while both Kirk and Scott made timely challenges to thwart the hosts. Ex-Kawerau striker Aaron Searle played in goal for Katikati and was happy with the 0 - draw. Read the report.

22 May Here's Macca's version of Te Puke's excellent win and Taupo's lucky win in Chatham Cup (Hope you don't mind Macca!):
Lee scored a beaut after 2 mins and they could have went 2-1 up. A great save and 1 against the post then on 20 min Lee got 2nd and it was all one way. I should have scored 4 but only got 1. The boys were brill... cheers. stayed over and watched Taupo. They were so lucky. Inter were 2-0 up with 15 to play and should have been 4 up but missed 2 easy chances and payed for it. Taupo must have been on the turps with Te Puke Saturday night!

19 May Great to see so many of our players involved with junior football.
Hopefully no-one else had this start to their season.... A certain Rangers player, coaching a Kawerau 6th grade team, left to travel to the game in Ohope.... then turned back to get his son's boots.... got to Ohope and realised he didn't have his team's strip... borrow shirts from opposition....balls?....nope...oh well.... at least it was a sunny day!
Only one BOP Div one team left in the Chatham Cup now, well done to Te Puke who beat Navy 5 - 0. Fury and TBC both got hidings from illustrious opponents. Our victors Internationale only got beat by Federation League champs Taupo 3 - 2. Check out all the Chatham Cup results and the draw for the next round.

17 May A good hard local derby with Whakatane, in front of a decent crowd at Awakeri. A nil all draw, but Rangers had a number of chances, with a Caleb Hyndman rocket bouncing off the post. Wett made a great save to deny Matt Dalgity in the second half. Some pretty aggressive tackles luckily didn't end in further injuries. Scott Geddes made his debut with a run in defence.Here is the report.

13 May The Federation has confirmed that the Rangers TBC fixtures have been reversed, as per our request. We now play TBC away on July 12 and home on August 2nd.

10 May Rangers rounded up a reasonable line-up for the Old Blues game, with Richie and Bas starting in the centre midfield. However, various events conspired against us. Two penalty decisions gave the home team two goals, costing us big time in a 3 - 2 loss. Deano's chip over the keeper from 40 metres at a free kick was the highlight. Here's the report.

5 May A miserable day at Awakeri. Our injury woes deepened yet again with Jeremy Hawkes suffering a serious knee injury, and out for the season. He's convalescing at home. Two goals in each half saw TCU run out 4 - 0 winners. Even a late penalty hit the post and rebounded away. Read the report if you really want.

28 April. Some good pics of the Chatham Cup game, thanks to Stewart Sutton. Plus..., added bonus, fashion tips from a Rangers star.

26 April Rangers Chatham Cup dreams are over, beaten 2 - 0 by Internationale. Worse than the loss, a broken ankle suffered by centre midfielder Josh Hyndman in the first half. He is undergoing surgery in Tauranga on Tuesday. A decent crowd at Awakeri, about 200, watched the game. Here is the match report. Well done to Te Puke who beat their Auckland opposition. Other results.

20 April A good battle against Fury yesterday. Dave Cook's latest assembly of players had a lot of higher level experience along with the usual multicultural mix. A couple of defensive errors gave away Rangers early lead, with Fury winning 3 - 1. Here is the match report.
Training this week, ONLY on Wednesday, to allow recovery time for the game on Friday. 6pm as usual.
Here are a few pics from the game. Looks like photographer Steve turned the camera off when Fury got their two quick goals!

17 April The game against Tauranga Boys College scheduled for the day after the Chatham Cup fixture has been postponed until August 2nd. Both TBC and Rangers are in Chatham Cup games on Friday Anzac Day 25th April.
Jeremy and Josh both missed training tonight, recovering from Saturday's injuries. On the plus side, Wett will be back and Richie could be as well.

16 April Lots of rain this week should help make the Awakeri field different from the hard dusty track of last Saturday. Check out Photo of the Week to see the lush growth of weeds covering our Edgecumbe Domain pitch!!!!!

9 April The Chatham Cup draw is out. Rangers are to play a team called Internationale, at home on Anzac Day Friday April 25th. The rest of the draw is here. Internationale are an Auckland Sunday League premier division team.
Existing sponsors Little Orchard Preschool have confirmed they will be supporting Plains Rangers again this season, along with major sponsor Gary Fowell Builders. Rangers are looking forward to their first home game, hosting league leaders Te Puke at Awakeri. Rangers could be without several leading players, while Te Puke are fresh from a convincing win at Opotiki, where coach Shaun McIlwain said they could have scored twenty goals instead of the eight they did put away. This is a chance for Rangers to be truly tested!

6 April Rangers roared off to a good start in BOP div one with a 2 - 1 away win at Rotorua United. Two beautifully struck goals friom James Mitchell and Caleb Hyndman could easily have been added to with an ounce of luck, such was the dominance of the Rangers team. Rotorua salvaged a little pride with a last minute penalty, to make the scoreline look like it was a close game.Here are some good action shots. Read the report.
Most other results have come in too. Email us if you have a score to post!

31 March Entertainment plus at the NZFC game at Mt Maunganui yesterday. Waikato FC lost to Youngheart Manawatu 5 - 4.
Kiwi Ryan Nelsen played his first premier league game for 10 weeks, helping Blackburn Rovers to a 0 - 0 draw against Reading.
Meantime, Plains Rangers gear up for their first 1st div game since 2005. Rangers have never met Rotorua United, though of course they had many battles with the old Rotorua City and Suburbs clubs that form United. Kick off is 2.30 pm at Suburbs grounds.

29 March The league fixtures have been finalised, they are listed on the Federation website, and have started being posted on here. Rangers fixtures have not changed from the draft draw, but a number have, apparently.

27 March Our fun quiz has been updated again, check it out, tell the truth!!!
The league draws are expected to be finalised in the next few days.
The cricket boys all finally turned up to training tonight. Wett ran the leg breaks, yorkers and googlies out of their systems. Dan excited everyone with the news that his latest radio ad is about to hit the airwaves. Bazza took Wett's call for full intensity a bit far by miskicking the ball into Wett's eye from close range.

23 March Only two weeks till kick-off day. Will Rangers be ready? The cricketers will have to sharpen up quickly, hopefully they will be more onto it than NZ's cricketers! Yes Dan is right (!) Rangers play their first game v Rot Utd at Neil Hunt Park, the old Rotorua Suburbs ground, on the way into Rotorua.
Rangers players are aching after Wett's training session on Thursday. Hopefully the pain will have disappeared before Tuesday's session hits us!
A lot of Rangers players are doing their bit for junior football this season... Christian, Dan and Josh are coaching Awakeri junior teams, and Kirk has got a Kawerau team. Bazza is involved at the admin level too.

13 March The beach run was, well, tiring, but lots of fun afterwards, from Dan's 10,000 envelopes to Caleb's toe passes. The endless stories ranged from Paraparaumu to Whakatane!
BIG NEWS, Rangers are confirmed in BOP div one this season!! A draft draw is here.Rangers draft fixture list is here. Clubs have the draft draws for the other divisions as well. Teams entered in the other divisions are listed on the (blank) points tables.

7 March Beach run at Thornton this coming Tuesday, 6pm.
Subs are set at $125, these are now payable to Bas or Margaret and are due to be paid by the end of May.

4 March Good news from the Federation that there may well be a spot for Rangers in BOP division one this season. It will be confirmed at the end of this week. There is a draft draw out with our first league game away to Rotorua United at the Rotorua International Stadium on April 5, then home at Awakeri to Te Puke, then AFC Fury!!
Tonight Rangers had a first pre-season outing, at home to Kawerau. The visitors looked like they'd had more trainings together and had their combinations going better, which was true, since four of the Rangers line-up hadn't been to any trainings! There were promising signs though. Youngster Luke Overworth scored for Rangers in a 3 - 1 loss. Ref Michel Nillesen and his assistants did a good job in the gathering gloom, on a slippery pitch. Highlight of the night was Jezza doing a step over and wrong footing the linesman behind him, who overbalanced and tumbled to the ground!

28 Feb Everyone survived the Latham's Track hill run on Tuesday. Some looked quite fresh at the end! First pre-season game next Tuesday, v Kawerau, Kick-off 5.30 pm or 6 pm. Venue Awakeri. Good to see our cricketers back to training.
Wellington Phoenix surprised many be letting Felipe go.

24 Feb Our fun survey has been renewed. Have your say!! Please take note, it's only for fun (yes I did get a complaint about a question a couple of years ago, so there are no questions about referees!). Take the survey.
Newcastle Jets won the A League grand final, beating Central Coast 1 - 0. The game ended in controversy with a red card to CCM's keeper and a penalty claim denied.
Meanwhile, Plains Rangers are likely to enter the Chatham Cup this year, for the first time in our history.
Remember training on Tuesday starts at Chrstian's place, halfway between the Awakeri Hot Springs and the Awakeri turn-off. 6 pm.

19 Feb Good training game tonight, six aside, with our cricketers still off playing their other sport. More step overs, nutmegs, dummies and glimpses of class than you'd see in a whole season of league games! Welcome to new striker Caleb Hyndman, who put away a few chances.

17 Feb Local NZFC team Waikato FC lost badly to Otago Utd at the Mount today, going down 2 - 0 and finishing with 9 men! Meanwhile the Newcastle Jets won thru to the A League grand final (against CCM) courtesy of a 3 - 2 win against Queensland Roar. That referee handed out three penalties, in generous style. Preseason football looms in the BOP, with lots of challenges being laid down.

14 Feb Training called off tonight, so players could enjoy some rain falling on the Plains. Tuesday 6pm is next up.

13 Feb Rangers will be competing in BOP div two this season. Hopes of elevation to div one were dashed at the Fed meeting tonight when it was confirmed that that division would be only ten teams. The Federation league now has an unwieldy 15 teams in it, with three to be relegated. No chance of promotion to the Fed league this season was a contentious topic. There will however be promotion and relegation between BOP div 1 and 2.
First proper training Thursday (14th) 6pm at the Edgecumbe Domain, after that, Tuesdays and Thursdays. All welcome.

6 Feb Club meeting tonight decided.... First training (kick around followed by drinks) this Saturday on the Edgecumbe Domain, 4pm. Furthers trainings to be discussed there, but likely to be Tuesdays and Thursdays. New players welcome, phone Barrie on 3222076 for further info.Club keen to play BOP div one if opportunity arises. Gary Fowell Builders keen to continue sponsorship. Next Rangers meeting after training March 6th.

30 Jan The new season is looming! Club meeting at Margaret's (22 Bridge Street Edgecumbe) Wednesday 6th Feb, 7pm. All welcome. First players get together Saturday 9th Feb, 4pm. Venue to be decided at the meeting. Dust those boots off! Go for a run!

26 Jan Peter Arndell has been appointed Football Competitions manager for our Federation. He is based in Hamilton and will run both the BOP and Waikato leagues.
The A League finals started last night. Check our A League pages for the details.

18 Jan News that Football NZ heavily in debt. Will we all have to pay, to bail them out, again!
Seventeen yr-old Costa Barbarouses very good first full game for Phoenix in their final outing of the season.

14 Jan The Phoenix have now slipped to bottom of the A League after a dismal performance against Melbourne. In a fascinating end to the regular season, all four top clubs are on 31 points with one game to play!! At least there is a finals series to sort them out. One of the few times a finals series seems fair.
Barry Lusher's job as the BOP Federation worker has disappeared. Hopefully BOP clubs will get a fair deal from the administrator in Hamilton. Clubs will be watching and waiting with interest. Barry had certainly done a good job for his region.

7 Jan 2008 Happy New Year! In front of a large noisy home crowd, the Phoenix blew their last home game, losing to two late Sydney goals and putting themselves out of play-off contention.
In local news, it seems Werner Rechsteiner will be back coaching Rangers' neighbours Whakatane this year.

There is lots of fascinating news and trivia from 2007-06, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002 and beyond. Have a read!

Click here to see Photo of the week

Click here to see Action Photos

Action Photos
Away to Taupo July 17 2010
Away to Tauranga City United July 3 2010
Home to Katikati June 19 2010
Home to Old Blues June 12 2010
Home to Tauranga City United June 5 2010
Away to Papamoa May 29 2010
Away to Ngongotaha May 15 2010
Away to Whakatane May 8 2010
Home to Otumoetai April 17 2010
Home to Opotiki, preseason March 27 2010
Away to Te Puke, preseason March 20 2010
Home and away v Rot Utd White 2009
All Whites v Bahrain plus Sponsors Cup, Nov 14 2009
Away to Whakatane Town, Sept 12 2009
Home to Te Puke, July 25 2009
Home to Old Blues, CNS Cup, June 20 2009
Home to Tauranga City United, June 6 2009
Home to Whakatane Town, May 30 2009
Away to Visique Whakatane, May 16 2009
Home to Katikati United, April 25 2009
Home to Rotorua United Blue, April 11 2009
Away to Whakatane 1sts, Sponsors' Cup Sept 27 2008
Home to Katikati, 6 Sept 2008
Away to Whakatane Town August 23 2008
Away in Antarctic conditions Tauranga City July 26 2008
Away to Fury 5 July 08
Home to Rotorua United 7 June 2008
Home to Opotiki 31 May 2008
Away to Katikati 24 May 2008
Home to Internationale, Chatham Cup Anzac Day 2008
Home to Fury 19 April 08
Away to Rotorua United April 5 2008
Wellington Phoenix David Beckham 1 Dec 07
Sponsors' Challenge v Whakatane 1sts 29 Sept 07
Wellington Phoenix game 29 Sept 2007
Away to Kawerau 15 September 2007
Away to Te Puke 18 August 2007
Home to Papamoa 21 July 2007
Away to Te Puke, Tasman Cup, 30 June 07
Home to Taupo, Tasman Cup, 16 June 07
Home to Otumoetai 9 June 2007
Home to Old Blues 26 May 2007
Home to Fury 28 April 2007
2006 Prize Giving
Sponsors Trophy v Whakatane 1sts 30 Sept 2006
Away to AFC Fury 16 Sept 2006
Tasman Bowl final v Kawerau 2 Sept 2006 match action.
Tasman Bowl final v Kawerau 2 Sept 2006, Before and After
Away to Te Puke Tasman Bowl semifinal 12 August 2006
Home to Greerton 5 August 2006
Home to Ngongotaha 8 July 2006
Away to Rotorua Suburbs 3 June 2006
Home to Taupo Nui-a-Tia 6 May 2006
Away to Te Puke 29 April 2006
Home to AFC Fury 22 April 2006
Away to Kawerau 10 Sept 2005
Away to Te Puke 9 July 2005
Home to Otumoetai 4 June 2005
Away to Whakatane 30 April 2005
Home to Otumoetai 7 August 2004
Away to Kawerau 25 July 2004
Best Insulation tournament 12 June 2004
Away to Whakatane May 22 2004 (selected pics!)
Away to Ngongotaha August 2 2003
Away to Kawerau 1st team Tasman Cup July 12 2003
Home to Kawerau May 24 2003
Away with ten men to Taupo May 3 2003
Home in friendly to Whakatane March 6 2003
Home to Rotorua Suburbs August 24 2002
Best Insulation tournament 8 June 2002
West Ham v Whakatane Sept 29 2001
Away to Greerton July 21 2001
Away to Tauranga City Utd July 14 2001
Away to Whakatane April 21 2001
Home to Rotorua City August 5 2000
Away at Otumoetai July 1st 2000
Edgecumbe v Whakatane, June 19, 1999.
Edgecumbe v Ngongotaha July 28, 1999.