Plains Rangers President's Report 2011

2011 was an exciting season for Plains Rangers with the formation of a women's team. The first one since 1980. Kirk Bain was the coach and he had an inexperienced squad, but to their credit they improved throughout the season and have a good core of players for the future. Men's coach Aaron Muggeridge had a strong squad to start the season, but serious injuries and several players moving away meant that the going got tougher. However, the men's team was nearly always competitive, often only missing that ounce of luck for results. In the end the men finished 7th in Bay One. Both coaches, supported by Christian Wetting, ran good quality training sessions.
The continuing support of sponsors Gary Fowell Builders and Little Orchard Preschool has been much appreciated, and has kept players' fees at a reasonable level.
Having the home base of the Awakeri Events Centre has worked well. We are grateful Gavin Dennis for voluntarily doing many of the bar duties for both teams. Christian Wetting is our rep on the Events Centre committee. The committee is making plans for a separate referees changing and shower area in the Centre. Rod McPherson has made some headway in starting the process to get training lights too.
Thanks to Aaron for securing funding from Southern Trust, which was another help for a good season.
Many thanks to Stewart Sutton for his treasury work, minding our bank balances very competently.

Highlights of the season:
Preseason game against Gisborne
Esther scoring the first goal for the women's team
Brian Skilling wearing Rangers strip on the stage in Whakatane in Death and Taxes
Kawerau's kitchen catching fire at the aftermatch. Sam Morris first to douse the flames.
The Marrows heading back to Uni in Christchurch, Wett saying "Its a Marrow transplant!"
A good win at Taupo
The women's Taupo trip!!!
Tom consistently hitting the bar.
Our Chilean players.
Richie getting stuck at sea, while we play Ngongy and win the penalty shoot out, Adam made two saves.
Beating Whakatane with Skinsy scoring a brilliant late winner.
The last game, positions drawn from a hat, exciting 2 - 2 draw.

Plains Rangers prize list 2011
Endeavour Ben McPherson
Most Promising Jordan Ogilvy
Sportsman Jeff Krause
Golden Boot Ben McPherson
Young Player of the Year Ben Fretwell
Players' Player of the Year Ben McPherson
Player of the Year Tom Davison
Personality Kylie Keys

Endeavour Maria Puutu
Most Promising Hayley Warner
Sportsmanship Pia Knight
Golden Boot Esther Geerlings
Young Player of the Year Kayla Benner
Players' Player of the Year Kylie Keys
Player of the Year Kelly Wilson

Barrie Hawkes 5/10/2011