SLH Contracting Plains Rangers men had a tough assignment on Saturday. Rangers were at home to high flying Tauranga City United in BOP division two.
A good sized crowd gathered for the game. It got off to a flying start, but not in the manner the home spectators hoped for. Tauranga put together a slick attacking move after just two minutes and scored. However, Rangers were not daunted and proceeded to pressurise the visitors as much as possible. Rangers defended hard through the midfield and the fullbacks were well organised. Behind them keeper Christian Wetting dominated his area and kept the visitors' attacks at a distance. As the half went on, Rangers weathered the storm and put together some promising attacks. A great ball from Wetting released Ben Sexton for a shot on goal. Young left winger Ronnie Potter beat three men before pulling the ball across goal. Sam Christieson's shot went just wide. At half time the score was still 1 – 0.
After the break Rangers had a good share of territory, but couldn't make it pay. Midway through the half Tauranga went further ahead with a superbly hit volley across goal giving the keeper no chance. Rangers did not let up in their efforts. Jordan Ogilvy ranged up well from left back, while Jaiden Ibbetson and Ali Scott defended and created well in the centre midfield. Late in the game Jordan Ogilvy powered a header from a Mike Johnstone corner just over the bar. The game ended Plains Rangers 0, Tauranga City United 2.
The game was played in good spirit and it was well controlled by referee Norm Howe, who was acknowledged by both teams after the match. Jaiden Ibbetson was Rangers' player of the day after a ninety minute performance in an unaccustomed position. This Saturday Rangers men are at home against Kawerau in their final catch up game before the league is redrawn.
On Sunday, Plains Rangers women traveled to play Rotorua United White. Rangers dominated a lot of possession, with some good passing through the midfield. Rangers also mustered quite a few shots on goal, but couldn't find the back of the net. Young Taryn Forbes had an excellent game at left back and did some great work down the line as well, to be named player of the day. It was also good to see Raven Hunia back on the pitch. Rotorua eventually took the game 2 - 0.
This Sunday, Rangers women travel to play Opotiki.
Ranee's more colourful report:
Well ladies that was some great football that we played out there today. For 80% of the game we had the ball in their half. Jenny is the bomb. Jenny, Kate, Macca, Ranee had some good shots on goal however we were out of luck and missed a few. Better luck next time ladies! We all know we have it in us to get some goals, there still some Sundays to go. Sophie you had a great game on the field. You were all over the show and putting through some good passes to players. Thank you Rav...en for coming and playing for us today hope to see more of you on the field. Also thank you Kate for coming and playing for us as well. Congrates to Taryn for getting player of the day you had stellar of a game out there today great work in the back line and fantastic work as the left wing.
Score 2-0 to Rotorua.
See you all at training on Wednesday ( maybe some more goal shooting practice lol)