It was a typical local derby, hard fought and entertaining from the outset. Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers were at home to Whakatane Town in BOP division one on Saturday.
Both teams roared into the game, with some tasty tackles and shots bouncing off the crossbars at both ends before fifteen minutes was up. Rangers had the better possession in the first half and eventually it paid off. Some short passing between strikers James Krause and Barrie Hawkes primed midfielder Richie Nillesen for a good shot. It was blocked by a defender's arm and captain Christian Wetting stepped up to put away the resultant penalty. At the back, the Rangers defence was strong, with player of the day Jeremy Hawkes stamping his mark on the game.
After the break, Whakatane got their game going well and created a number of good chances. They were awarded a similar penalty to the home team, but Rangers' keeper John Noblett pulled off a fine save and the follow up was put over the top. Whakatane pushed to gain the equaliser and Rangers were dangerous on the break. Krause put a shot just over, before Ben McPherson got away, and put in a great chipped shot. However Whakatane keeper Aaron Woods managed to get a hand to it, but Krause finished it off with a close range header. Whakatane, stung by this, continued to press. Substitute Dylan Arthur got in an important header to keep out one attack, and keeper Noblett pulled off a brilliant save to keep the visitors scoreless. The final score was Plains Rangers 2, Whakatane Town 0.
Despite the high stakes and the even-ness of the derby, the game was played in good spirit and it was well refereed by Colin Harrison.
This weekend Rangers have no game, as it is a day for catch up games.