Just keeping its combinations going and playing good football were the main aims for Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers on Saturday, and in doing so they brought their sequence of wins to six. Rangers hosted Papamoa at Awakeri, with a healthy crowd in attendance.
Papamoa's keeper got off to a horror start, dropping a cross and Cameron Wills reacted quickly to turn it into the net. However the visitors got into the game, playing some good football through the midfield and scored to even things up. Rangers got back in front; a chip from Barrie Hawkes was headed over the keeper by Ben McPherson. Once again Papamoa dug in and put pressure on and got back on level terms.
In the second half Rangers controlled their play better, with some flowing attacking moves. McPherson set up James Krause with a good pass, and Krause rounded the keeper to score a good goal. Injuries in the Rangers defence saw some reorganisation, but they held their shape well, with substitute Adam Mayor making some good tackles. Centre midfielders Christian Wetting and Ben Fretwell combined well to give Krause another chance which he finished well, and then McPherson capped off a good day with his second goal. The final score was Plains Rangers 5, Papamoa 2.
This win keeps Rangers in touch with third placed Otumoetai, who held their ground with a 1 - 0 win over Whakatane Town. Coach Aaron Muggeridge was pleased with his team's second half performance and named Hawkes player of the day. His concern will be making sure the team is injury free for the CNS Cup final against Katikati on September 18th. Helpfully, this Saturday Rangers have no game scheduled. Muggeridge also congratulated Papamoa's Paul van der Salm who stepped in and did a fine job of refereeing the game when the scheduled official didn't turn up. The game was played in excellent spirit by both teams.