Plains Rangers 15 /4 /12
There was plenty of action in the local derby season opener between home team Whakatane Town and Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers on Saturday. The Whakatane team settled quickly and got some nice passing moves going. They opened the scoring after fifteen minutes with a nice near post header. Rangers started to find their combinations as the half went on, but Whakatane extended their lead soon after half time.
Some good short passes took them through a gap in the Rangers defence and the goal was well taken. The warmth of the afternoon started to take a toll on both teams, but Rangers started to carve out some chances of their own. Richie Nillesen, Andy Brabant and captain Ben McPherson all went close. The home team also had their openings, but Rangers keeper Christian Wetting was quick off his line to thwart them. Midway through the half, Rangers were back in it. A cross from Jacob Heath was headed neatly into the unguarded Whakatane goal. Substitute Chris Johnston was put through the Whakatane defence and his shot slid narrowly wide. With a few minutes left, Rangers won a free kick. Brabant swung in a peach of a cross and McPherson slotted it home. In the last minute of the game, Michael Sims almost won the game for the home team. After some delightful footwork, his shot cannoned back off the post and was cleared to safety by the grateful Rangers defence. The final score was Whakatane Town 2, Plains Rangers 2.
Considering their lack of preseason play, this was a promising performance by the Rangers team. Their new players made good contributions, with centre back James Hart named player of the day. Ben McPherson led his team well, and it was good to see player coach Richie Nillesen back on the paddock.
This Saturday, Rangers men are at home to Otumoetai.
On Sunday Plains Rangers women were at home to Tauranga City. Last season the visitors inflicted Rangers heaviest defeats. However this time, Rangers put in a good team effort, only going down 4 - 0. Rangers did very well in the second half with their midfield creating opportunities for the strikers to get in several good shots at goal. Julie Reihana was named player of the day.
This Sunday Rangers women will travel to Kawerau for their keenly anticipated local derby.