There was entertainment aplenty when Papamoa hosted Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers on Saturday. The home team elected to go with the steady breeze and got off to a dream start. Only a few minutes into the game Papamoa won a corner and scored from a header at the back post. After ten minutes Rangers were back on level pegging when Ben McPherson squared the ball across goal for left winger Jacob Heath to tap in. Rangers however, still struggled to get their game going, giving the ball away unnecessarily and putting pressure on themselves. One such incident after twenty minutes led to a break by a pacy Papamoa striker, who did well to cut in and score a good goal. Rangers replied with a good effort from James Krause, just wide, and a great solo run by Jaiden Ibbetson ended with an excellent save by the home team keeper. At half time Papamoa led 2 - 1.
Rangers were still sluggish after the break and after ten minutes it looked like the writing was on the wall. Papamoa were awarded a penalty after their striker was judged to have been pushed in the penalty area. The chance was converted and Rangers had to play catch up. With twenty minutes to go Rangers' player-coach Richie Nillesen entered the fray. His calming touch on the ball seemed to trigger Rangers best spell of the game. McPherson scored after a good free kick was swung over. One minute later, Ben Howe scored with a volley after a nice cross from the left. However with ten minutes to go, the home team speedster broke through Rangers defence and got Papamoa's noses in front again, 4 - 3. Rangers piled on the pressure. Keeper Christian Wetting came up for a couple of late corners and got a good head to one of them but it was blocked. A minute before full time, McPherson chased the ball through and capitalised on a hesitation between defender and goalkeeper to score the equaliser. The final score was 4 - 4.
Papamoa would have been disappointed to have lost the lead yet again, but both teams had played good football in patches and it certainly had kept the spectators enthralled.
This Saturday Rangers are at home to Cafe Ephesus Rotorua in the Bay Sportsmed Bowl competition.
On Sunday Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers women traveled to meet joint top of the table Old Blues. Old Blues are a free scoring team and did secure a 13 - 0 win. However, Rangers gave a good account of themselves. Keeper Stacey Flintoff was impressive and earned player of the day. Mishka Barry was unlucky to have a shot cleared from in front of goal.
This Sunday Rangers' women have an unfamiliar opponent. Waikato Unicol are coming to play at Awakeri in the Federation Plate. Kick-off is at 11am.