On Saturday Opotiki hosted Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers in the Bay Sportsmed Cup. BOP division two side Opotiki dominated the first half. They deservedly went ahead with an excellent header early on and then doubled their lead after half an hour. Rangers were not retaining or using their possession well and the frustration built up. Referee Graham Moore did well to keep a lid on the game with players from both teams pushing the limits.
The home team also began the second half well, coming close several times. Rangers however were also starting to get their act together, prompted by the introduction of Joel Ogilvy in the midfield. After 70 minutes, Rangers got back in the game, Chris Johnston was put through and he kept his nerve to score. Shortly afterwards, a Rangers forward was pushed over in the penalty area. Barrie Hawkes sent the keeper the wrong way with the free kick and suddenly the scores were level. Rangers kept their foot on the gas and were again rewarded, this time a Ben McPherson long throw in found Johnston racing in and he volleyed the ball in from close range. Opotiki pushed forward trying to get an equaliser but they were undone when McPherson was put through. He was fouled from behind, but stepped up to send the resulting free kick around the wall and into the top corner. The final score was Opotiki 2, Plains Rangers 4.
Chris Johnston was named player of the day for Rangers, with Joel Ogilvy and Ben McPherson also in good form. This Saturday Rangers return to league action with a local derby at Whakatane Town.
On Sunday Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers women were up against the formidable Rotorua United team. Rangers put in a big defensive effort, with occasional break outs. In the end however, Rotorua won 15 - 0. The control, passing and speed of the Rotorua team was excellent. Rangers' player of the day was stalwart midfielder Kate Collier. Others to impress included defender Kelly Wilson, Norwegian exchange student Kine Boee and Julie Reihana.