There was a typical local derby atmosphere when Plains Rangers men hosted Whakatane Town B on Saturday. Both teams were determined to give their best. Rangers probably played the better football in the first half, with some flowing passing through the midfield, but it was the visitors who opened the scoring. A quickly taken free kick twenty minutes into the game found Danny Smith in space and he flicked it past the advancing Matt Dalgity in goal to score. Rangers continued to create openings but not capitalise.
The second half saw the game get niggly, with a lot of fouls and frustration evident. Again Rangers had the better of the territory but Whakatane held them out. With fifteen minutes to go Rangers striker Hamish Wilde seemed to be pushed over in the box, but no penalty was forthcoming. As Rangers pushed for the equaliser, Whakatane caught them on the break to take the game 2 – 0. This was the exact reverse of the first round clash between the two teams.
Walter Voulings was player of the day for Whakatane with some steady play in the midfield. Rangers had Matt Dalgity earn their plaudits with James Hart also in top form.
This weekend Rangers men have yet another bye in what has become a fragmented end to the season.
On Sunday Alignments Plus Plains Rangers women travelled to play Tauranga City. Rangers defended well to hold the home team to 1 – 0 at half time. Rangers continued to play good football in the second half with Tauranga eventually prevailing 3 – 0. Player of the day Mary Pease was strong in defence; she was well supported by Julie Reihana and Carrie Fynn until she had to go off injured.
This weekend Rangers women are away to Te Puke.