It was another good weekend for the Plains Rangers Football Club.
On Saturday Plains Rangers men travelled to play the high flying Tauranga City team in BOP division two. The home team started strongly and had the Rangers team under pressure. However, helped by the return from injury of Grahame Sims at the back, Rangers weathered the storm and then broke away to score through captain Ben McPherson. Rangers then lifted their game and an even entertaining game developed. Late in the half Sam McPherson was tripped in the penalty area but had the misfortune to see his resultant penalty hit the woodwork and bounce away.
The second half was a continuation of the end to end play. Rangers defence kept the quick Tauranga attackers to shooting from distance, with keeper Christian Wetting quick to get off his line and deal with any long balls put through. At the other end the Tauranga keeper was called on to make some good saves as Rangers were quick on the break. The final score was Tauranga City 0, Plains Rangers 1.
It was a gritty team effort by Rangers with veteran defender Barrie Hawkes named player of the day. Rangers will now have to get through several weeks without the McPherson brothers, which follows on from losing Jaiden Ibbetson last week. Hopefully the recent momentum can be maintained. This week comes a big test with the visit of Old Blues, who beat league leaders AFC Fury this week.
On Sunday, Alignments Plus Ltd Plains Rangers women were at home to Te Puke in the Federation Plate. This was a hard even game with the visitors having a better share of the attacks. However Rangers were pleased to welcome Kate Robbie as goalkeeper. She made an excellent job of it, including making several brave saves, diving at the feet of attackers. Kate Simons went closest for Rangers with a shot well saved by the Te Puke keeper. In the end Rangers held on for a 0 – 0 draw. Kate Robbie earned the player of the day plaudits, with Kate Collier and Raven Hunia also impressing.
This Sunday Rangers women are away to Rotorua White.