A wet Awakeri pitch topped up with additional rain didn't deter the enthusiasm of SLH Contraction Plains Rangers and Otumoetai for their Bay 2 game on Saturday.
Both teams fought hard for ascendancy throughout the game. Rangers almost took an early lead when a Jaiden Ibbetson speculator from 25 metres crashed off the cross bar and was cleared. Both teams tried to play good football in the conditions and there was plenty of action for the few hardy spectators to enjoy. After thirty minutes Rangers did go ahead. A pass from Petir Gray was spilled by the Otumoetai keeper and Ben Sexton pounced, putting the ball in the net. However, four minutes later the visitors were equal when a midfielder chipped the Rangers keeper from a distance. At half time it was 1 – 1.
The second half continued with both teams giving as good as they got and both had chances to grab the win. However, the score remained locked at Plains Rangers 1 Otumoetai 1, a fitting result.
Keeper Matt Eveleens was player of the day for Rangers, with centre backs Mike Johnstone and James Hart also in top form.
This Saturday Rangers travel to play a local derby with Whakatane Town.