The Bay Sportsmed Bowl semifinal was a battle of attrition between hosts Otumoetai and SLH Contracting Plains Rangers on Saturday.
Rangers had the breeze at their backs in the first half, but their football didn't flow well at the beginning. Rangers however, thought they had taken the lead after half an hour, with Aaron Muggeridge bundling the ball in after a goal mouth scramble, but the referee ruled it out for handball much to the consternation of the Rangers team. To add insult to injury, the home team took the lead a minute later, with a well placed free kick.
Rangers played much better football after the break and pinned the home team back in their half. The constant pressure brought about an own goal to level the scores. The hard fought battle was having an effect with several injury stoppages. Rangers brought on their last sub, Levi Riri, with fifteen minutes to go, but he had to leave the field after being felled by a close range shot. Rangers, with ten men, got to full time with the score 1 – 1.
Another thirty minutes of extra time followed, with the ten men defending well. Rangers had a couple of chances too. Christian Wetting powered a shot onto the underside of the bar but it wouldn't go in. Jamaal James got the spectators excited with a couple of late runs. Otumoetai blasted their best chance over the top from close range.
Finally came the penalty shoot out. Player-coach Wetting saved two of the Otumoetai penalties, and with Andy Willis, Jaiden Ibbetson, and Barrie Hawkes converting theirs, Rangers are through to the final of the Bowl on September 5th, where they will meet Papamoa.
Rangers' player of the day was Jordan Ogilvy who demonstrated the Rangers determination with some strong tackles in defence and some good runs down the left wing.
This Saturday Rangers return to league action with a catch-up game against Tauranga City at Awakeri.
On Sunday there was a willing local derby between Plains Rangers women and Kawerau Sports. Kawerau got an early goal, which woke Rangers up. A physical game ensued with both sides giving as good as they got. Rangers were awarded a free kick 22 metres from goal and centre back Ranee Whiting stepped up to power a shot into the top corner. The game was 1 – 1 at the break.
Kawerau opened the scoring in the second half with a well taken goal and ended up scoring twice more to win 4 – 1. Jenny McIntyre's determined display on the right wing had her named player of the day, others to shine included Sarah Boyce and Janie Soutar. Stand-in coach Richie Nillesen will have been pleased with the teamwork and commitment on display.
A new draw is being done for a split women's league, which Rangers will await with interest.