On a very windy wet Monday, SLH Contracting Plains Rangers travelled to play Te Puke in BOP division two.
The home team had the gale behind them in the first half, but made the mistake of playing the ball long, and Rangers keeper Christian Wetting was quick to mop up the attacks for the first half hour. The Te Puke team played a skilful, high pressing game though and adapted their play, while Rangers were hampered by injuries to two of its starting defenders late in the first half. Te Puke took the lead, finishing a good one-on-one when their midfielder was played through.
Early in the second half a missed clearance gave Te Puke an easy goal to double their lead, and they went on to add two more as the half progressed. To Rangers credit, they kept pushing and came close with two late efforts, from Petir Gray and Andy Willis. The final score was Te Puke 4, Rangers 0. If Te Puke can field that line-up every week, they will be a force in the league.
Keeper Wetting was named player of the day for Rangers, with Mark Jeynes and Jaiden Ibbetson also in good form.
This Saturday Rangers are at home to Opotiki; while on Sunday, Rangers women are also at home, to Rotorua United White.