A glorious sunny day in Opotiki and a beautiful pitch set the scene for the Bay Sportsmed Bowl clash between the home team and SLH Contracting Plains Rangers.
The visitors started out strongly, putting together some attacking football. It was no surprise when Rangers went ahead. A flowing passing move was well finished off by Jaiden Ibbetson. Ibbetson continued to cause the Opotiki defence troubles. After he was brought down in the box, Rangers were awarded a penalty, but defender Barrie Hawkes put it wide. Another great Ibbetson cross couldn't be turned in by Aaron Muggeridge. Gradually, the home team got their game going and had an even share of the attacks. At half time Rangers felt vulnerable with only a 1 – 0 lead.
The second half opened with Rangers playing some lovely football. Opotiki scarcely touched the ball for the first fifteen minutes. Rangers then extended their lead. A free kick was awarded 30 metres from goal. Rangers' player-coach Christian Wetting powered a shot that swerved away from the diving Opotiki keeper into the top left corner of the goal. Opotiki tried hard to come back into the game, but it was Rangers that kept creating chances. Ibbetson, Samuel Christieson, Jordan Ogilvy and Andy Willis all had opportunities. Late in the game an Opotiki attack looked likely to gain a consolation goal, but Chris Butler managed to hook the ball away before it was headed into the goal. The final score was Opotiki 0, Plains Rangers 2.
Rangers will be pleased with the football they played for periods of the game. Player of the day Christian Wetting was a dominant force in midfield and sealed his award with the superb free kick.
Next week Rangers return to league action, with a trip to play Papamoa.