Plains Rangers men hosted Whakatane Town on Saturday at the Edgecumbe Domain in BOP division one. The visitors got off to a flier. They had an early raid down the left wing leading to a cross which hung up in the breeze before finding its way to the far post, where it was duly put away. Whakatane's quick movement from the midfield caused Rangers difficulties and in the 20th minute they scored again, when a runner got through the defence. Three minutes later Rangers had their best moment of the half when Petir Gray weaved his way into the box, beating a trail of defenders, before hitting the side netting with his shot. On the half hour Whakatane scored after a good passing move and five minutes later Rangers didn't deal with a high bouncing ball and the visitors scored their fourth goal. At half time it was Plains Rangers 0, Whakatane 4.
The signs were there for a similar second half, but player-coach Christian Wetting urged his Rangers side to be tighter in their defence and to use the ball better. Striker Caleb Hyndman made an impact when he was subbed on for Rangers, making a great run in his first involvement and almost scoring. He also held the ball up well, allowing his midfielders to put better moves together. Rangers limited the opportunities for Whakatane well and kept them scoreless in the half to have the final score still 4 – 0.
The game was played in a very good spirit and it was well refereed by Michel Nillesen. Shane Baillie was player of the day for Rangers after some very good work on the right flank.
This Saturday Rangers men are away to league leaders Katikati, so it will be another demanding test.

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