Plains Rangers AFC

26 & 27 June 2020
Plains Rangers men 3, Waiariki 1
Plains Rangers women 1, Kawerau Sports 2

On Saturday Plains Rangers men hosted Waiariki in BOP division two. The Edgecumbe pitch was in very good order despite the rain showers, but there was a strong wind blowing down the pitch. Rangers, with the wind behind them, put together some good moves in the first half. Despite pinning their visitors back in their half, the openings didn't come to anything until the introduction of young Kaleb Muggeridge off the bench. He curled in a left foot corner, which beat the keeper but was headed off the line. Hamish Wilde had a good shot well saved. Just before the break, Kaleb Muggeridge curled in another corner, it was headed on by Aaron Muggeridge and slotted into the goal by Wilde.
Thunder and lightning formed the backdrop of the halftime interval and the opening stanza of the second half. Despite the wind being against them, Rangers upped the level of their passing and created chances well. After 13 minutes a Hamish Wilde long throw in was deftly headed past the Waiariki keeper by Rangers captain James Hart. Two minutes later, a shot by Jamaal James was saved by the visiting keeper, the rebound came to Aaron Muggeridge. His shot was blocked by a defender's arm. The resulting freekick from Wilde was tipped onto the crossbar by the keeper. Five minutes later a good early pass from Wilde put Jamaal James through on goal and he put his first-time shot sweetly into the net. Waiariki never stopped trying and Rangers keeper Christian Wetting had to make a superb diving save to keep out a well-placed shot. The visitors were rewarded for their efforts with a late penalty after a push on one of their attackers. The penalty was put away well, to make the final score Plains Rangers 3, Waiariki 1.
The player of the day was Isaiah Davidson for a strong contribution in his first season of senior football. Hamish Wilde also stood out with his goal and two assists.
On Sunday Plains Rangers women had pleasant conditions for the visit of neighbours Kawerau Sports to the Edgecumbe Domain. Kawerau had the better share of territory, but Rangers were strong in their defence and put together some nice passing moves too. Player of the day Amie Morris showed good skills in the centre of midfield. A minute before half time, Kawerau got their noses in front with a well taken goal. Rangers came out for the second half with determination and got back on level terms when Kiahli Ibbetson finished a strong run with a shot that deflected into the goal off a defender. Five minutes later the visitors restored their advantage when a corner was headed powerfully into the goal. It was quite an even battle for the rest of the game. The Rangers defence, led by Laura Powick and keeper Michelle Corbett held firm, while up front Rangers had several break outs but couldn't find the equaliser. The final score Plains Rangers 1, Kawerau Sports 2.
This weekend Rangers men are at home again, to Papamoa Dou Bros, while Rangers women are away to the strong Te Puke team.
















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