Cliches like 'A game of two halves' and 'We shouldn't have had the half time break' sprung to mind after Plains Rangers men hosted Papamoa Old Boys on Saturday.
Both teams set out to play a good brand of football, making for a good contest for the spectators to watch. There was a choice - on the field adjacent, a rugby clash between Edgecumbe and Te Teko kicked off at the same time!
Gradually Rangers' speed of play started to give the home team the upper hand. They went close to an opener after twenty minutes when Sione Lotu couldn't quite direct a diving header into the goal. Five minutes later Rangers gained reward for their good play. Hamish Wilde played a delightful ball for striker Earle Tuhimata to latch onto and he beat the keeper with a nice finish. Rangers kept up the good performance till the break.
Papamoa came out after half time determined to get back into the game. They had immediate success. Some good play down the left caught Rangers out. Matt Dalgity managed to block a shot in the line, but the rebound was blasted in, to even up the scores. Three minutes later another good move down the same flank saw the visitors score and hit the front. Rangers were shell shocked and two minutes later it went from bad to worse as a player was sent off. Rangers knuckled down with their ten men and put up some strong resistance, however midway through the half Papamoa extended their lead. More nice passing led to a strong shot that beat unsighted keeper Christian Wetting. Rangers didn't fall apart though and found space for their own passing game. Captain James Hart had a shot from outside the box well saved. Papamoa were disappointed to have another goal effort ruled out for offside. In the final minutes Rangers did make the game close when the Papamoa keeper couldn't keep out a left footer from Hart and the game finished Plains Rangers 2, Papamoa Old Boys 3.
The game had been highly entertaining, while the rugby game next door ended up being a very uncommon 0 – 0 draw! Young referee Liam Dooley had an excellent game in the middle. James Hart was deservedly named player of the day for Rangers, with Earle Tuhimata and Teimana Awhimate also in top form. This Saturday Rangers men are away to Papamoa NKOTB.
On Sunday Plains Rangers women had a tough day out at Te Puke. Rangers had a pretty scratchy start to the game, but settled down to play some decent football. However, the home team was too strong in the end, winning 9 – 0.
Dani Howard was awarded player of the day for her half game in goal and her strong effort on the field in the first half. Others to impress included Tayla Jones, Alexaan-Kelly Puutu Dredge and Sarah Wigzell. Rangers were also impressed with their referee Chris Marlowe, who was excellent in his communications.
This Sunday Rangers women have another tough assignment, at home to Whakatane Town.

Ranee's report:
Us vs Te Puke 0 - 9
From the thunder and lightning this morning to a heavy down poor's of rain on the way to the game, the big question was "Are we were still playing?"
We played and it was a tough game for us, however we played till the end and kept our heads up.
The first 15 minutes wasn't our finest, however we did find ourselves and started playing our game in the last 25 minutes in first half. It was the same for the second half as well.
Sarah Wigzell I checked in with you at the 30 minute mark, you were all good. Big well done on playing your first full game.
Tayla Jones nice work today. Your passing and running was nice work to watch.
Alexaan-Kelly Puutu Dredge every spot on the field we played you, you played great. You've got the speed, the passing and the turns.
Katie Peterson you kept up a good fight on the wing even when you and the Te Puke player had your moment.
Jamie Stanton rest up and take it easy. You were having a great game too. Between you and Stevie Clarke you were both doing great clearing of the ball.
Player of the day goes to Dani Howard. Big thank you for playing in goal in the second half today. What a great game you had in there and the sprint backs you had to do in the first half. There were a few of them!
The ref we had today- Chris Marlowe- was one of the best we have had. He did a great job reffing, very fair and great communication.
Thanks ladies for today, we will move onto bigger and better things this week. See you all at training Wednesday night.

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