On Saturday Plains Rangers men played the first game of the Top Four section of BOP Division Two. Third placed Rangers were at home to fourth placed Taupo Lakers, and the home team knew that Taupo would turn up totally focused on overturning the 4 – 3 loss they had experienced in the first meeting between them.
Rangers started the game in fine style, passing the ball around confidently and Taupo barely got a touch. After seven minutes Rangers made their dominance pay. Phil Ballingall held the ball up on attack, fed midfielder Jon Barnes running through the defence. He chipped a cross across to the far post where Sione Lotu headed it into the net unopposed. Taupo are a good strong team though, so they gradually worked their way into the game and it became a real arm wrestle. Both teams were putting plenty of pressure on their opposites and the midfield was quite a battleground. Rangers held tightly onto their lead till half time.
Taupo came out with renewed determination after the break and had reward after only four minutes. Their striker held off two defenders and turned to curl a fine shot inside the right hand post. The pattern of the second half was Taupo controlling quite a bit of possession, but finding it hard to get the final sights on goal, and Rangers causing problems with their fast breaking attackers. There were chances at both ends, but Rangers had right back Shane Baillie to thank when he blocked a goal bound shot in the final minutes. The final score was Plains Rangers 1, Taupo Lakers 1, a fair reflection of the game.
All players had acquitted themselves very well, producing a high quality game of football. Player of the day for Rangers was evergreen defender Ian Gray, who made some mighty tackles and interceptions. The Taupo man of the match award also went to their main centreback, indicating the evenness of the match. The game was well controlled by referee Michel Nillesen.
This Saturday Rangers men are at home for the final time this season, with second placed Otumoetai Special Reserve the visitors. Rangers will try to avenge their 1 – 0 loss from the first round. Kick off at the Edgecumbe Domain is at 2pm.
On Sunday Plains Rangers women were at home to Te Puke. They knew it would be a tough game, but played some very nice football and created quite a few chances. Te Puke took their chances well though to win 7 – 0 in the end. Rangers player of the day was Tracey Buckley who made some impressive saves in goal. Others to impress included Stevie Clarke, who put over some great corner kicks, Tayla Jones, who put her body on the line and striker Katie Peterson.
This Sunday Rangers women are away to league leaders Whakatane Town in their final game of the season.

Ranee's report:
Us VS Te Puke, 0 - 7
Today we knew we were heading in for a tough game but we keep our cool and play some good football. You did some amazing crosses with the ball, great runs with the ball, good passing and some great shots at goal.
Te Puke just had a little bit better luck than us today, however it's all good, we came away in good spirits.
Also it was nice to have 15 players today, a nice change from 12 or 13 players.
Back line ladies you had a tough game today, however to keep playing and keep the ball moving in the right direction, Te Puke just had some lucky moments in play.
Stevie Clarke beautiful corner kicks today.
Nice work on the field today Tayla Jones you copped some many body balls today.
Katie Peterson nice work up top today.
Player of the day goes to Tracey Buckley nice game in goal, you saved some impressive goals today. Well done.
Well done ladies on the game today.
Speedy recover Lexi Pullar and hope your injury isn't too bad.
See you all at training Wednesday night.

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