On Saturday Plains Rangers men travelled to play Tauranga City New Blues, who have impressed this season with some good results. Rangers were determined to keep their current winning streak going. Rangers started out by playing controlled passing football, a style that has really developed well in recent weeks. Striker Phil Ballingall had an early strike that went wide. Rangers then had a scare when the New Blues found their way through the tight Rangers defence to force keeper Christian Wetting into a fine double save. Strong work through the midfield pair of Hamish Wilde and James Hart kept the pressure on the home team though. Rangers went within a whisker of opening the scoring midway through the half. Ian Gray got his head to flick on a corner and Ballingall hit the post and the chance was cleared. From the resultant corner, Russell Margan had a header well saved. On the half hour, Rangers took the lead. Fine work from Sione Lotu put Ballingall through a gap in the Tauranga defence and he slotted the ball past the keeper. Both teams were playing some good quality football and the score remained 0 – 1 at half time.
After the break, the patient passing game continued, but Rangers doubled their lead after ten minutes. Wilde swung over a corner to the far post where Hart met it with a powerful header that the keeper had no chance of keeping out. Rangers had the benefit of the two-goal lead and knew that they needn't take unnecessary risks. The home team were getting a bit frustrated trying to break down the defence and gave away a few fouls. Wetting did have to make one good diving save late in the half, but it was the only clear chance Tauranga were able to create. The final score was Tauranga City New Blues 0, Plains Rangers men 2.
Sione Lotu was named player of the day for doing an excellent job holding up the ball in the front line and also with Ballingall defending from the front when the home team were in possession. Player-coach Wetting was also pleased with the consistency his side has been showing with its team play and the quality of whole team defending. Rangers men will need to be on their best form again this Saturday when they host Tauranga City Juggernauts, who are currently in third place. It should be a fascinating contest, kick off at the Edgecumbe Domain at 2pm.
On Sunday Plains Rangers women managed to scrape a team together for their trip to play Tauranga Blue Rovers. The home team started well but Rangers played some good passing football after they found their stride. In the end, however, Blue Rovers were too strong, winning the game 9 – 0.
Rebekah Johansen was named player of the day for her whole-hearted efforts. Others to impress were the hard-working Lexi Pullar, Shannon Frost, defender Acacia Wakefield and Danielle Haldane.
This Sunday Rangers women are away to Papamoa Icons.

Ranee's report:
Us VS Tga Blue Rovers, 0 - 9
Well ladies the morning didn't start off right for us with the strip turning up late and 2 ladies pulling out at last minute.
However, we held our heads high and we carried on and played the game.
You should all be proud of yourselves today with never giving up and staying positive.
Our first 20 minutes we were a bit slow off the mark however we found our stride and played our game and we held them out for the rest of the first half. In the second half we held them out they got a couple past us, but we shook it off and carried on, we just got a bit tired in the last few minutes of the game.
We received a great comment from the Tauranga coach about the great passing game we have and how much we have improved from when we first played them to now, and that is all down to our trainings, keep it up ladies.
I'd also like to mention our passing game. It's looking spectacular to watch and with that we are getting the ball up the field and having chances on the goal. Instead of kick and run and hope for the best.
It was a well fought 90-minute game. We are making big improvements from every game we have played so far, you should all be proud, keep it up ladies.
Lots of good talking on the field as well.
Lexi Pullar another great game, just leave players' noses and legs/ankles alone lol. Nice work with your passing and picking up and chasing back, you had a great game in the centre mids.
Shannon Frost great game on the wing and holding your own and passing the ball up and around.
Acacia Wakefield another great game in the back again.
Danielle Haldane you also had a great game. You had a couple of knocks, but you got up and carried on and got to every ball that you could.
Someone (won't mention a name) took their gear along for shits and giggles today, thinking they'll be right they won't need it lol. Hello, they ended up playing. We will see how sore I am tomorrow!
Player of the day goes to Rebekah Johansen. Well done mate on your game today, getting into there and going hard, stopping balls, running with the ball up the field, I think a little bit of pushing involved today. Well deserved.
Thank you for the ones that played today. Thank you Jason for being the stand-in Coach today.
Rest up and see you all at training Wednesday night.

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