Plains Rangers men were at home for their BOP division two game with Rotorua United on Saturday. The game was evenly fought from the start, but the home team opened the scoring early. A great pass from midfielder Hamish Wilde put striker Earle Tuhimata into space and he fired a first-time right foot shot into the net from the edge of the penalty area. Rotorua kept up their reasonably physical style of play to try to break the Rangers defence, which held strong. Levi McIntyre had the ball in the net for the home team after a good move, but the play was brought back when it was realised the ball had gone out during the build-up. After twenty-five minutes Tuhimata bagged a second goal with a glorious snap shot with his left foot from 20 metres. A few minutes later the midfield niggle turned into an altercation and referee Michel Nillesen did well to sort out the incident, sending off a player from each team. Wilde kept up the good play from the home team, curling in a shot from out wide to extend the score. The nonstop action continued. Phil Ballingall hit the post for Rangers, while young goalkeeper Elijah Wetting pulled off good save to deny Rotorua. At half time Rangers led 3 – 0, but the visitors were still pushing hard to score as well.
In the second half Rangers played with good control, making the visitors chase the game. The chances continued; the Rotorua keeper tipped a Ballingall header over the bar. After some nice passing up the right flank, Wilde put a good pass through for McIntyre to collect, round the keeper and score. McIntyre was causing all sorts of problems for the visitors with his intelligent play and close control. He was fouled on yet another foray. Wilde swung in the free kick which was headed powerfully home by Teimana Awhimate, giving Rangers a comfortable lead. Late in the game Edison Indarte went close to extending the score, which at full time was a 5 – 0 win to Plains Rangers.
This was probably Rangers' best football of the season, with good team work and individual performances all over the park. Hamish Wilde narrowly beat Levi McIntyre for the player of the day award. This coming Saturday Rangers men are away to Tauranga City New Blues.
On Sunday Plains Rangers women travelled to play Papamoa Legends. The home team had the better of the first half but Rangers came back with an improved second half, with some good passing moves and some good moves out of defence. Stevie Clarke capped it off with a good kick and chase goal to make the final score 4 – 1 to Papamoa. Player of the day went to Tayla Jones. She had a massive first game for Rangers, with lots of running, passing and interceptions. Others to do well included Chloe Burgess in defence, and Amie Morris who was strong in the midfield.
This Sunday Rangers women are at home to Otumoetai.

Ranee's report:
US vs Papamoa Legends, 1 - 4
Between the sun and the wind, Ranee forgetting the goalie gloves and printing off the wrong team sheet and Alexaan-Kelly Puutu Dredge giving away a penalty kick, it really wasn't a bad game to watch today!
Well done ladies for hanging in there today, we had a few problems in the first half but they sorted themselves out in the second half and it showed in the score line. What you have all be learning at training has been paying off with the nice passing up the field, nice ball to feet action, some nice tackles as well, also some nice runs from the back line up the field.
Julie Reihana a pleasure having you on the field again today. Maria Puutu thank you for today as well. Also thanks to Rebekah Johansen for playing today.
Chloe Burgess you had a good game in the back line and as wing, lots of running and passing for you today. Amie Morris great game today in the centre mids, you did some great passing of the ball and you kept it all moving in the middle with passing and running up the field. Congratulations Stevie Clarke on the chase and follow goal today.
Player of the day goes to Tayla Jones first game out today. You had massive game with lots of running around, lots of passing and intercepting of passes between Papamoa players and taking the ball for runs. Well done today ladies proud of you all.
See you all at training Wednesday.
Oh Sarah Wigzell I still have your umbrella lol.

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