Plains Rangers travelled to play Papamoa Old Boys in the first round of the Miller Cup on Saturday. Rangers won the toss and elected to play with the wind at their backs in the first half. Rangers got off to a strong start, winning an early penalty from a handball in the box. Christian Wetting stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way and roll the ball into the net. Rangers kept the pressure on and pressed Papamoa hard, but the home team defended well. After twenty minutes, Papamoa broke away with a fast raid and scored with well-placed shot that was just beyond the reach of the keeper Elijah Wetting. Rangers bounced straight back and striker Jon Barnes had a shot tipped over the bar by the Papamoa keeper. The home team then had a counterattack that young keeper Wetting thwarted with a great one-on-one save. At half time the score was 1 – 1.
Early in the second half Papamoa got their noses in front. A cross found their striker who knocked it down for a team mate to score from close range. Soon afterwards the hard-working Rangers strikers Barnes and Phil Ballingall pressed the Papamoa defence into error, but the resulting shot went over the bar. The game was end to end as the visitors pushed for an equaliser. Midway through the half Isaiah Davidson had a shot well saved, as did Levi McIntyre. Elijah Wetting also pulled off two more great one-on-one saves as the home team raced away on counter attacks. Papamoa hung on to win 2 – 1 and will play in the Cup tournament at the end of the season, while Rangers will compete in the Bowl.
Defeat was tough to take for Rangers, but Papamoa had played good composed football after they got in front. In top from for Rangers were Elijah Wetting, Jon Barnes and Teimana Awhimate in his debut game.
This Saturday Rangers men return to league action when they travel to play Otumoetai. Rangers women are away to Lakes FC on Sunday.

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