Plains Rangers men were at home for the first time this season when they hosted Ngongotaha on Saturday. Lovely weather brought out a good-sized crowd to enjoy the game and they got their money's worth. Rangers started the game strongly and were soon feeding some good ball to the front pair of Phil Ballingall and Earle Tuhimata. After ten minutes Rangers got their noses in front. Hamish Wilde threaded a good pass through to Ballingall racing into the penalty area and he slotted it past the keeper in fine style. Only three minutes later Rangers goalkeeper Elijah Wetting launched a huge goal kick which bounced over the head of the defence. Ballingall raced goalwards with the ball, only to be pulled down by a defender, who was lucky only to receive a yellow card for his efforts. However, Rangers captain James Hart, 25 metres from goal, bent the freekick around the wall and scored. At this point Rangers looked to have the game under control, but as the half went on the passing rhythm deteriorated and Ngongotaha started to create better chances. On the half hour the visitors had the ball in the net, but the offside flag was up. At half time Rangers still held their 2 – 0 lead.
At half time the well-performed centre-back Teimana Awhimate was replaced, due to other commitments, causing a reshuffle. Hart dropped back from midfield and player-coach Christian Wetting came into the midfield. Rangers upped their game and again looked the most likely, creating quite a few good opportunities. They did get an early scare though when Elijah Wetting had to pull off a fine diving save to keep out a shot heading just inside the post. Ngongotaha kept up their efforts in the increasingly end-to-end action and got a reward midway through the half, finished a good move with a powerful shot into the Rangers goal. Two minutes later Rangers gave away a freekick out near the touchline. The ball was powered into the Rangers goal area, partially cleared, but pounced on and Ngongotaha scored again. The final quarter of an hour was full on with both teams pushing for the winner. With five minutes to go there were strong shouts for a penalty when Levi McIntyre was through in the Ngongotaha box. However, it was not to be. The final score remained Plains Rangers 2, Ngongotaha 2.
Rangers named Earle Tuhimata player of the day. His combination with Ballingall up front had created some good openings. This Saturday Rangers men are away to Otumoetai Special Reserve, who are always competitive opponents. Rangers will look to be more consistent in their passing play and more clinical in their finishing.
On Sunday Plains Rangers women were at home to Tauranga Blue Rovers. Rangers had a good share of territory in the first half, but Blue Rovers were able to feed runners through to get into goal scoring positions and they took their chances despite some excellent saves from Rangers' keeper. The final score was Plains Rangers 1, Blue Rovers 7.
Stevie Clarke had a cracker of a game for Rangers, working hard up front and later in defence and she scored a good goal. Jamie Stanton's hard work, good passing and strong clearances earned her player of the day. Others to impress included defender Poto Williams, Danielle Haldane and striker Nikki Butler.
This Sunday Rangers women are again at home, this time to Papamoa Icons.

Ranee's report:
Us vs Tga Blue Rovers, 1-7
It was a very hard fought game today ladies with a few injuries as well. However, you all never gave up and you kept fighting the whole game, proud of our efforts today. Each week we keep improving on the field and it is showing with the great passing that was happening, that the ball was making it up the field. A few changes in our player lay out and you all adjusted to it well. The back line had a very tough game, with the runners coming down and through and crosses from Tauranga, however you made then fight for all the goals.
Poto Williams great game in the backs, you did some amazing 1 - 2 passes with the wings and mid field.
Danielle Haldane great game in the backs and up front.
Nikki Butler awesome effort up the front today, know to put the ball in the back of the net.
Stevie Clarke cracker of a game. Big effort up the front with lots of running, then to play in the backs and to score a goal. You did some hard work and it paid off. Must say first time I've seen you push another player with both hands front on!
Player of the day goes to Jamie Stanton. What a game you had in the centre mids. I didn't know you had a kick on you and you held that spot well and you kept going after the ball. Good passing and clearing from the middle of the field, well done.
Once again well-done ladies on today's game. Proud of you all. Rest up, take care of the injuries and see you all at training Wednesday night.

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