Plains Rangers had home games for both the men's and women's teams at the weekend. Rangers men were again missing a considerable number of their starting eleven, but were determined to give league leaders Waipuna Rangers a good contest. However, the home team started slowly and after three minutes were behind. Waipuna launched the ball goalwards and a striker found space for a snap volley to bury it in the net. Two minutes later Rangers almost equalised. Alex Boyce sent in a cross and striker Jesse Meadows' volley form the edge of the area drew a brilliant save from the visiting keeper to tip it over the bar. Ten minutes later Waipuna increased their lead. The ball rebounded out from a freekick and the visitors followed up to score. The rest of the half was reasonably evenly fought. Waipuna produced good interpassing to create chances for their talented forward line, while Rangers created several openings with Elias Thomas and Meadows combining well. At the break Waipuna led 2 – 0.
Unfortunately Meadows couldn't retake the field in the second half, following a heavy challenge from the uncompromising Waipuna defence. The visitors picked up possession, played a good pass and scored again after five minutes. Rangers did well to cope with the attacks for the rest of the half and still created some chances. A fine pass from defender Anaaru Awhimate found Shane Baillie closing in on goal but his shot went narrowly wide. The final score was Plains Rangers 0, Waipuna Rangers 3.
Alex Boyce was player of the day for the home team for another good showing in his debut season. Waipuna look a good chance to win the league with only two games remaining, but are on equal points with Papamoa United, who just happen to be Plains Rangers' next opponent. Rangers will hope to have more players available for the away trip on Saturday.
On Sunday, Plains Rangers women hosted Papamoa Legends. Rangers women also started slowly and went behind after fifteen minutes. The home team then got their game going better and held their own for the rest of the half. At half time the score was 1 – 0.
After the break Rangers put in some strong work, defending well and getting some good ball forward for Gemma Stuckey to work with. Papamoa did have the better share of territory but the home team defence, backed up by some confident goalkeeping by Jenna McTague, coped well. Ella-Rose Bain and Dee Haldane played well in the centre midfield. However, in the final five minutes, Rangers ran out of steam and Papamoa scored two quick goals to blow the score out to 3 – 0 at full time.
Gemma Stuckey was named player of the day for her non-stop efforts up front. Rangers women have their final game coming up this Sunday, a daunting trip to play Te Puke who are the highest scoring team in the league. Rangers will be determined to give them a good battle.

Ranee's report:
Us VS Papamoa Legends, 0-3

Well, it was the same score as last time we played Papamoa.
The first 15 minutes we looked a bit lost on the field and Papamoa got their first goal, however after that we settled in and started playing our game and we didn't let them get another goal in the first half. The second half of the first half was a better game to watch.
Come the second half we did so well holding them out and getting no goals.
Then we hit snooze in the last 10 minutes and Papamoa put away another couple of goals. We kept the fight going and never gave up. It was a very good game to watch, being our second to last game of the season.
Thank you Jenna for your fantastic work in the goal and lots of talking to the girls.
Player of the day goes to Gemma. Well done you always have a tough fight on your hands been up front, you don't give up and you keep trying for the goal. Nice work today, Gemma.
Nice work today ladies, the grass length didn't help much but you never gave up.

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