Plains Rangers President's Report 2015

Plains Rangers President's Report 2015

2015 was a good season for Plains Rangers, with a number of highlights. Rangers had, as usual, a men's and a women's team. Our women's team has now had five seasons in the Bay League.
Rangers' men were again coached by Christian Wetting. The men played in BOP division two. A strong point for the men was the large number of players in the squad. There were regularly 20 players at training, and posed the pleasant problem of trying to accommodate so many keen people. It was great to see the influx of young players from Edgecumbe College. They brought plenty of enthusiasm to the squad. The team was competitive throughout the season, despite ending up in the bottom half of the split league, where they came second. Winning two trophies in the year was a big highlight. Rangers deservedly took the Sponsors Cup off Whakatane early in the year and finished the year by winning the Bay Sportsmed Bowl final with a top performance against Papamoa.
The women's team was coached by Michel Nillesen, backed up by Richie Nillesen when Michel was away. The squad was enthusiastic and improved throughout the year. Again, the women's league was split after one round, so the later games were all reasonably even. It was good to see the arrival of new faces in the women's squad and I hope they will be stable so they can build on their progress next season. The excellent photos of the women's games on Pitbull Photography's web site helped keep enthusiasm high.
We had good sponsorship support this season. Southern Trust's sponsorship enabled us to buy long overdue new strips for both teams. The complementary colour combinations look smart on both the teams. The men were well supported by SLH Contracting, a big thankyou to Chris Butler for that. The club was also enthusiastically sponsored by DB Plumbing, Body Aid Physiotherapy Clinic and also Alignments Plus Ltd, despite Raven Hunia not playing this season. The generous sponsorship of these companies helped keep our fees down at a very reasonable level.
We are grateful to secretary/treasurer Margaret Nillesen for her excellent work, especially in sorting out our application to the Southern Trust.
Congratulations to both our coaches Christian, Michel, Richie and manager Ranee. There is an excellent club spirit, with both teams supporting each other. The times when players of the women's team have been welcome to join in with the men, and vice versa is a credit to the players and also the coaches.
Thankyou too to the Events Centre, run by a committee of local volunteers, who maintain this excellent venue.

Highlights and Lowlights of the season:
The men taking the Sponsors Cup in a penalty shoot-out, after 8 failed attempts.
Mark Jeynes supplying a large quantity of mince so we could feed our visiting teams some sumptuous feeds.
Getting the new strips.
Having the Under 20 World Cup in New Zealand.
A combined team coming 3rd in the Topperwein Tournament, with Jenny and Olivia driving over from Gisborne to play in it.
The new black Rangers hoodies.
The men drive to Tauranga City only to have the game cancelled when the field looked playable. When Tauranga City come here, at least there is torrential rain and a mini tornado for us to be able to tell them the game is off.
One brand new gazebo getting wrecked five minutes after being put up in the aforementioned storm!
Ronnie Potter winning the punchbag contest at the pub after an Old Blues away game.
The disjointed season, e.g. Rangers women went six weeks without a competitive game!
Our youngest ever senior goal scorer, when Cassidy scored against Te Puke after Janie had hit the post twice.
Rangers men surviving 40 minutes with ten men (afer Levi got carted off) to win the Bowl semifinal against Otumoetai on penalties.
Huddling around Matt's gas brazier after training in the frost under a full moon.
Chris Butler almost scoring with a bicycle kick one week and a diving header the next week.
Andy's goals, the champagne and the singing in the changing rooms after Rangers men won the Bowl final.
Rangers women coming runners up in the Pullar Bowl. Medals all round.
The fluctuations of the Rangers Fantasy League.

Thanks everyone for their input. Looking forward to an even better season in 2016, after 25 years Rangers fun.
Barrie Hawkes 17/10/2015
Prize Giving 2015
Men's prizes:
Golden Boot Jaiden Ibbetson
Most Promising Andy Willis
Sportsmanship Ali Scott
Young Player of the Year Petir Gray
Players' Player Christian Wetting
Player of the Year James Hart

Club:
Personality Chris Butler
Endeavour Mark Jeynes

Women's:
Golden Boot Ranee Whiting
Most Promising Janie Soutar
Sportsmanship Julie Reihana
Young Player of the Year Cassidy Rae Spillman
Players' Player Jenny McIntyre
Player of the Year Mikaela Mathis