It looked like the worst possible day for Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers, away at Tauranga City United, with only nine players, in appalling conditions. Injured Rangers captain Richard Nillesen volunteered to go in goal, releasing Christian Wetting to play out in the field.
Rangers' luck changed a little, when captain for the day James Mitchell won the toss and grabbed first use of the gale force wind and rain. The home team used their two player advantage, passing the ball around and keeping Rangers pinned back in their own half. However Rangers were determined to put up a fight and centre backs Kirk Bain and Scott Geddes mopped up a lot of attacks. Rangers shocked the Tauranga side when, on one of their rare attacks, a free kick was won and James Mitchell drove an excellent 25 metre shot into the goal.
However, with Rangers leading 1 - 0, midway through the first half, the referee rightly decided players' safety was at risk in the hypothermic conditions and he abandoned the game. The match will be replayed on August 30th.
This Saturday Rangers will look forward to their first home game for two months, playing Tauranga Boys College at Awakeri. Kick-off is likely to be at 2.30pm.