It was a typical local derby, no quarter asked or given, when Whakatane Town hosted Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers on Saturday in BOP division one.
There were fireworks from the outset. Rangers striker Jaiden Ibbetson was put through on goal, only to be brought down, just out side the box, by Whakatane keeper Jamie Cory. Cory was very lucky to stay on the pitch, but within five minutes, Rangers made the most of their dominant start. Rangers' second corner was floated over invitingly by Ben McPherson and Rangers captain Christian Wetting rose above the crowd to head it home from close range. Rangers had the home team pinned back with the speed of their attacks, and after twenty minutes, increased the lead. A long Wetting throw in caused mayhem in front of the Whakatane goal and three Rangers strikers lunged towards it, with Cameron Wills getting the final touch over the keeper. Whakatane started to claw their way into the game and had their fair share of possession and attacks for the remainder of the half.
The second half proved to be hard fought. There were some tasty challenges and no doubt some long lasting bruises. Both teams created reasonable chances, but no more were finished off, with the final score remaining Whakatane Town 0, Plains Rangers 2.
Rangers will feel happy with their deserved win, and the competitive attitude of the team, from the strikers through to the goalkeeper. Young centre midfielder Ben Fretwell was named player of the day for Rangers.
This Saturday Rangers are away at Ngongotaha.