Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers

August 13 Plains Rangers men 2 Whakatane Town 1

The vocal crowd at Awakeri on Saturday was well entertained by the local derby between Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers and Whakatane Town. The visitors laid down the gauntlet first, getting the ball in the back of the net, but it was ruled out for off side. Next Rangers won a free kick, 25 metres from goal. While the Whakatane defence was getting organised, Tom Davison took the kick quickly and smacked it into the net. Rangers ahead. The half turned into a great battle, attacks and counter attacks at both ends. After 30 minutes, the visitors had some luck, a well struck cross from their right winger sailed into the top corner of the Rangers goal. Good movement up front from Rangers capitalised on the strong midfield play of Christian Wetting and James Krause, and the home team won a series of corners. At half time the scores were locked at 1 - 1.
In the second half Rangers gradually got the upper hand, although it took an excellent diving save by their keeper Adam Mayor to keep out a Carwyn Evans shot. Rangers created a number of chances. James Krause smashed a shot following a corner onto the cross bar. A Christian Wetting shot took a deflection and the Whakatane keeper pulled off a terrific save to keep it out. Late in the game, Rangers left back Jeff Krause, up on the attack, passed the ball to fellow defender Dylan Arthur running into the Whakatane penalty area. Arthur did brilliantly to chest the ball down and flick it past the keeper with the outside of his foot. The home team crowd went wild on the sideline. Rangers worked hard to make sure the game was safe. The final score: Plains Rangers 2, Whakatane 1.
This was a total team effort by Rangers, with solid defence and whole hearted attacking play. Dylan Arthur was named their player of the day, with Wetting another in outstanding form.
This Saturday Rangers men are away to Papamoa.
In the Federation Plate, Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers women's team were at home to Matamata on Sunday. Rangers fought valiantly against their quick visitors, but lost 15 - 0. Right winger Kylie Keys was player of the day.
This Sunday Rangers women are at home to Old Blues.