It was a frustrating afternoon for the big crowd watching
the top of the BOP 1st division table clash at Awakeri on Saturday.
Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers started strongly against visitors
Ngongotaha and went on to have the better of the first half. Three times
Rangers had the ball squared across their opponents' goal, but no one
could get the finishing touch to it. Tom Davison came closest to scoring,
when his well struck header rebounded away off the crossbar. However,
for all this pressure Rangers were not really stringing their passes together
for long periods and the Ngongotaha defence was strong.
Spurred on by their good fortune, the visitors came more into the game
in the second half. Both teams became frustrated at their lack of success
and the number of fouls increased. Late in the game Rangers came within
a whisker of grabbing the win. Christian Wetting flicked his header over
the advancing keeper, but a Ngongotaha defender raced back to hack the
ball off the line. The final score was Plains Rangers 0, Ngongotaha 0.
This weekend Rangers will need get over this disappointment and to be
on their game. They travel to face Tauranga City Relics, an experienced,
well organised team. There is an early kickoff, 12.30pm at Mount Maunganui.
The women's league was playing the Federation Plate round.
Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers had a long trip to Hamilton to play
Melville, who are top of the Waikato A division. While Rangers fought
hard throughout, they suffered a heavy loss. Kelly Wilson was named player
of the day. This Sunday, Rangers are looking forward to their home game
against Kawerau, who are in a similar position in the BOP league standings.
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