Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers

July 9 Ngongotaha 3 Plains Rangers 1
July 10 Plains Rangers women 0 Kawerau 2

Torrential rain and gale force winds were the back drop for Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers game at Ngongotaha on Saturday.
It was a good battle throughout the first half. The home team's strategy was to pump the ball forward for their speedy striker to run on to. Rangers back line stood up to the challenge well. Paul Inglis and Ben Fretwell were in the centre, with Jeff Krause and Dylan Arthur on the flanks. Ngongotaha, currently sitting second on the table and with two games in hand, and bolstered by several first team players, took the lead five minutes before half time.
Rangers dominated the first 25 minutes after the restart. The midfield was performing well and Rangers moved the ball around nicely. Richie Nillesen and James Krause played well up the middle, linking with Tom Davison in front. Rangers created a lot of chances, with James Krause converting one after a good solo run. However, the home team came back to take the game 3 - 1.
After the match Ngongotaha commented that Rangers had put them under more pressure than anyone this season and acknowledged that they were lucky to come away with the win. Ranger's goalkeeper Adam Mayor was named player of the day.
This Saturday Rangers are at home to Ngongotaha's second division team in the CNS Cup. Kickoff is at 2 pm.
On Sunday Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers were at home to Kawerau Town in the BOP Women's League. While Kawerau had the better share of territory, possession was fairly evenly shared. An early Rangers attack led to a good left foot cross from Kelly Wilson and Kylie Keys put her header wide. After twenty minutes, a well struck Kawerau strike was saved but the rebound was put in from close range. Late in the first half Ann-Elise Reynolds got through for Rangers but her shot was well saved by the Kawerau keeper. The second half was keenly fought, the visitors making sure of their win with a late goal to make the final score 2 - 0.
The game was played in excellent spirit and it was well controlled by referee Norm Howe. Rangers player of the day was the attack-minded Esther Geerlings, while battling midfielder Jenny Fox was the honours for Kawerau.