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.
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