The Awakeri Sports field was the setting for an action packed Bay Sportsmed Bowl game on Saturday. Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers were at home to Cafe Ephesus Rotorua United. Rangers started out very strongly. After ten minutes Jaiden Ibbetson and Ben McPherson had both hit the woodwork and a great strike from 25 metres by Jordan Ogilvy had been brilliantly saved by the Rotorua keeper. However, Rotorua rode their luck and hung on. After half an hour a rare Rotorua attack bore fruit, the ball was bouncing in front of the Rangers goal and they scored from a header. At the other end three minutes later, a well hit free kick was headed into his own goal by a Rotorua defender. Soon afterwards Ben Howe gave a nice chip back to Christian Wetting, playing on the field for this game, and he buried it in the net. Rangers had their lead for one minute with the visitors creating a nice goal. At half time the score was 2 - 2.
The second half started with both teams having a reasonably even share of territory. The quick attacks by Rangers always were a threat however and after twenty minutes McPherson got the home team back in front. Five minutes later Ibbetson's pace got him through and he was brought down by the Rotorua keeper. The well performed keeper was red carded for his challenge and Wetting stepped up to slot home the resulting penalty.
To their credit, Rotorua kept attacking whenever they could and with one minute to go earned a penalty when a Rangers player handled the ball. The final score was Plains Rangers 4, Rotorua United 3.
Rangers had deservedly won their way through to the next round and impressed in their attacking play. Target man John Stephen was named player of the day. Joel Ogilvy and Wetting were others to stand out.
This Saturday Rangers are at home to Ngongotaha in the league.
On Sunday Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers Women were at home to Waikato Unicol in a Federation Plate game. Both teams had to contend with wind and rain but played some good football. Rangers had a good first half, but conceded twice. The second goal came after keeper Stacey Flintoff had pulled off a brilliant save but the rebound was bundled into the goal
In the second half Unicol had more of the possession, and went on to win 6 - 0. However, Rangers had put together some good moves. Gillian Green and Holly Davis were impressive in their tenacity up front. Player of the day Mary Collier and right back Julie Reihana were outstanding in defence.
This Sunday Rangers women are at home to Te Puke.