On Saturday Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers had the long trip to play Taupo Lakers away. Rangers had a small squad able to make the trip, but they put in a determined effort. The home team settled in well and opened the scoring after twenty minutes. Rangers used their speed on the flanks to cause problems. Left winger Jacob Heath had a shot tipped onto the bar by the Taupo keeper. A good team move brought Rangers level. Ben McPherson got to the line and pulled a good cross back across goal for Barrie Hawkes to score. However, Taupo caught Rangers napping and a solid team move on their part had them back in front minutes later. At half time it was 2 - 1 to the home team.
Taupo struck again after the interval to extend their lead. The introduction of Kirk Bain brought a lift in Rangers' play and the Taupo keeper did well to keep McPherson out on two likely raids. Late in the day Rangers keeper Mike Dahl was judged to have handled the ball out of his area and Taupo scored from the free kick. The final score of 4 - 1 probably flattered the home team.
Hawkes was named player of the day. Others in top form included Jacob Heath and Patrick Lambert. This Saturday Rangers are at home to the unbeaten Tauranga City Relics team. Kick off at Awakeri is at 2.30pm.
On Sunday Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers women were at home to Papamoa. It took twenty minutes before Papamoa broke through some determined Rangers defence. Kate Simons got the home team supporters hopeful when she got through on a good run, but ex-Rangers keeper Stacey Flintoff covered the shot. Papamoa went on to lead 3 - 0 at the break, and later they took advantage of some tiring legs to win 9 - 0.
Tiffany Walter was Rangers player of the day. Gillian Green and Julie Reihana also impressed.
This Sunday it is Rangers women's turn to travel to play Taupo.