Last weekend the Awakeri Sportsfield staged its first local derbies for the season.
Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers were at home to Kawerau Town in BOP division one. Rain made the hard bumpy surface into an interesting challenge, but both teams adapted well and within minutes there were chances at both ends. As time went by, Rangers got the upper hand with some good passing football and on the half hour Ben Howe scored, following some concerted pressure. Kawerau rearranged their lineup, bringing Hamiora Awhimate out of defence and into attack. This paid dividends seven minutes later, when he scored with a stronger header. Late in the half Rangers substitute Mark Jeynes put a shot just over the bar. At half time the scores were locked at 1 - 1.
The second half was even to start with, Robbie Mitchell missed a good chance for Kawerau, then the Kawerau keeper was smartly off his line to deny Howe a second goal. However, Kawerau held their shape better than the home team and midway through the half, they scored twice in quick succession to earn a 3 - 1 win.
Player-coach Kirk Bain led by example for Rangers, putting in an excellent performance. Patrick Lambert was named player of the day for his work in the midfield. Hamiora Awhimate earned the plaudits for the victors. The game was played in competitive, but excellent spirit, with referee Matt Mindham doing a good job in the middle.
This Saturday Rangers have a trip to visit league leaders Katikati, who have started the season by scoring 23 goals in three games!
On Sunday Awakeri hosted a women's local derby, with Whakatane Town the visitors to play Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers. The talented Whakatane team made a strong start and were six nil up at half time. However, Rangers dug in and held them out until midway through the second half. The final score was 10 - 0 to Whakatane.
Rangers competed well throughout, with Kate Simons named player of the day. Others to impress included Tiffany Walter and Kine Boee. Norm Howe did his usual fine job of controlling the game. This Sunday Rangers' women are at home to Te Puke.