Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers were at home to Taupo A in BOP division one on Saturday. As usual, the pitch was hard and lumpy, but both teams tried to play good football and an entertaining game developed.
Rangers started well and had the better of the opening half hour. Daniel Overdevest went close to converting a corner with a header after a period of concerted pressure. After half an hour, a Taupo break out had defender Kirk Bain having to clear the ball off the line. Rangers then unfortunately lost Jordan Ogilvy to injury. At half time the game was locked up at 0 - 0.
The visitors gradually gained the upper hand in the second half, although Rangers went close to opening the scoring. Captain Ben McPherson was put through and the Taupo keeper made a good save and the rebound was put agonizingly wide. With ten minutes to go, Taupo grabbed a winner, with a well placed shot that Rangers' keeper Mike Dahl couldn't keep out. The final score was Plains Rangers 0, Taupo A 1.
Overdevest was named player of the day for a determined effort in the midfield. Patrick Lambert and Ben Howe also impressed. This Saturday Rangers men are off to Taupo, to play the Taupo Lakers side.
On Sunday Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers were at home to Papamoa in the Federation Plate. Rangers put in a very good first half, and were behind 1 - 0. Papamoa eventually ended up winning 4 - 0. Rangers' player of the day was defender Kine Boee, who used her speed and defensive skills impressively.
This Sunday the two sides meet again at Awakeri, this time in a BOP league fixture.