After it looked like Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers wouldn't be able to field a men's team this season, a much changed Rangers lineup did take the field on Saturday.
Otumoetai were the visitors to Awakeri and they had a good opening, nearly scoring with a header in their first raid. However, Rangers got into the game. Ben McPherson put across a good ball and Matt Dalgity went close with a header. Both teams attacked well. Young Sam McPherson did well to clear an Otumoetai attack off his goal line. The visitors opened the scoring after 25 minutes, with a fast break out from defence, and scored with a header. Just before the break, Otumoetai doubled their lead, when the ball was not cleared from the Rangers goalmouth and a strong shot beat keeper Mike Dahl.
Rangers had a good spell for the first period of the second half, keeping the visitors pinned back in their own half. The home team went close several times. However, Otumoetai were always dangerous on the break and went on the take the game 5 - 1. Rangers deservedly got on the score sheet through player of the day Jacob Heath, who scored with a back post header from a Ben McPherson cross.
The football would have pleased coach Kirk Bain after he worked hard to bring together a squad in the last two weeks. Daniel Overdevest was a strong presence in the midfield, Grahame Sims controlled the back line well and Matt Dalgity worked hard up front.
This Saturday Rangers have a home game against Ngongotaha. Kick off at Awakeri will be at 2.30pm.