The score might sound like a one-sided contest, but the local derby between Kawerau Town and Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers on Saturday was anything but. A good crowd turned out at Tarawera Park to watch the BOP division one clash.
Plains Rangers settled into the game quickly and used some good combinations to keep the home team under pressure. Matt Dalgity had an early chance for Rangers, but it wasn't on target. After fifteen minutes a terrific shot from Rangers' player of the day Dean Butterworth brought a great save from the Kawerau keeper. After 25 minutes, the pressure from Rangers paid off. Keeper Simon Ruiter fed Dalgity, who passed to Butterworth. His through ball put Ben McPherson in and he calmly rounded the keeper to score. Kawerau were relying on the counterattack and after 30 minutes, Hamiora Awhimate got a break away and he did well to score under pressure. There was plenty of action just before half time. Kawerau were awarded a goal with Rangers appealing for offside. In injury time Rangers player coach Kirk Bain did well to block shots on the goal line, firstly with his head and then with his foot. At half time the score was 2 - 1 to the home team.
The hard fought battle continued after the break. McPherson had a goal ruled out for off side. After fifteen minutes Rangers appealed strongly for hand ball after a Kawerau defender appeared to block a shot with his arm. Play was waved on and the home team broke down field to score! Ten minutes later Robbie Mitchell ran 50 metres with the ball before finishing off with a goal to have Kawerau 4 - 1 ahead. Late goals saw the score blow out to 6 - 1, but it was little reflection of what had been a competitive and entertaining clash.
This weekend both teams are in the quarterfinals of the CNS Cup. Rangers are at home to Taupo A, while Kawerau host Te Puke.
On Sunday, Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers women were at home to Tauranga Old Blues. Old Blues had won 19 - 0 earlier in the season, but Rangers women put on a massively improved display to lose 6 - 0. The Rangers team were commited throughout, as exemplified by player of the day Ranee Whiteley, who put her body on the line in defence, and keeper Colleen Pryde who pulled off some excellent saves.
This Sunday Rangers women are due to travel to play Melville in Hamilton in the Federation Plate.