On Saturday Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers were at home to Te Puke in BOP division one. Te Puke are a skilful side who play fast attacking football so Rangers knew it would be a test.
The visitors started well, putting runners through from the midfield and got in front after ten minutes with a well constructed goal. Soon after, Rangers were close to an equaliser, with a good shot from Dean Butterworth bouncing off the cross bar. Te Puke kept up the pressure however and after twenty minutes and then thirty minutes had the ball in the Rangers' net. At half time the visitors led 3 - 0.
Rangers took the game to Te Puke after the break and created some decent chances. James Krause got a break away but a defender just managed to block his shot. Simon Ruiter put a header just wide from the resulting corner. Te Puke however didn't stop trying to extend their lead. After twenty five minutes, one of their Brazilian strikers was fouled in the penalty area. However keeper Mike Dahl made a good save to keep out the penalty. Ruiter went close with another header shortly after, but Te Puke hung onto their lead for a deserved 3 - 0 win.
Rangers played some good football during the game and will hope to build on that with the second round of the league starting this week. Dean Butterworth was named player of the day for his graft in midfield. Kirk Bain was in excellent form in defence too. Rangers are away to Otumoetai this Saturday.