On Saturday, SLH Contracting Plains Rangers travelled to play Opotiki in BOP division two.
Rangers controlled quite a bit of the play in the first half but didn't create many openings, the home team defence did well. The game was 0 – 0 at the end of the half.
During the break Rangers player-coach Christian Wetting urged his team to be patient but to be more ruthless in front of goal. His players responded well. Ten minutes into the second half Rangers got ahead. Good interplay between Petir Gray and Jamaal James saw Gray head into the Opotiki penalty area, beating three players before slotting the ball into the net, an excellent solo goal. Rangers midfield were passing the ball around well and creating chances for the attackers. Jaiden Ibbetson took the ball forward and slipped a great pass for striker Ben Sexton to run onto, beat the keeper and score. Rangers were cruising at this point and Christian Wetting brought himself out of goal. Soon after, Wetting was put through with another good ball from the midfield. He showed good composure to draw the keeper and score. Opotiki, to their credit never gave up at any point and created some chances. Late in the game a massive clearance from their keeper led to Ian Linton scoring with a header from the edge of the penalty area. The game ended Opotiki 1, Plains Rangers 3.
Mike Johnstone was named player of the day for Rangers after a strong showing in the centre midfield. The focus for the Rangers team is now on their Bay Sportsmed Bowl final this coming Saturday. Rangers meet fellow division two side Papamoa, who also had a good warmup for the final with a 3 – 1 away win over the well organised Tauranga City team. The final is played at Otumoetai, kicking off at 12 noon, followed by the Bay Sportsmed Cup final between Otumoetai's BOP division one team and Tauranga City from division two.
On Sunday, Plains Rangers women were away to Kawerau Sports. Rangers did well in keeping Kawerau honest, playing with grit and determination and stringing some nice passes together. Kawerau led 1 - 0 at half time and two late goals saw the score end up at 4 - 0 to Kawerau. Libby Shove was named player of the day. Others to impress were Julie Reihana, Jenny McIntyre and keeper Joe Ingle. This Sunday Rangers women have their last league game of the season, away to Te Puke.

Ranee's more colourful report:
Great game out there today. We held them off for so long for them to score and we brought plenty of fight out as well and some great passes were put together as well. In the second half we were still playing great, still keeping the fight in us till the end. It was a great outcome for this game with the score we came away with, score being 4-0. Nice work out there Julie, Jenny, and nice work in the goal Joe. Congrats to Libby for getting player of the day you had a fantastic game out there today you sure did have for fight out there today. See you all at training Wednesday ladies.