A sunny Fergusson Park was the venue for the Bay Sportsmed Bowl final on Saturday between Papamoa and SLH Contracting Plains Rangers. While Papamoa lie well up the BOP division two table, in second place, and Rangers are in the bottom half of the table, Rangers player-coach Christian Wetting had been planning his team's strategies for weeks for the game.
Papamoa launched their expected assault at the outset, using their speedy forwards and the wind at their backs to attack the Rangers goal. However, Rangers coped well and then shocked their opponent. Five minutes into the game Rangers built up down their left and then passed the ball across the Papamoa penalty area, out to right winger Petir Gary who fed striker Andy Willis. Willis turned well and slotted the ball past the keeper. Papamoa redoubled their attacks, but their strategy of sending through-balls for their strikers was countered by Rangers keeper Wetting, who was quick off his line to mop them up. He did however have to make a brilliant double save to keep out a likely attack midway through the half. Rangers played some nice football through the midfield and up front Josh Cozens did a fine job of pressurizing the Papamoa defence. At half time, the score was Rangers 1 Papamoa 0.
The second half continued with a similar pattern for ten minutes, and then a Rangers attack brought further reward. Willis headed across the box with the ball and was pushed over. Penalty! Andy Willis got up to bury the ball in the net. As the half wore on, Papamoa became increasingly frustrated and there were some physical challenges, but referee Darrin Beatty did a good job of controlling the play. Rangers thwarted the Papamoa attacks with Wetting in supreme form in goal, and a determined defensive effort. Rangers were always in with a chance of extending their lead as Papamoa took risks to try and get back into the game. The final score Plains Rangers 2, Papamoa 0.
The Rangers squad and supporters were delighted to hold the trophy aloft. While veteran defender Barrie Hawkes was named player of the day, it was a total team effort with everyone doing their jobs superbly.
This Saturday Rangers play their second last game of the season when they host Old Blues. Kick off at Awakeri is at 2.30pm.