A horror first twenty minutes cost SLH Contracting Plains Rangers any chance of getting something from their game against high flying Tauranga City in BOP division one on Saturday. Rangers started the game at Links Avenue with a much changed lineup from the previous week. It did not take long for the home team to pounce. One of their strikers was brought down in the box on their first attack and the resulting penalty was dispatched. Tauranga City continued to play good football and put the visitors to the sword, scoring three more times in the first twenty minutes. Late in the half Rangers managed to start playing with better control and put some pressure back on the hosts. A free kick from Jason Pullar was bundled home by the talented Petir Gray and Rangers heads started to lift.
Soon after half time however, another penalty was conceded, this time for a hand ball, and it was duly converted. The rest of the second half was a more evenly contested affair, with Tauranga City only scoring once more, late in the game. The final score was Tauranga City 6, Plains Rangers 1.
Petir Gray was named player of the day for Rangers. He constantly caused problems for the strong home team with his good control, reading of the game and passing skills.
At this stage Rangers men have no game scheduled for this Saturday, which has Bay Sports Centre Cup and Bowl semi finals as the focus. Rangers women are away to Ngongotaha in their first game for several weeks, following a default, a postponement and a bye.

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