Sometimes the score just doesn't do a game justice. On Saturday SLH Contracting Plains Rangers men travelled to play the solid Katikati team in BOP division one.
Rangers had a rearranged line-up due to several absentees. However, they welcomed the return of striker Sione Lotu for his first ninety minutes of the year and the reappearance of James Hart after a few weeks away. It was a hard fought game and a really good battle for both teams. Lotu and player-coach Christian Wetting both came close to scoring with several chances in the first part of the game. The home team were awarded a rather dubious penalty after half an hour and took the lead. Katikati did score again with a well taken shot late in the half.
The Rangers defence, led by the unlikely figure of Hamish Wilde, did a good job. Rangers asked the home team a lot of questions and gave a good account of themselves, so the final score of Katikati 4, Rangers 0 was little indication. The home team was helped by a second penalty late in the game.
Wetting was pleased with how his team had performed. He named Sam Christieson player of the day for some good work receiving and laying off the ball. Others to impress included Levi Riri and Ranui Renata.
At this stage, it looks like Rangers men have no game this weekend. A curious draw in the Cup round sees the Cup playing quarterfinals, but the Bowl, which Rangers are in, not doing the same.
On Sunday, Plains Rangers women were at home in a catch up game against Otumoetai. Both teams will be in opposite halves of the split league which starts this Sunday. Rangers held out well for the first fifteen minutes before the visitors scored. Despite Otumoetai scoring at fairly regular intervals, Rangers also had quite a number of attacks. Their strikers Kiahli Ibbetson and Gemma Stuckey worked well together, with player of the day Ibbetson being unlucky not to score.
Rangers back line worked hard, with Sarah Boyce in top form. Behind them Jo Ingle was kept busy and did well. Saskia Scaddan also impressed with her work on the wing. The final score was Plains Rangers 0, Otumoetai 13.
Rangers' women will have to wait till the new draw comes out to find out who they are playing this weekend.

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