Plains Rangers travelled to play Otumoetai in BOP division one on Saturday. Otumoetai are in a tight battle for second and third place in the league and were sure to be a tough task. Rangers started out well, and despite a couple of scares, gained control in the midfield for a while. After thirty minutes Rangers got their noses in front. A good cross from right wing Petir Gray came across to Rangers' captain James Hart who volleyed it home. Rangers were rocked five minutes later when an Otumoetai striker got through into the goal area and slipped trying to round the keeper. However, the referee judged a penalty was to be awarded. It was duly dispatched and the home team scored another break away just before the break to have a narrow lead.
The second half was not so even though. Injury forced off Rangers centre back Peter Kirkbride and the home team scored two quick goals as the Rangers defence reorganised itself. Otumoetai had a strong wind at their backs and Rangers had to fight hard to get up onto attack. Rangers did win a few corners but that was as close as they got, and in the end it was Otumoetai 6, Plains Rangers 1.
Rangers' player of the day was left back Husnul Gray, who coped well in a busy game. This weekend Rangers men have a chance to recover from injuries as their game was rescheduled till later in September. Rangers' women have a home game on Sunday against Ngongotaha, kick off at 12.30pm.

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