SLH Contracting Plains Rangers went to play Rotorua United with hopes of a good showing in the Bay Sports Centre Bowl on Saturday.
Both teams played with a good attacking will from the start and quite a few chances were created at both ends, but the defences held firm. At half time the score was 0 – 0. Early in the second half the home team took the lead. A free kick was curled to the far post and the Rotorua striker did well to bundle the ball in under a lot of pressure. Ten minutes later Rotorua doubled their lead when a well struck shot hit the arm of a Rangers defender. The referee decided it was a penalty, which was duly converted. Rangers pushed forward for the final twenty minutes and the pressure brought reward. A Jason Pullar corner was smacked into the net by Jordan Ogilvy to bring the score back to 2 – 1. Strikers Sione Lotu and Ben Howe caused quite a few problems with their good play and Lotu had a goal ruled out for offside after a very good team move. Rotorua hung on to their lead however and will go through to the Bowl semi finals.
Rangers were disappointed to drop out of the Bowl and will turn their attention back to the league. Defender Barrie Hawkes was named player of the day, with Jacob Heath and Ben Howe also impressing. This Saturday Rangers' men are away to Tauranga City.
Rangers' women had their game postponed due to ground conditions and next weekend have a bye scheduled.

.