SLH Contracting Plains Rangers played their Bay One game against Whakatane Reserves under lights in Whakatane on Thursday night. A good sized crowd lined the field, to enjoy the novelty of a midweek game, despite the dropping temperatures.
The game was a high tempo one as both sides worked hard to get the upper hand. After fifteen minutes the visitors went ahead. A good ball from captain Jaiden Ibbetson put midfielder Xavier Bain through the defence and he scored with a good strike. The game was evenly fought until late in the half when Jordan Ogilvy found Xavier Bain and he finished with a glorious shot to have Rangers 2 – 0 up at the break.
Player-coach Christian Wetting was not satisfied at half time though, he urged his team to not rush the play and have more control. Rangers did this well in the second half, with the foundation of a strong defence behind them.  Ten minutes into the half Jordan Ogilvy’s cross was met with a good header by striker Ben Howe, but the Whakatane keeper pulled off a good save. Midway through the half Ogilvy was again the provider, getting the ball to the line and pulling it back for Jaiden Ibbetson to score. Five minutes later young substitute striker Ronan Mitchell latched on to a Wetting bomb and his strong shot hit the post. With five minutes to go, good work from Ali Scott fed Jaiden Ibbetson the ball and his long shot got past the keeper to seal the win 4 – 0 for Rangers.
Rangers’ next game is the Bay Bowl semi-final away to Papamoa’s Bay Two team.

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