Plains Rangers came back to Earth with a thud on Saturday. They travelled to play Otumoetai in BOP division one. The pitch was in good condition, considering the steady rain throughout.
The first half was a good arm wrestle. Rangers made good headway down the left with some decent passing moves. They won a series of attacking free kicks but couldn't make them pay. At the other end the home team's speedy striker kept the defence on its toes until he went off injured after a collision with Rangers' keeper Christian Wetting. The game was scoreless at half time and through until the 70th minute. Otumoetai had upped their game and used good passing to create chances, at the same time cutting off Rangers attempts. A long ball in found their striker unmarked in front of goal and he scored. In the following ten minutes, Rangers lost their composure and the home team went on to score twice more. It blew the score out to a 3 - 0 final tally although that might have flattered Otumoetai a little.
Player of the day for Rangers was James Hart, who played good composed football through the game.
Rangers women's game at Ngongotaha was postponed.
This Saturday Rangers men have the chance to make amends. In the Bay Sports Centre Cup they have been drawn away to play Otumoetai again!

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