Plains Rangers got their season going in Bay One on Saturday. They travelled down to Taupo with a strong line up. The home team scored first with a good header. However, Rangers played good football throughout and the introduction of a couple of subs made an impact. Ronan Mitchell came on with thirty minutes to go. His shot set up an own goal to get Rangers level. Late in the game the Taupo keeper parried Jaiden Ibbetson's powerful shot, but sub Andy Willis was on hand to put it away. Keeper Christian Wetting made a vital late save to tip a header over the bar and preserve the 2 - 1 score, a well deserved win. Left back Kirk Bain was player of the day.
Rangers have one more league game before their home Chatham Cup fixture against HNK Auckland on Saturday 28th April. This will only be the second time Rangers have entered the historic cup competition, the last time being in 2008.
This Saturday Rangers' men have their first home game, against Tauranga City. Kick off at Awakeri is at 2pm.
In the Bay Women's league Rangers women were at home to Tauranga City.
Rangers held their visitors off well in the first half, with the score nil all at half time. Rangers put some good passing together and created some close calls in the Tauranga goal mouth. In the second half the home team lost themselves for a bit and the visitors took advantage to come away with three goals. Rangers kept on their battle but the final score was Rangers 0, Tauranga City 3.
There were good performances from defender Emma Bradnock, striker Amber McKenzie, who had some strong runs and battling midfielder Jenny McIntyre. Player of the day went to Radhika Arulambalam, who had one of her best games in goal, pulling off some spectacular saves.
This Sunday Rangers women are away to Tauranga City's Federation team, which will be a difficult challenge.

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