SLH Contracting Plains Rangers travelled to play Otumoetai Legends in the Bay Sports Centre Cup on Saturday, determined to put in a better showing than they had the previous week against the same opponents in the league.
Rangers started shakily, with some misplaced passes giving their hosts some openings. However no goals were scored and Rangers were able to start to settle. However, a series of injuries caused three substitutions in the first half, which proved disruptive. Late in the half Rangers' keeper Christian Wetting pulled off a fine double save. This was followed by his team's best chance of the half. Substitute Chris Butler touched the ball through for Petir Gray who rounded the Otumoetai keeper but a defender got back to clear his shot off the line. At half time the score was nil all.
Rangers had their game going quite well in the second half, but were undone when an underhit back pass was intercepted and Otumoetai opened the scoring. The game was evenly fought through the second half and with ten minutes to go, good work from Hamish Wilde and Petir Gray opened a chance for Ben Howe. He hit a super strike from twenty metres, placing it beyond the keeper's reach.
The 1 – 1 score at full time meant the game went into extra time. Again, this was evenly fought until near the end of the first period when a ball was put through the centre of the Rangers defence and the home team scored. Try as they might Rangers couldn't get another equaliser and the game ended 2 – 1 to Otumoetai.
Player of the day for Rangers was Jaiden Ibbetson, who energised the midfield when he came on, getting through a power of work.
This Saturday Rangers are at home in a local derby against league leaders Whakatane Town. Kick off at Awakeri is at 2pm.
On Sunday Plains Rangers women hosted Otumoetai at Awakeri. It was an even hard fought game, nil all at half time. The visitors opened the scoring in the second half with a nice header and then doubled their lead with a long range shot. Rangers certainly had their chances too. Late in the game a good ball from Shayna Penberth found player of the day Jenny McIntyre. Her well struck shot was brilliantly saved by the Otumoetai keeper. The final score was 2 – 0 to Otumoetai. McIntyre's 90 minute effort was impressive, others to impress included Sam Burr, Caitlin Stuckey and keeper Joe Ingle.
This Sunday Rangers women are at home to Te Puke.

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