On Saturday, SLH Contracting Plains Rangers were at home for the first time in a month. However the game against Papamoa Old Boys almost didn't go ahead due to the heavy ground conditions.
Rangers started the game very well, controlling possession and passing the ball around well to probe for openings. Rangers' midfield of James Hart, Petir Gray and Xavier Bain combined very well. However, the visitors held them out and after twenty minutes they began to do the same and it was the home team under pressure. Five minutes before half time a Papamoa attacker was fouled running into the penalty area. Referee Michel Nillesen awarded the penalty and it was converted well.
At half time player-coach Christian Wetting urged his team to add the little bit extra accuracy needed. Rangers responded straight after the break. Jaiden Ibbetson got round the defence on the right and pulled the ball back for Ryan Elliot to score. One minute later and Wetting himself claimed an assist when he launched a fierce clearance upfield which skipped off the wet surface. The Papamoa keeper could not hold onto the ball and Jordan Ogilvy reacted quickest to pounce on the ball, round the keeper and score. Rangers were now in front! The rest of the second half was a seesawing battle, with players often slipping at vital times as they strove to create the important next goal. In the end Rangers decided to protect their lead and saw the game through to the final whistle. Plains Rangers 2, Papamoa Old Boys 1.
This had been a grand contest, with good football despite the conditions. Afterwards Wetting named Barrie Hawkes 'player' of the day for his efforts on behalf of those who worked hard to get the field playable before the game started.
This Saturday Rangers have their final game of the round, before the league is split again. They are away to Otumoetai Special Reserve.

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