Plains Rangers hosted Rotorua United on Saturday, with several players that were missing in last week's loss returning to the line-up. Rangers soon gained the better share of possession, but didn't really string their moves together consistently in the first half. However, a well-judged pass from captain Jimmy Hart put Sione Lotu into space and he scored an excellent solo goal, finishing from a tight angle. On the half hour Phil Ballingall increased the home team's lead with a tap in following a goalmouth melee. At half time player-coach Christian Wetting impressed on his team to play better football.
Fifteen minutes after the restart Hamish Wilde found David Wakelin in the box and he scored a good goal. Rangers passed the ball around very well, but the visitors also put some nice football together when they could, making it a good watch for the spectators. The introduction of the talented Kaleb Muggeridge on the left flank made a big difference to the pressure the home team exerted on the visitors. A Jimmy Hart freekick beat the wall and the despairing Rotorua keeper and late in the game Edison Indarte scored with a brave header at the far post. The final score: Plains Rangers 5, Rotorua United 0.
The game was played in good spirit. Earle Tuhimata was named player of the day for Rangers after an excellent showing in the creative part of the midfield, while the Rotorua goalkeeper was their deserving recipient.
This Saturday Plains Rangers are home again, this time to Ngongotaha. Kickoff at the Edgecumbe Domain is at 2 pm.

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