Plains Rangers men had a day to forget on Saturday when they travelled to play Otumoetai Special Reserve, who were one place above them on the table. Despite missing several regulars, Rangers put in a very good first twenty minutes, passing the ball around confidently and controlling the game. Shane Baillie putting a volley just over the crossbar was as close as Rangers got to turning the pressure into a goal. The home team upped their game and forced the visitors into rushing their passes. Matt Dalgity did well to block a shot, then Otumoetai hit the post after a goalmouth scramble. Late in the half a poor pass out from the back was intercepted by an Otumoetai striker and he opened the scoring. The score was 1 – 0 at the break.
Rangers were determined to get their game flowing in the second half, but the earlier linking play had vanished. The game was decided with a flurry of action in the final fifteen minutes. A home team striker got away from the makeshift Rangers defence, who all appealed for what looked like an obvious off-side. Rangers' keeper Josiah Atkinson made a good save but the rebound was bundled home. Soon afterwards lively Rangers midfielder Elijah Wetting had a chance and couldn't quite get his shot on target. Otumoetai grabbed another goal with seven minutes to go, and Rangers were denied the chance for a consolation goal when Ben McPherson had his feet taken out by a defender, but the free kick was awarded outside the penalty area. The final score Otumoetai 3, Rangers men 0.
Rangers will hope to make up for it when they host Waiariki at Edgecumbe this Saturday.

Plains Rangers women made up for their men with a good win at home to Papamoa Icons on Sunday.
Rangers knew it wasn't going to be an easy game, despite the lovely weather. The team got some passing patterns happening and took the ball up the field well, but the finishing was lacking. After much patience Rangers did manage to get a goal. It was a stunner, Danielle Haldane hit it from outside the 18-yard box off her left foot. Half time rolled round and Papamoa came out fighting and scored a goal, but Rangers replicated it with a runaway by Dani Howard to regain the lead. The final score: Rangers women 2, Papamoa 1. The player of the day was Danielle Haldane. Big thanks also to Katie Mahy and Sarah Sheaff for being the goalies week in week out. They make a big contribution in the goal and also on the field as well.
This Sunday, Rangers women face a big test away to Te Puke, who are second on the table.

Ranee's report:

Us vs Papamoa Icons 2-1
Beautiful day to be playing soccer today.
We knew it wasn't going to be an easy game today, we went out fighting. We did manage to get some passing patterns happening and got the ball to the other end of the field, just missed a bit on our finishing. A big thanks to Katie Mahy and Sarah Sheaff for being our goalies week in week out. It is very much appreciated very Sunday, you girls not only have an impact in the goal but also on the field as well. After much patience we did manage to get a goal, a stunner of a goal from Danielle Haldane from outside the 18 yard box off the left foot. Half time rolled round and Papamoa came out fighting and scored a goal but we replicated it with a runaway by Dani Howard and managed to nab the goal. Player of the day goes to Danielle Haldane, well done you little beauty.
Rest up the aches and pains ladies it was definitely a tuff one we played and see you all at training Wednesday night.

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