Plains Rangers men showed lots of character in their action-packed game against Waiariki in Rotorua on Saturday. Rangers were missing six of their regular starting team, but organised themselves well to challenge their high-flying hosts. Rangers used a good passing style to take the attack to Waiariki, while the home team used through balls for their quick strikers as their main form of attack. Rangers got their game going well, with Kobi Wetting and Ben McPherson combining well in the centre midfield. Several early chances were created, with Alex Boyce putting in some useful crosses and Sione Lotu getting a few shots on goal. Jesse Meadows got in a good header from a Boyce cross, which was tipped over the bar by the keeper. A minute later a Waiariki fast break ended with the opening goal. Shortly afterwards Rangers bounced back. Lotu fed Elias Thomas who beat two defenders before setting up Meadows for a sidefoot finish. Ten minutes before halftime Rangers suffered a serious setback: powerful centreback Sam McPherson was carried off with a leg injury. This caused a reshuffle in an already makeshift defence. Waiariki put the pressure on. Stand-in keeper Elijah Wetting made a fine save from a close-range header. However, a minute before the break, Rangers didn't deal with a bouncing ball and the home team forward scored a nice goal to retake the lead for his team.
The halftime score was 2 – 1 to Waiariki. Rangers did another reshuffle, swapping Josiah Atkinson into goal for Wetting, who subbed into the defence. Ten minutes into the half Rangers equalised. Thomas, who had been teasing the home team with his tricky dribbling, was fouled. Kobi Wetting sent in the free kick which was put away by Ben McPherson at the far post. With ten minutes to go and players from both teams tiring and cramping up, Waiariki took the lead for a third time. The Rangers defence didn't clear the ball adequately and the loose ball was tucked away. The drama continued. Waiariki appealed for a penalty when a striker claimed to have been pushed. It was denied. Rangers swept back onto attack and gained a corner. Kobi Wetting sent it in and Anaaru Awhimate bundled it into the net. Waiariki tried hard to regain their lead and referee Neville Clout blew full time amidst further appeals for a penalty in the final minute. The final score was Waiariki 3, Plains Rangers 3.
Rangers had shown excellent character and resilience to come back three times to share the points. Sione Lotu was named player of the day for his non-stop work effort, but all the players contributed mightily. Ian Gray was called into the team for the first time this season and did a terrific job in the centre of defence. Ben McPherson, Kobi Wetting and Thomas were also outstanding in the midfield. This Saturday it doesn't get any easier, with Rangers home to league leaders Waipuna Rangers. Kick-off at Edgecumbe is at 2.30pm.
On Sunday, Plains Rangers women travelled to play their league leaders Tauranga City Wolves. While the weather was fine, the pitch was tricky to play on. Rangers knew it would be a tough game and took a while to get their game going. The home team scored three quick goals, but rather than fall over, Rangers became more determined. Dani Howard gave the Tauranga defence a few scares too.
In the second half Rangers played more as a team and produced some good football. Player of the day Howard dropped back into defence and had a brilliant game. Mariah Pepper was strong in defence too and Samantha Stewart impressed with her work in the backline and on the wing. The final score was Tauranga City 4, Rangers 0.
Rangers women will be pleased with their refusal to buckle against the strong home team. This Sunday Rangers women are at home to Papamoa Legends, who will also be quite a challenge. Kick-off at Edgecumbe is at 12.30pm
Ranee's report:
Us VS Tauranga City, 0-4
It was a nice day but a not so nice field to play on today.
We knew going into today's game that it will be a hard game to play against a top team.
I don't think we liked the early start to the day as we seemed to struggle in the first half, definitely wasn't our best performance. However we settled in and started to make some progress. Tauranga managed to get 3 quick goals in and after that you ladies said nope no more goals and got to work keeping them out. Come the second half we really started playing like we do; you all found your stride and it was a fantastic second half to watch. You played more as a team. Yes, it was tough game, yes, the field didn't help the cause, but you all made it to the end of the game and came away with a good score.
Mariah you have a great game in the back line today, getting your foot or body on the ball.
Sam you also had a great game in the back line then the wing in second half. You didn't let them push you around.
Player of the day goes to Dani, you started off as striker and made them panic in the back line, then come the second half you had a brilliant game in the centre back line.
Well done ladies on today's game and outcome. You should all be proud of yourselves.
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