Plains Rangers had a winning weekend, with exciting away victories to both teams.
The men's team travelled to play Te Puke on Saturday, with the sunny calm conditions counteracted by the muddy, bumpy pitch. Rangers started out strongly and got on the scoresheet after only eight minutes. A move down the left involving Ian Gray and Ollie Fort led to striker Kobi Wetting going on a fine run, beating three defenders and slotting the ball from close range past the keeper. Two minutes later a Wetting freekick was tipped over the bar by the keeper, but soon after, Fort sent a delightful outside of the foot cross into the goalmouth, which was touched home by Ben McPherson. The home team fought back and tried to make a game of it and midway through the half, they were awarded a penalty when referee Grant Webber spotted a push when a corner kick was coming over. However, the home team didn't make the most of it, by blasting the spot kick wide. In the aftermath, Rangers centre midfielder Hamish Wilde was sent to the sinbin. Four minutes before half time Te Puke did get their goal, after a speedy break down the left flank and a good shot. Wilde came back onto the field, in the striking position and was immediately in the play. Alex Boyce fed him the ball and his shot was saved, but the clearance was claimed by Ben McPherson, who sent it in to Wilde to tap home from close range. At the break, Rangers led 3 – 1.
Player-coach Christian Wetting set his team the task of focussing on good football for the second half. Te Puke pushed for another goal, but only ended up with a player in the sinbin and another injured after a collision with Rangers defender Teimana Awhimate. Joseph Spalding was having a fine game in the Rangers' midfield alongside the calming influence of captain Jimmy Hart. Spalding was put through and forced a good save from the Te Puke keeper. Five minutes later, Spalding drove at the defence and fed Wilde, who turned well in the box to fire home a shot. With fifteen minutes to go, Te Puke realised it would not be their day, when the play went from them hitting the post with the goal at their mercy, to Rangers racing away through Ronan Mitchell, who crossed the ball in. Ryan Elliot stepped over the cross and Wilde blasted it in, to claim a hat-trick. The final score: Te Puke 1, Plains Rangers 5.
Rangers would be pleased to score five goals for the first time this season, and the first hat-trick of the season. Wilde was named player of the day, with Hart, Spalding and Kobi Wetting also having fine games. This Saturday Rangers men are at home to Katikati, in the last game before the league is split. Kick-off at the Edgecumbe Domain is at 2.30pm.
Plains Rangers women hit the road to Neil Hunt Park on Sunday and returned victorious after a fiery 3 – 2 win against Waiariki that had it all: early goals, defensive brilliance, and a whole lot of heart (plus the usual injury drama for good measure). Rangers wasted no time making an impact, with Lucy Cox-Ellison finding the back of the net in just the 11th minute, calmly finishing off a slick assist from Shani McPherson. The team played with energy and purpose, controlling the tempo throughout the first half.
Just three minutes into the second half, Cox-Ellison struck again. This time, it was a brilliant team goal that started with a patient recycle from the backline, pushing all the way forward until Lucy tucked it away for her second of the day. Waiariki fought back with two second-half goals, but Rangers refused to let the match slip. In the 80th minute, Mariah Pepper stepped up with a rocket of a shot that left the home keeper no chance, sealing a much-deserved win for the visitors.
At the back, player of the day Danielle Giordano was a fortress: calm under pressure and rock solid all game. Alongside her Rose Sinkinson was fearless as ever, delivering some cracking slide tackles and keeping things tidy in the backline. And let's not forget Sarah Sinkinson, who despite being slightly worse for wear after a big night tore up the wing with her usual flair and pace. Despite a few groin and quad niggles flaring up across the team, the style and grit was still there causing trouble for the opposition all day long. Jenna Hines had glue on her gloves and ice in her veins pulling off some outrageous saves like it was just another day in the office. Waiariki tried their luck, but she said, "Not today, babes." Even with two damaged quads Danielle Haldane still managed to play her gutsy shift in midfield, pushing through like an absolute trooper. The team narrowly missed out on a penalty goal thanks to a solid save by the home keeper. But the fight never faded. This was a game full of grit, guts, and team spirit. Rangers dug deep, stayed composed, and delivered the result they worked so hard for. A massive win and one to be proud of. Bring on the next one!
This Sunday, Rangers women are at home, to high-flying Lakes FC from Rotorua. Kick off at the Edgecumbe Domain is at 12.30pm.
Thanks very much Dani Howard for the women's report.

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