Plains Rangers football teams enjoyed their first competitive outings of the season, with both the BOP men's and women's leagues starting up at the weekend. Both teams had home games to kick off the season, with the sun streaming down and the pitch in quite good condition.
On Saturday, Rangers men were at home to Ngongotaha. The game was fairly scrappy to begin with, with the teams rusty in their play. The pattern settled after a while with Rangers using speed and mobility to launch attacks, while the visitors passed the ball around to try and hang onto possession. Late in the half the home team broke the deadlock. Young Kobi Wetting contested a ball in the air with a defender on the edge of the Ngongotaha goal area. The ball flicked forward and Ryan Elliot timed his run to guide the ball into the goal. Rangers led 1 – 0 at half time.
After the break, the visitors made inroads in their attacks, especially down their right flank. Rangers had a scare after fifteen minutes when a shot shaved the outside of their post. Two minutes later a good passing move led to a calm finish, despite the Rangers' defenders' suspicions of offside, to even the game up. The visitors had another big chance soon after, that they couldn't put in the net. The home team weathered the storm, with Teimana Awhimate strong in defence and keeper Elijah Wetting mopping up the through balls. Late in the game Rangers created a few chances to snatch victory, but the final score of a 1 – 1 draw was probably a fair result.
Elijah Wetting was named player of the match for his confident work between the sticks.
On Sunday Rangers women welcomed last season's champions Tauranga City Wolves to Edgecumbe. The game was reasonably even, with both sides having their turns on attack. Late in the first half the visitors scored after a fast break, to hold a 1 – 0 lead at the interval.
The visitors turned up the heat to try and make the game safe, but kept getting caught offside by not timing their runs. The Rangers defence also were strong, Rose Sinkinson showing the way, making several brave blocks. Fifteen minutes into the half, Megan Wait had a chance for the home team, following a good cross from Gemma Stuckey, but couldn't quite turn it in. Midway through the half, Rangers got an equaliser. A cross from captain Dee Haldane was volleyed by Stuckey in fine style into the net. The decent sized home crowd erupted, and enjoyed the rest of the battle as Rangers dug in to secure a meritorious 1 – 1 draw.
Fine work from goalkeeper Jenna McTague saw her share player of the day with the non-stop worker Mariah Pepper. Lucy Ozanne also impressed in her debut game for Rangers.
This weekend Rangers men are at home again against Papamoa, while on the Sunday Rangers women are away to Otumoetai.

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