A strong cold wind blowing straight down the park would make it tough for any visitors to Taupo. Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers battled into it in the first half in their BOP division three fixture on Saturday. For the most part Rangers defended well and played some good short passing football. However Taupo got their noses in front when a midfielder broke through to score.
With the wind at their backs Rangers had a lot more of the play after the break. Richie Nillesen went tantalisingly close, his low drive just wide. A great pass from Harley de Lacy put Jeremy Hawkes through and his goal bound shot was brilliantly saved by the home team keeper, diving to fingertip it wide of the post. However with fifteen minutes to go Taupo sewed the game up with a goal at the far post from a cross. Rangers were to get no reward for some good passing through the midfield in particular, with Taupo winning the game 2 - 0.
Jason Pullar's steady work at the heart of the Rangers defence earned him player of the day. This Saturday Rangers have the bye as the knock-out Tasman Bowl has its first round.