Silverware for the trophy cabinet was the thrilling outcome of Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers' efforts on Saturday. Rangers met host club Kawerau Town in the Tasman Bowl final before a good crowd.
Rangers took quite a while to settle in the first half, their usual good touch deserting them and too often the ball was given to their keen opponents. Late in the half Rangers began to play with some authority and Bas Overdevest went very close after bringing down a high cross with some superb control.
In the second spell Rangers' passes began to stick and they kept the pressure on Kawerau. Aaron Muggeridge had a couple of half chances. Final the goal arrived, and what a goal. Jeremy Hawkes swung a good corner over and Harley de Lacy timed his jump perfectly at the near post, to power a header into the net. The Rangers supporters erupted on the sideline. Rangers then controlled the play well, denying the home team any chance of coming back. De Lacy wrapped the game up, bundling a defender off the ball in the penalty area and blasting it home. The result: Kawerau 0 Plains Rangers 2.
Coach Brendon Cusack was very pleased with the success. He acknowledged the support of the team's sponsors (Gary Fowell Builders, Little Orchard Pre-School and Norske Skog Tasman), who were all in attendance, before naming de Lacy player of the day and singling out defender Kirk Bain for a top game.
This Saturday Rangers are at home to Te Puke in a BOP div three match. Kick-off is likely to be at 2 pm at the Edgecumbe Domain.