A good start was not enough for Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers on Saturday, with injuries, sickness and ill-discipline conspiring against them.
Rangers hosted unbeaten Taupo Nui-a-Tia in BOP 3rd division and started the game well. Some good passing and fluid attacks put pressure on the visiting defence, who gave away a penalty, which Aaron Muggeridge converted coolly. Muggeridge put the home team further ahead midway through the half with some neat footwork inside the box before slotting home with his left foot. Taupo got back into the game late in the half with a fast break through the middle and a good finish. Rangers were unlucky to lose captain Richie Nillesen to injury at the half time break, replaced by the flu-ridden Bas Overdevest. In-form striker Muggeridge limped off shortly after the break. Taupo were well into the game and equalised. Rangers then lost Dylan Arthur, red carded and Harley de Lacy, dismissed for a second yellow card, and struggled to contain their confident visitors. Taupo took control to win 5 - 2 with three goals in the last twenty minutes.
Rangers did have some strong performers on the day, notably right back Scott Gallop and player of the day Simon Gowing, whose work in the unaccustomed centre midfield position was tireless.
This come Saturday Rangers are away to Opotiki.