A bruising encounter entertained the crowd at the Edgecumbe Domain on Saturday when Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers met Te Puke in BOP division two.
Both sides put in plenty of physical challenges, with Rangers doing more defending in the first half. Te Puke worked the ball forward well through their midfield, but the Rangers defence, with keeper Christian Wetting sweeping up behind them, coped well in the main. Midway through the half a Te Puke attack finally got through and scored with a well angled shot. Rangers were dangerous on the break and were unlucky twice. Matt Bateson was sent free and drew the keeper but pulled his shot wide. A high ball into the Te Puke area caused panic and their keeper was lucky not to be noticed pulling Jono Whitaker back from the ball. A foot injury to Rangers captain Richie Nillesen late in the half did not help the cause, but Nillesen battled on valiantly. At half time Te Puke led 1 - 0.
As is their custom, Rangers came more and more into the game in the second half and were able to push forward. Some good looking moves were put together and a number of corners were won. Rangers welcomed influential midfielder Bas Overdevest into the fray and put pressure on through wingers Jeremy Hawkes and player of the day Ben McPherson. Te Puke held out, though they had a big fright in the final minute when a goal bound shot from Barrie Hawkes bounced away off a defender's arm. Rangers' penalty appeals were in vain. The final score Plains Rangers 0, Te Puke 1.
Te Puke were very pleased to have won this tough encounter, while Rangers will have to face an away trip to another of the leading teams, Taupo, this Saturday.