A full on local derby opened the season for Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers when they hosted Whakatane in BOP division two on Saturday.
Rangers made a jittery start before they settled into a rhythm. A hard fought battle was waged in the midfield throughout, with opposing captains Richie Nillesen and Paul Julian prominent. Rangers started making headway down their wings, and some good work from Simon Gowing gave Ben McPherson a chance from 20 metres which cannoned off the Whakatane goalpost and away. McPherson had a snap shot ten minutes later, which also smacked into the post and was cleared. Late in the half a quick Whakatane attack paid dividends with Matt Dalgity perfectly weighting a lob over the advancing Rangers keeper to score.
After the interval, Rangers were determined to keep playing good football and they certainly gained the advantage in terms of territory. The tiring Whakatane team dropped deeper to protect their lead and Rangers had a number of corners. One of these rebounded out and a Barrie Hawkes shot thudded into Shane McConnell's arm and a penalty was awarded. McPherson scored with a well placed shot to even the scores. Rangers pressed for the winner. A Jeremy Hawkes shot went under Whakatane keeper Paul Shakes but was hooked away off the line, and a McPherson backheader went agonisingly close. However the final whistle came, the score Plains Rangers 1, Whakatane 1.
Both teams were happy enough with the point earned, though Rangers will feel that they were within a whisker of the win.
Players to shine included stalwart Bas Overdevest, and debutants Ben McPherson and Kyle Knight.
This coming Saturday Rangers are at home again, to Greerton. Kick off at the Edgecumbe Domain is at 2 pm.