Even Tauranga's traffic problems joined in making life difficult for Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers when they visited Otumoetai on Saturday. Rangers had to kick off into a strong wind with a reshuffled line-up, with two players stuck in traffic delays. Rangers were already two goals down, when goalkeeper Christan Wetting was finally able to join the fray. The home team used the wind to advantage and scored four times before half time, with Rangers replying once through Simon Gowing's determined play.
Rangers determined to keep playing good football in the second half and were immediately rewarded. A Jeremy Hawkes cross was well controlled by captain Richie Nillesen and rammed home. Jono Whitaker then pounced on the loosed ball when the Otumoetai keeper spilled a Nillesen freekick, to bring Rangers right back into contention. Hawkes was the next scorer before Nillesen rounded off a hat-trick with a quickly taken free-kick and a thunderous half volley. The home team was shell shocked by this onslaught and relieved to hear the final whistle. The final score was Otumoetai 4 Plains Rangers 6.
This Saturday Rangers will have to be at their best to compete with the AFC Fury team, away at Te Puna.