The lopsided score line did not reflect the entertaining game between hosts Tauranga Boys College and Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers on Saturday.
The Tauranga pitch was already a sea of mud, with rain falling, before kick off. The College team, fresh from a win over league co-leaders Te Puke the week before, started well, with their knowledge of local conditions an advantage. It wasn't long before their striker was chopped down, racing after a through ball and the resultant penalty converted. However, Rangers brought themselves more and more into the game, with Richard Nillesen and Bas Overdevest controlling the midfield. Overdevest eventually evened the scores up with a well placed header. However, just before half time, the hosts retook the lead with a fiercely struck shot giving keeper Jono Whitaker no chance.
In the second half both teams played some good attacking football, creating chances at both ends of the pitch. The College team took theirs well, and although Rangers went close a number of times, the score blew out to a 5 - 1 win to the home team.
For Rangers, defender Scott Geddes was in top form, and substitute striker Jordan Ogilvy made a good impact with his hard running. The game was well controlled by referee Colin Harrison.
Rangers now have an extra week to reflect on their game, with no match scheduled for this Saturday.