A good sized crowd witnessed a gripping local derby at Awakeri on Saturday. Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers hosted Whakatane Town in BOP division one. The home team hit their straps from the kick off, producing some flowing football and early chances. The Whakatane keeper did well to turn away a well struck header from Caleb Hyndman, a Jono Whitaker header flew wide and the visitors were on the ropes. Whakatane fought their way back into the game, but Rangers were unlucky when an absolute rocket from Hyndman cannoned off the post and away to safety.
In the second half, the visitors gained more ball and it was a willing spectacle for the crowd. Several midfield tackles had the blood boiling and referee Michel Nillesen did well to keep a lid on proceedings. Ranger's best chance came when Hyndman looked to get on the end of a cross, and seemed to be pushed from behind, but no penalty was forthcoming. At the other end Rangers keeper Christian Wetting was called on several times and he pulled off one outstanding save to deny former Rangers player Matt Dalgity. The final score: Plains Rangers 0, Whakatane Town 0.
While both teams had the chances to pull off the win, neither team deserved to lose, so the draw was perhaps a fitting result. For Rangers, Mark Jeynes and Kirk Bain impressed in defence, but James Mitchell was named player of the day for his commitment and skilful showing up front. The Whakatane player of the day was Marcel de Boer.
This Saturday Rangers are away to Katikati, it being the first ever meeting between these two clubs.