Good football in patches was the best Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers could manage in their first ever game against Katikati on Saturday. Rangers started the game very brightly and some slick passing on the bumpy pitch hardly gave the hosts a look in. However Rangers failed to deliver a killer blow and Katikati started to make inroads, mostly feeding off Rangers errors. At half time the score was 0 - 0.
After the interval, Rangers again stepped up the game and put in some useful raids down the wings. Rangers' best chance was a well struck shot from captain Richard Nillesen, which beat keeper Aaron Searle, but rebounded off the crossbar. Katikati were also in a determined mood and had some good moments, with Kirk Bain and Scott Geddes needing to make timely interventions to keep them out. The game ended Katikati 0, Plains Rangers 0.
The second successive draw was a frustration for Rangers, but probably a fair reflection of the game. Barrie Hawkes was named player of the day for his gritty defence. This coming Saturday Rangers are at home to Opotiki. Kick-off at Awakeri is likely to be at 2.30 pm.