The Sponsors' Challenge was a fitting end to the football season for Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers as they took on Pullar Builders Whakatane Town on Saturday. A good crowd turned up to enjoy the contest and were vocal in their contribution.
Rangers started brightly and had several attacks early on. Ranger's player-coach Christian Wetting pulled off a top drawer save to deny a Carwyn Evans header. However, Evans was not to be denied and scored with a well placed opportunist shot after fifteen minutes. Whakatane got into their stride and used good movement and passing when in possession. Late in the half Rangers had the bad luck to lose their sweeper Kirk Bain to injury.
The rest of the game was well fought, played in good spirit and kept the crowd entertained. Rangers went close several times, with the best chance falling to comeback striker Caleb Hyndman. However, Whakatane's attacks were often well constructed and eventually they secured a 4 - 0 win, with Evans the scorer of all four.
After the match Wetting said he was pleased with his side's commitment on the field. He also paid tribute to departing centre back Scott Geddes who heads back to Canada next week.
Rangers hold their club break-up and prize giving on Friday 10 October.