The local derby between Plains Rangers Edgecumbe and Kawerau Town lived up to its billing on Saturday. Both teams were keen to preserve their standings in BOP div one when they met at the Edgecumbe Domain in front of a good crowd.
The game was played at full pace from the outset and it was the home team that created the first chances. Richie Nillesen leapt well to win a header at the edge of the Kawerau area, left wing Matt Ward headed it on towards goal and all watched, heart in mouth, as the ball just passed the outside of the post. Kawerau won a series of attacking freekicks, but they were unable to convert them, the ball sailing over the bar was the most common result. Rangers put some good moves together too; the crowd was well entertained, the score locked at nil all at half time.
The second half continued in the same vein, both teams putting the acid on each other. Finally luck went in favour of the league leaders. Another Kawerau freekick ended up in the Edgecumbe penalty area, an attacker's misskick was pounced on by Shaun McIlwain who stuck it in the Rangers goal. The home team kept up their work, a Barrie Hawkes drive just missed. Then some direct running by Dean Butterworth brought reward. He was brought down in the box and the hard working Rangers captain Jason Pullar stepped up to take the penalty. He converted it expertly and the scores were even. The battle continued. McIlwain put a delightful chip onto the top of the Rangers crossbar. James Mitchell put his shot over the top of the visitors' goal after being put through by a great Dan Logan pass. Logan did well to stay on his feet when tackled in the penalty area shortly after, when many might have tumbled and earned a penalty. In the end the score was fittingly locked at Plains Rangers 1, Kawerau Town 1.
This was a much improved performance by Rangers; the combinations were flowing as they needed to be, to deal with a strong Kawerau performance. Rangers captain Jason Pullar named Butterworth the player of the day, but it could easily have been Pullar himself. Left back Aaron Storey was the worthy recipient for Kawerau.
This Saturday Rangers are away to Otumoetai, in another testing encounter.