Plains Rangers Edgecumbe turned the tables on their local rivals Kawerau in BOP division one on Saturday.
Rangers were smarting from a first round home defeat and put together a determined performance. An early run from Richard Nillesen drew the Kawerau defence and he slipped the ball to a rampaging Bas Overdevest, who slotted past the keeper to open the scoring. Nillesen had two more noteworthy strikes shortly after, one bringing a fine save from the Kawerau keeper. In between times Rangers had a couple of scares, Jason Pullar getting back to stop one likely effort. Midway through the half, a Rangers corner was poorly cleared, and Overdevest latched onto it. He hit it from 30m, and it sailed into goal.
Kawerau piled on the pressure for the rest of the half, launching a series of crosses, but somehow not being able to turn them in. At half time the score was Kawerau 0, Plains Rangers 2.
The second half was a reasonably even affair. Kawerau's main tactic was chipping the ball over the defence. However, Harley de Lacy was in superb form as sweeper and he mopped these threats up well. Up front Dan Logan was causing lots of trouble for the Kawerau defence. On one run, he defeated two markers and was brought down in the penalty area. Logan slotted the resulting kick and Rangers knew the game was safe. In the final minutes the home team threw everything at Rangers and was rewarded with a consolation goal, a nice header from close range. Kirk Bain did well to kick another late effort off the line and keep the final score Kawerau 1, Plains Rangers 3.
Rangers will be pleased with this positive start to the second round and the sound team effort. Player-coach David Dennis was named player of the day.
This Saturday, Rangers are at home to Otumoetai, who will be smarting from their loss to bottom team Whakatane.