Plains Rangers AFC
July 13th 2002 v Otumoetai (Div One)
Plains Rangers put up a valiant effort in their Tasman Cup clash away to Otumoetai on Saturday. The second division outfit were determined to put up a good showing against their first division opponents.
An early defensive error in the sticky conditions, gave the home team a chance to score and they took the opportunity well. Otumoetai kept the pressure on the Rangers side, which took a while to adapt to the faster paced game. However, Rangers stuck to their task, and grew in confidence as they found they could make good inroads passing the ball around. George Elliot make some good runs up the left wing and linked well with talented striker Ryan Wilson. The strength of the home team put plenty of pressure on though, and midway through the half, a cross was converted well at the far post to put Otumoetai two goals up. Plucky defence and midfield work kept them from further scoring till the break.
In the second half, Simon Ruiter dropped into the centre midfield to support the hardworking Bas Overdevest. George Dalgity came on up front and was eager for work. Bad luck struck the second division team after fifteen minutes, when a pass was intercepted outside their penalty area and the Otumoetai striker hit a shot under the plucky Rangers keeper Matt Aberhart. The Rangers midfield worked hard throughout and gave the home team some anxious moments. Brendan Cusack was always a threat down the right and Bas Overdevest came within an inch of heading a free kick home. The final score was Otumoetai 3, Plains Rangers 0.
While Rangers were overcome by the strength of the home team, theirs was a respect-earning performance. David Dennis gave no quarter at left back and was named player of the day. Centre back Daniel Overdevest also stood out in the hard working defence. This Saturday, Rangers are at home to Ngongotaha in a league fixture. Kick-of at the Edgecumbe Domain is at 2 p.m.
Forward to BOP Div Two points table