Plains Rangers AFC
June 15th 2002 v Taupo Great-lakers
Touches of inspiration from the World Cup were apparent when Plains Rangers hosted Taupo Greatlakers in the new BOP 2nd division on Saturday. A good sized crowd was on hand to witness what turned out to be an exciting game.
Rangers started out playing good football, passing the ball around and mounting some good attacks. Their visitors also liked to attack as a unit and had a fair share of possession. Rangers however closed them down quickly and put a lot of pressure on the Taupo side. Brendan Cusack came close to open the scoring, when he got on the end of an excellent Ryan Wilson cross, but his header went narrowly over the bar. Wilson again provided a useful cross, for George Elliot this time. His header deflected to safety off the post. Rangers midfield gradually gained control of the middle, with captain Sjoerd Overdevest particularly impressive. The defence was also tight, Roger Hainsworth impressing with some constructive play down the right. The half time score was locked at nil - all.
In the second half, Rangers had the lion's share of the game as their fitness and tenacity won through. They created a good number of chances, but either rushed them or were thwarted by some very solid Taupo goalkeeping. Just when it looked like Taupo might hold on for a draw, Bas Overdevest gave the crowd something to cheer about. He controlled the ball about 20m from the Taupo goal and blasted it through a crowded penalty area, past the reach of the keeper and into the net. Player-coach Simon Ruiter brought himself out of goal and into the forwards. This gave Rangers fresh impetus and Taupo struggled to contain them. A high ball forward from centreback Barrie Hawkes was only partially headed clear by the Taupo defence. Seizing on the rebound, Ryan Wilson added another touch of class to the game, when he launched an overhead kick from the edge of the penalty area and it sailed into the goal. The final score was Plains Rangers 2, Taupo Greatlakers 0.
Rangers would be well pleased with this start to the new division, where the top five teams from both the old 2nd division groups will meet each other, all points starting afresh. Bas Overdevest was named player of the day, his classy goal sealing a fine match.
This Saturday, Rangers are away to Tauranga City United Two, who, like Taupo, are from the other group of the preliminary rounds.
Forward to BOP Div Two points table