Plains Rangers AFC
23 June 2001 v Rotorua Suburbs
Plains Rangers eventually had to yield to league leaders Rotorua Suburbs in soccer's BOP Division One on Saturday, but it certainly put up stubborn resistance.
From the outset, hosts Rotorua Suburbs played well constructed attacking football in the muddy conditions, but they were thwarted by a determined Rangers attitude in all areas of the park. It took twenty minutes before a swift raid down the left wing ended in the low driven cross being driven past keeper Christian Wetting. Wetting went on to have an outstanding game, keeping his team competitive for most of the ninety minutes. Suburbs put another goal way close to the half time break, this time getting through down their right wing.
After the interval Plains Rangers played with more confidence and had some good periods on attack. The best move was a build up down the left wing, leading to good interplay between Simon Ruiter and Aaron Muggeridge and a well struck shot from Bas Overdevest. The Suburbs keeper did very well to tip it over the bar and deny Rangers a deserved goal. Meanwhile at the other end Wetting was proving very difficult to get past. His best save being from point blank range when, on his knees, he managed to palm away a shot after initially blocking another effort. With fifteen minutes to go, the Suburbs team managed one more goal to run out the winners 3 - 0.
Plains Rangers' stubborn display made Suburbs earn their win to stay at the top of the league. Centre back Barrie Hawkes was named player of the day for a competitive effort. Dion Lowry was another to perform well, while regular goalkeeper Daniel Overdevest was strong in the left back position in the second half.
Forward to BOP Div One points table