Plains Rangers AFC
May 25th 2002 v Whakatane
The much awaited local 2nd division derby between Whakatane and Plains Rangers was played out before a good crowd on Saturday.
Whakatane made good use of the steady breeze in the first half and exerted considerable pressure on the Rangers defence. For much of the half, the defence kept them out but some sloppy marking created space for Whakatane to score after half an hour. Rangers came close to equalising when a Sjoerd Overdevest shot was half blocked and rolled agonisingly across the face of goal. However Whakatane were playing the better football and deserved their lead at the break
Rangers started the second half with a hiss and a roar, and got the game back to even terms when Ryan Wilson scored with a good solo effort. However, the breeze then dried up and an even tussle ensued. Midway though the half, Whakatane again got in front, when Jeff Engels jinked around a couple of Rangers defenders and squared the ball across goal. It was squeezed in, to the delight of the home team supporters. Rangers redoubled their assault and again equalised, with ten minutes to go. Excellent work from Bas Overdevest opened up the Whakatane defence. He slipped the ball to the hard running Mark Oldham who fired it into the net. His celebrations were echoed by the strong Rangers band of supporters. The game ended with the score Whakatane 2, Plains Rangers 2.
The result was a fair one for both sides. Rangers' defender Barrie Hawkes was named their player of the day, while Whakatane midfielder Pete Thorley was their recipient. The game was played in competitive but good spirits, and was well managed by referee Norm Howe and his two linesmen.
This Saturday Rangers have another demanding task, entertaining Greerton at the Edgecumbe Domain. Kick-off is at 2 p.m.
Forward to BOP Div Two points table