Plains Rangers AFC
27 April 2002 v Te Puke
Plains Rangers continued their assault on the BOP 2nd division on Saturday when they travelled to play Te Puke.
Both teams were unbeaten going into the game and it was a tight opening period. Rangers got their noses in front after twenty minutes when Ryan Wilson was given an opening. The Te Puke keeper got his hands to Wilson's powerful shot, but couldn't keep it out. However Rangers then played football unsuited to the greasy conditions and allowed the home team back into the game. Te Puke gained ascendancy for the remainder of the half and gave the travelling Rangers supporters a number of anxious moments. Simon Ruiter, playing in goal, did everything right to deny them. The Te Puke hopes rose when a quick breaking attack got their striker around Ruiter, but his goal bound shot was intercepted by the back-tracking Barrie Hawkes. With the 1 - 0 lead at half time, Rangers determined to play the skidding ball to feet wherever possible.
After the interval, Rangers put together much improved football. The pressure went back onto the home team, and their composure gradually diminished. Te Puke resorted to long clearances from their defence, and these were mopped up well by the visitors' defence. The Rangers midfield began to assert itself and feed some quality ball forward to strikers George Elliot and Ryan Wilson. The backs chimed in with some good runs. Jason Shaw had one memorable effort, beating three men in a fifty metre run, while Bas Overdevest was all class when he pushed forward. The game was wrapped up when a well placed Sjoerd Overdevest pass found Wilson on the break at half way. Wilson raced down the right wing, and cut in to again force a shot through the keeper's hands. The final score Te Puke 0, Plains Rangers 2.
Player-coach Ruiter would be well pleased with the win, and the way his team lifted its game when required. George Elliot earned player of the day for his skilful efforts up front. Ronald Overdevest also made a good contribution when he came on in the second half. Rangers also thought highly of the home team's referee, who, despite not being a qualified official, controlled the game in an expert manner.
This Saturday, Plains Rangers are again away, this time to Otumoetai One.
Forward to BOP Div Two points table