Plains Rangers AFC
July 27th 2002 v Otumoetai Two
Plains Rangers cruised to a comfortable victory in their BOP Div Two game away to Otumoetai College. The home team, who are mid-table, used the strong breeze to advantage and exerted some early pressure. However, the Rangers defence, led by captain Daniel Overdevest, held firm. Brendan Cusack almost got Rangers on the scoreboard when he hit the post, and later the cross bar. After twenty minutes, Rangers got their passing game flowing and started to gain the upper hand. Joel Ogilvy was again impressive in the centre midfield, breaking down a number of Otumoetai's attacks. Bas Overdevest opened the scoring, seizing on the ball in a scramble in front of the Otumoetai goal. Next Sjoerd Overdevest fed Ryan Wilson a good pass and he hit it home. Before half time Bas Overdevest pounced on another hesitation and again finished well. The students were getting rattled by this stage and were not able to get their game going after half time.
Rangers created a myriad of opportunities after the break, but it was quite some time before they scored again. A Wilson corner was met first time by Bas Overdevest and he completed his deserved hat-trick. Five minutes later he supplied a nice pass to Wilson who smacked it into the top right corner of the Otumoetai goal from 20 metres. The home team did ask a few questions of the Rangers' defence, but some stout tackling kept them out. The prolific Wilson completed the scoring late in the game with two more goals, one a strong left foot drive through a crowded penalty area. The final score Otumoetai 0, Plains Rangers 7.
Rangers would be pleased with the number of goals scored and the confidence developing among the players. Bas Overdevest was named player of the day. Others to have top games were Joel Ogilvy and Jason Shaw.
This Saturday Rangers are at home to Tauranga City United Team One, the only team who beat Rangers in the preliminary round.
Forward to BOP Div Two points table