Plains Rangers AFC
30 June 2001 v Whakatane
A hugely competitive Plains Rangers effort in the first sixty minutes of their game against Whakatane was not reflected in the final score.
Rangers began the division one match knowing it would be tough against their title contender neighbours, especially with a couple of top-line players absent. However, Rangers made the most of their determination and did not allow Whakatane room to get their football flowing. As Whakatane's frustration increased, the confidence of the home team Rangers also increased. Up front Simon Smit harried the Whakatane defence, while Ashley Hawkes's ball skills had him fouled a number of times to prevent him laying off passes to his midfield. The times that Whakatane found a way through the Rangers defence, they met keeper Christian Wetting in rock-solid form. As Wetting said in an after-match speech, the only thing referee Warren Silva did wrong all game was to blow the whistle for half time. The score was locked at nil-all and Rangers had had an even share of territorial possession.
Whakatane came out fired up in the second half, and attacked at pace. After fifteen minutes the decisive break came. A ball was driven hard into the Rangers penalty area, hitting a Rangers player on the arm. A penalty was awarded and duly converted. During the final 25 minutes, Whakatane scored four more times with some very good finishing, as the home team players tired. The final score was Plains Rangers 0, Whakatane 5.
For much of the game, this was a good Rangers performance. At right back Stephen Vierboom made some excellent tackles, while on the left Daniel Overdevest linked well with Hori Elliot to keep their area under control. Right half Brendan Cusack was named player of the day for Rangers, his tenacious defence and link play standing out.
This Saturday, there is a break from the league, for the knock-out Tasman Cup. Plains Rangers have drawn Taupo away. Taupo are currently top of division two, so this could be a close encounter.
Forward to BOP Div One points table