Plains Rangers AFC
9 June 2001 v Rotorua City
The expected tough local derby between Plains Rangers and Kawerau was played out at the Edgecumbe Domain in soccer's BOP Division One on Saturday.
A good crowd formed the sideline and watched a very even first half punctuated by a couple of strokes of good fortune for the visitors. After ten minutes, Kawerau won a free kick on their left flank. A well-hit cross-shot sailed over the Rangers' keeper into the net. The game resumed with the midfield battle being a particularly engaging tussle. The Edgecumbe defence was holding their opponents at bay with newcomer Paul Ramson showing confidence in his debut. Midway through the half, disaster struck the home team. A hopeful Kawerau cross was deflected into the Rangers' goal off a defender. Rangers, to their credit, kept plugging away. The Overdevest brothers combined well in the centre of the midfield and got a reasonable supply of ball to strikers Simon Ruiter and Ashley Hawkes, who held the ball up well.
After half time the sting gradually went out of the home team attacks, and Kawerau got the better of the game. However it took another twenty minutes before Kawerau could breach the Rangers' defence again, when a well weighted pass was converted into a well-taken goal. Kawerau had another couple of chances to score when their strikers got through, but two brilliant one-on-one saves from Daniel Overdevest kept them out. The final score Plains Rangers 0, Kawerau 3.
The game was played in a good spirit, not causing referee Warren Silva too many problems. Player of the day for Rangers was Stephen Vierboom, who was tenacious in his defence at right back.
This Saturday Rangers are contesting the Best Insulation tournament at Rotorua Suburbs. Following that, the second round of the league will be starting.
Forward to BOP Div One points table