It was a memorable weekend for Plains Rangers, with both their football teams securing deserved wins.

On Saturday,Rangers’ men were at home to Papamoa. Rangers got their game going early and Ryan Elliot soon had a snap shot saved. After only seven minutes, centre defender Sam McPherson floated a cross over to his brother Ben McPherson, who scored with a header back across the keeper.

Papamoa did not let the home team take complete control, though, and a hard fought battle ensued. Rangers front runner Ollie Fort put a chance just wide. Papamoa put a great header just wide, and Rangers got to the break with a narrow 1-0 lead.

The free-flowing game continued in the second half. Rangers’ keeper for the day, Kobi Wetting, made a good save to keep out a Papamoa freekick. The Rangers defence had to be on their toes to deal with a number of raids.

Twenty minutes into the half, Ollie Fort chased down a defender, and then the keeper, won the ball and rolled it into the visitors’ net. Rangers now had their tails up.

Joseph Spalding was increasingly putting the Papamoa under pressure with his quick acceleration and good control. He went on a teasing run, drew the defenders and passed to substitute Ben Burr who slotted it in the goal.

Two minutes later, Spalding was held back by a defender as he made another run into the box. Referee Dave Taylor pointed to the spot. Captain Jimmy Hart stepped up to score the penalty. Rangers saw out the game and the final score was Plains Rangers 4, Papamoa 0.

Rangers had played some very good quality football and there were a number of contenders for player of the match, with defender Isaiah Davidson the one selected.

Rangers men have a break for Easter and then have an exciting next match, a Chatham Cup fixture against neighbours Whakatāne Town scheduled for Anzac Day.

On Sunday, Rangers’ women travelled to a sunny Fergusson Park for their first away game of the season, against Otumoetai. Rangers had a slight advantage early with a breeze at their back.

Several well worked moves sent forwards into space behind the defence, but to no avail. Otumoetai attacks were shut down quickly by the Rangers’ defence. On one these turnovers, a ball was put through up front.

The Otumoetai defence was caught off guard, as well as a couple of the Rangers forwards, who were offside. However, a quick-thinking Dee Haldane stayed onside and calmly put Rangers in front amid the confusion.

The second half was more open with both sides creating chances. Rangers were able to maintain control through the middle of the field with Sam Stewart and Mariah Pepper being standouts.

Rangers defence was up to the task with goalkeeper Jenna Hines in fine form and the dynamic Rose Sinkinson controlling proceedings at the back, as well as putting a couple of long-range shots close.

Rangers maintained their shape and passing game throughout and were able to close out the match for a well-deserved 1-0 victory.

Samantha Stewart was named player of the match. Rangers’ women now have two weekends off before their next match, a home game against Waiariki from Rotorua.