Plains Rangers’ men hosted Tauranga City Juggernauts on Saturday, with the visitors needing a win to keep them in contention for the league title.

Rangers started out strongly, and Hamish Wilde tested the Juggernauts keeper with a good volley, which was well saved. The Tauranga side then had a good period, putting their hosts under pressure.

Rangers came back into it, with Wilde intercepting a defensive pass, but again the keeper was up to making the save.

Anaaru Awhimate was doing some great defensive work for Rangers and twice he won the ball and put in good passes to create chances.

On the half hour, frontrunner Ryan Elliot made a good turn and was pulled back as he headed for goal. Captain James Hart stepped up and curled the resulting 20 metre freekick around the wall to give Rangers the lead.

Sione Lotu subbed on for the home team, to give extra go forward. He was unlucky that his first touch – a bicycle kick – was saved by the Juggernaut’s keeper.

Rangers finished the half with a series of corners, but couldn’t make them count. At half time, Rangers led 1-0.

The visitors roared out of the blocks after the break. Awhimate made a goal-saving tackle and Sam McPherson made a super block to keep the home goal intact.

Rangers weathered the storm and held their own as Juggernauts became increasingly frustrated. Midway through the half, the home team were causing problems.

Ben McPherson sent Lotu through, but the defence pulled out a last ditch save. McPherson gave Wilde a chance, too, but Rangers couldn’t extend the lead.

With five minutes left, Juggernauts threw everything forward. Their striker beat two defenders, but pulled his shot wide; and two minutes later, a similar attempt brought success, when the shot was saved onto the post by Elijah Wetting but unluckily rebounded into the goal.

The final score: Rangers 1, Juggernauts 1. This means Ngongotahā will win the league and Rangers will finish third, no matter what happens in the final round.

Despite the importance of the game, both teams played the game in good spirit, with referee Andrew Mitchell doing a good job in the middle.

Centre-back Sam McPherson was named player of the day for Rangers, with the well-performed Awhimate brothers not far behind.

This Saturday, Rangers’ men are away at Papamoa. Both teams have had a win each in their previous meetings, so it should be a good test.

On Sunday, Plains Rangers’ women hosted Papamoa Icons, hoping to continue their recent good goal-scoring form. Rangers opened the match with purpose, applying early pressure despite the strong, cold winds and at half time the score was locked at  0-0.

Papamoa managed to find the breakthrough with two goals from penalty kicks in the second half. Papamoa added a third from open play to seal the result: Rangers 0, Icons 3.

Despite the scoreline, there were outstanding performances from the home team across the field.

Shani McPherson showed great resilience and determination, earning player of the day after a strong all-round performance. Danielle Haldane displayed impressive versatility, contributing across five different positions throughout the match. Danielle Giordano provided a composed and reliable presence in the backline, working tirelessly to keep the defensive shape. It was a tough day at the office, sure, but with fight like that, Rangers will be back stronger.

This Sunday, Rangers’ women are away at neighbours Whakatane Town in their penultimate game of the season. Kick-off at Rex Morpeth Park is at 11am.