18 Oct A very entertaining sponsors' challenge at Whakatane yesterday. The home team eventually won 3 - 0, but it was a good contest. Good to see the legendary Wett play a full 90 minutes, and Bas had a half as well. A shame to see Jono Whitaker stretchered off after 15 min with a badly sprained ankle, he'd been making an impact down the left as well. Here's a brief report.
All Whites game is now sold out.
Plains Rangers prize giving Sat 31st Oct, at the Awakeri Events Centre, from 5.30 pm. $10 a head, families welcome. And despite Kirk telling Gary Fowell it is Halloween fancy dress party, no actually it isn't. Gary was worried there for a bit!

14 Oct Venue for sponsors challenge confirmed as Rex Morpeth Park Whakatane, start time 12.30 pm on Saturday. Players bring $5 each towards food.
Check out the new Plains Rangers sign at the Awakeri Events Centre. You can't miss it!! Many thanks to Gary Fowell.

12 Oct Great result for All Whites, now its all on in Wellington Nov 14th!! 20,000 tickets sold, be in quick if you want to go!
BOP meeting tonight confirmed promotion/relegation of one team between Bay One and Two. Various arguments on use of play offs to determine promotion/relegation and the regulations governing them, prompting one delegate to walk out.
Be at training this Thurs, game probable start 12.30pm on Saturday!

7 Oct Sponsors' Cup game is back on!! Saturday 17th October is the date, kick off time to be confirmed, venue Whakatane. Training Thursday 6.30pm.

4 Oct Prize Giving is Saturday October 31st at the Awakeri Events Centre. $10 a head.
Watch out for the NZ All Whites crucial World Cup qualifier against Bahrain next Sunday (11th) morning, 4.30 am. Yes, I know some of you boys will just be coming home about that time.... and then the huge home game on Nov 14th in Wellington.

26 Sept Congrats to Te Puke who won their promotion play off against Hamilton Wanderers and will be in Fed div one next season. Visique Whakatane lost their catch up game to Ngongotaha today and will remain below Rangers on the points table.

22 Sept Sponsors Challenge for this weekend has been called off, Whakatane cannot field a team. Very disappointing!
If you haven't done so, text Muggsy with your nomination for Players' Player of the Year. Prize Giving is Saturday October 31st at the Awakeri Events Centre. $10 a head.

20 Sept Matamata clinched the Fed div one title, Te Puke beat Hamilton Wanderers away in a div one/div two play off (first leg). Katikati won the CNS Cup.
The Phoenix managed to surrender a lead in the 94th minute to draw at home to NQ Fury 1 - 1. Quite a few Eastern Bay players going down for next Sunday's game against Central Coast, so hopefully the Nix will do well.

16 Sept Nice photos in the Beacon the last two days Kirk and Jords!
CNS Clinic Cup and Bowl Finals this weekend at Mt Maunganui. Ngongy v Katakati in Cup (2.45 start), Te Puke v Te Puke Young 'Uns at 2 pm.

13 Sept Excellent game from Phoenix dominating at Melbourne, a 1 - 1 draw.
Here are some photos from Rangers v Whakatane game, thanks very much to Jacqui Johnston and also Rhona Whitaker for them. Here's the match report.

12 Sept Last league game... No goals but plenty of bruising action, a red card too. Typical local derby. Whakatane Town 0 Plains Rangers 0.
Congratulations to Rotorua Utd White 1st in div one, Katikati 2nd.

8 Sept A hard to take 5 - 4 loss to Taupo. Although Rangers were always playing catch up, it was good to see the goals flying in, but not at both ends! Here's the report.
One more game to go, at Whakatane this coming Sat, then sponsors cup game likely to be Sat 26th, also at Whakatane, against their 1st team.
Club meeting after training on Thursday.

29 August With Rangers having to cool their heels for the second week in a row, quite a few of the players headed to Whakatane to watch their Fed One team struggle to beat Ngaruawahia 2 - 1. Ex-Rangers player Ben McPherson scored both goals for Whakatane. Matatmata knocked over Taupo to take the lead in that league.
Meanwhile another ex-Rangers player Ian Finch is dancing tonight in the Dancing With Stars fundraiser. Finchy and partner Becks Rouse will entertain the 800 strong crowd with their theatrical samba.

23 August A day off from football! Well for Rangers at least. In Fed Two the league leaders both got beaten - T B Coll and Fury.
The Phoenix got an good away draw at Brisbane, Greenacre scoring with a good header. Robbie Kruse put himself on the Yellow Fever black list with a shocking tackle on Nix hero Leo Bertos. Wait till you play in Wellington Robbie they'll be saying!

17 August Nice photo of Jason and Carwyn in today's Beacon.

16 August An entertaining 2 - 2 draw with Whakatane Visique in front of a good crowd despite the rain. Jono's own goal was the best strike of the day. JP player of the day, with Robbie Sonntag for Whakatane. Ref Ian Boult did a fine job, allowing for the conditions and being decisive where necessary. Here's the report.
No training this Thursday, since there is no game for two weeks, and to allow injuries to heal.
Watch out for the Phoenix at 5 pm v Perth Glory, first home game.
Looks like Tauranga Boys have wrapped up Fed Two, Old Blues Bay Two and Rotorua White are close to wrapping the Bay One title.

9 August Jono smacking a ball into Kyle as he tried to eat his pre-match pie hinted that luck wasn't going to go our way. True. Rotorua White played well and we struggled at times. A few crunching tackles, and couple of head clashes.... Here's the report.Click here to read Rotorua United's version.
In Fed Two, Tauranga Boys lost their first game this season, 2 - 1 to Fury.
The Phoenix's defence looked similar at times, as they went down to Newcastle. Oh well, we're both at home next week!

7 August Wellington Phoenix start their new A League season on Sunday, away against Newcastle Jets. It's on Sky TV, at 5pm. Check out our Phoenix pages, and the ones going back into the Phoenix, Knights and even Kingz history.
League champs Melbourne started with a loss to Central Coast.

2 August Losing Jimmy, Josh and Muggsy to injury and a 3rd minute red card penalty..... hmmm not a good day for Rangers. Rotorua beat nine man Rangers 6 - 0. Here's the match report.
The first double figure score was recored this season in BOP div one with Katikati showing no mercy to Te Puke. 14 - 0.

26 July A good win at home to Te Puke. The return of Joel Ogilvy and the debut of John Noblett made a difference, and a determined effort from all round the line-up made for a 5 - 2 win. Jimmy Krause nailed a hat-trick, Rangers' first since 2007 when Skinsy and Richie both scored hat tricks. Here's the match report. Check out the match photos, thanks Jacqui!

22 July The Phoenix new season kicks off on August 9th. Follow it at our Phoenix pages.

19 July Lots of surface water at Awakeri, today's game postponed until July 25th. Now you can do Jeremy's trick and go skim boarding on the puddles, or hit the waves, surf's up!
Not many games played in the Federation this weekend. Check out Tauranga Boys College's blitz on the Federation division two!!

14 July Club meeting after training on Thursday. This Saturday will be the first home game where Rangers fully are the hosts at the Awakeri Events Centre. Players make sure you pitch in and help.
The Rangers squads page is updated. A little bit of fresh history.

11 July Well 9 - 0 is quite a close game in rugby, but unfortunately Rangers were playing football yesterday. Katikati was too strong for Rangers' bare eleven. Rangers did their best not to turn up at all, having got waylaid by a large motor accident at Te Puna and then going to the wrong ground at Katikati (well it was the ground that was on the referee appointments and no-one had told us other wise). Memories? One striker getting a decent penalty shout turned down for the second week in a row, JP getting tackled by his own team mates twice. Here's the brief report.

5 July Rangers exited the Bowl in frustrating, unlucky style. Having gone behind, Rangers led 3 - 2 in the second half but were unable to close the game out. Here's the report.

28 June From all accounts a good game, gutsy effort, great header from Jords, well refereed by Paul Higgins. Read the match report.
Te Puke knocked over Fury in Fed Two, and Rotorua White beat Katikati 4 -0 in Bay One.

21 June An incident packed game yesterday: field damaged by some bastard in a vehicle over night, two red cards, several crazy goals, a penalty save, extra time... Rangers bowed out in the end 2 - 4. Here's the match report. Here are a few match photos, courtesy of Jezza. The draw is now out for the CNS Bowl on July 4. Rangers are away to the other 1st div team, Te Puke.

13 June Part of the Awakeri pitch was under water this morning, good decision to postpone the game. The game v Old Blues will now be played this coming Saturday (20th), with the league fixture postponed. Reset your calendars!!
Monday morning NZ v Spain, 6 am. Can we repeat the performance against Italy?

9 June This Thursday, NZ v World champions Italy, live Sky Sport 2 starts 6.45 am. Woohoo!

7 June Unlucky, but didn't play as well as last week, is the short summary of Rangers 1 - 0 loss to Tauranga City yesterday. Here's the match report, and here are the photos.
Rangers have a drawn a home game against Old Blues in the first round of the CNS Clinic Cup this coming Saturday. Kick off 2 pm. Old Blues are the run away leaders of div two, so it will be a tough game.

3 June Club meeting after training tomorrow. 8.15pm in the Club rooms. Bring any unpaid subs.
A new sponsor and name for the Knock out competitiion for BOP clubs. It's now called the CNS Clinic Cup (a WBOP Chiropractic company). The rules include that the top four Bay One teams get a bye in the first round (June 13), all 20 teams in divs 1 & 2 are in, losers in first round play in a bowl comp. The draw will have to be done after this Sat's games to see who the 4th team to get the bye is.
Sounds like the Tasman Cup is no more.... rather sad if that is so.

31 May A closely fought home game with Whakatane Town, 1 - 1 a fair result. James Krause again the scorer, Kirk player of the day. Jimmy Mitchell did a good job in centre midfield with JP. Amongst the spectators we had most of last year's team... Wett, Bas, Caleb, Josh, Jeremy, Dan... Not a bad line-up! Here are the action photos, and here's the match report.
Woh, check out the high scores in Federation Div 2 !!

25 May An unusual way to move up the table!! Rangers lost 3 - 1 at freezing Taupo, but moved up a place due to goal difference. Jimmy Krause scored a beauty, Brandon came close with two lobs, Vince cleared the ball repeatedly at 70 metres a kick, but it wasn't enough. Read the match report.
In Fed Two, Tauranga Boys beat Fury 4 - 3. Must've been a good game.
p.s.if a cop car is racing up behind the Rangers convoy traveling to Taupo through the back roads with lights flashing, which of these drivers will he be after....Bazza.... Chris.... Jono....or.... convoy leader J.P.??!!
Answer - none of the above, he roared past us all, much to everyone's relief!

21 May Our fun quiz has been updated. Click here to have a go!
Check out the player profiles (it says portraits on the link). Who is the most good looking?

17 May A win! A gutsy performance saw Rangers grab a 3 - 2 win at Whakatane. Player of the day Chris Johnston saved a penalty and had another top game. Here are the action photos and the match report.
Leaders Katikati got beaten by Tauranga City. Te Puke was the only BOP team to win their Chatham Cup game today. Check out all the results by following the link to BOP results.

10 May A scrappy game with Rotorua Utd White. Rangers fought hard, losing 1 - 0. Mark Jeynes deservedly player of the day with a strong performance at centre back. Here's the match report.

3 May Unlucky!!! Rangers deserved more than the 2 - 1 loss they got at Te Puke. The Te Puke keeper was player of the day and made two excellent saves to deny Jimmy Mitchell and Jason Pullar, while poor Luke Overworth had the indignity of scoring a late own goal. Mitchell also smashed a rocket off the post. Here's the match report.
Radio Station IXX managed to win the laugh award of the day. When they were texted the result, "Te Puke 2 Plains Rangers 1"
"Chers 4 tht. Was tht th rugby?" was the reply!
This managed to edge out Jimmy turning up with his own boots for the first time this season. " Where did you find them?"
"In my soccer bag where I left them!"
Meanwhile, Rangers' next opponents Rotorua Utd White gave Whakatane Visique a hiding, 7 - 1.
In Federation Div One news, the BOP teams by far outshone their Waikato opponents. Check out the results on our BOP results link.

30 April Some new and updated player profiles are on the portraits page: Check out the young fullas!

26 April Rangers produced a gutsy performance and made league leaders Katikati work for their 5 - 1 win. Jordan scored his third goal in a row. JP did everything but score. Paul played keeper with his head. Brendon and Vince got a run. Jono was player of the day, while Brandon produced his best game yet. Here's the match report. Here are some photos of the game too.

20 April The Hot Springs 'training' proved an inspiration tonight, lots of ideas talked about, and a strategy to encourage Brandon to score goals was formulated. Dan gave Bhima a geography lesson and promised more. Mark didn't make any promises, he knows what trouble that usually gets him into...
Did you know - there were 27 goals scored in five games in BOP div two on Saturday, that's an average of....well, you divide 27 by 5 and thats what it is. Check out all the results on our BOP results link.

19 April Unavailability of a number of players didn't help, but Rangers got a pasting at Ngongotaha, where the home team played some nice football to win 8 - 1. Here is a minimilistic match report! Training this Monday is at the Awakeri Hot Springs. Maybe we can practice diving!

14 April An improved performance from Rangers, but a 2 - 1 loss to Rotorua United. Jordan Ogilvy scored, pouncing on a rebound from Jason Pullar's header. Here's the match report. And here are some action photos, courtesy of club treasurer Stewart Sutton. Thanks Stewart!

8 April This Saturday's game is confirmed to be played at Awakeri School, kick-off 2.30 pm. Trainings from now on start at 6.30 pm.
This item is borrowed from Stuff:...
"An English football player has been handed a yellow card for breaking wind while an opposition player was attempting a penalty. The referee ruled the act as "unsporting" and called for the penalty shot to be retaken. The player, from Sunday league football side Chorlton Villa, caused further trouble as, after the second attempt was converted, two of his teammates were sent off for questioning the call."
Don't get any ideas J P!

5 April Rangers made a bright start against Tauranga City, going close twice, before having a Jordan Ogilvy goal disallowed. The home team then scored twice in two minutes just before half time and took the game 2 - 0. Rangers best efforts came from player of the day Dylan 'Skins' Arthur, Kyle Knight, Chris Johnston and Josh Hyndman. Read the match report. Everyone except Kirk is leading the Golden Boot. He's on minus one! When asked after the game how he was, Skins replied "sweet... and sore"! A rather Chinese sounding answer, but he did make one very courageous interception!
The Federation website is very up to date with results. Good one!

2 April Coach Aaron Muggeridge has named his likely starting line-up for Saturday, with a very new look Rangers team about to take the field at Tauranga City. The likely starting eleven: Chris Johnston; Paul Inglis or Mark Jeynes, Dan Baxter, Dylan Arthur, Kirk Bain, Kyle Knight; Brandon Collier, Jason Pullar (capt), Josh Hyndman (vice capt), Jordan Ogilvy; Luke Overworth. The team was also issued with dress shirts and are to meet at Edgecumbe at 12.20 pm Saturday.

1 April Not an early kick-off. The game starts at 2.30 pm at Links Avenue #2, Mt Maunganui this Saturday. A Federation league game starts at 2.45 on the #1 pitch.

30 March Great to see a full-on intense training tonight, no doubt people were stung into action by Saturday's game.

28 March Kawerau beat Rangers in a pre-season hit out today, but some good points emerged, the efforts of debutants Chris Johnston in goal, and Brandon on the right wing and Josh Hyndman playing 90 minutes, his first game back from injury early last season.

21 March Rangers players should look smart this season, with training jackets and embroidered shirts to wear. Josh Hyndman is even training with boots now, with his long awaited pair doing the business at training, a couple of scorching finishes left goalkeeper Chris Johnston and the rest of the squad watching in wonder.

18 March Club meeting after training on Thursday (19th) at 8.15 pm at Margaret's. Trainings start at 6 pm. Be there or be....... fined!
Here is the confirmed BOP div one draw for the season, plus the beginnings of others The Fed div 2 and BOP div 2 draws are also confirmed and available on the Federation website.

9 March A very good turn out at training tonight.
Here are the Rangers fixtures for the season (so far decided). Check it out here.

7 March The numbers turning up to pre-season training are reasonable, giving coach Aaron Muggeridge some idea of how his team might line up.

1 March Melbourne Victory took out the A League grand final last night with a tough feisty 1 - 0 win over ten man Adelaide. Victory ended with a red card themselves, but hung on for the win.

25 February A reasonable turn out at the BOP clubs meeting in Tauranga tonight, but some clubs were noticably missing. Of most interest was the discussion on the make-up of the leagues. It looks like there will be a 12 team Federation division 2, with eight of those teams from the BOP: the top five from BOP div one last season, plus Ngongotaha (relegated from Fed One) and Greerton and Otumoetai Two who both applied to join, despite being in BOP div two last season. Rumour has it that Greerton have players returning from Matamata. Therefore, there will be between 18 and 22 clubs playing in BOP leagues. Discussion on whether BOP div one will be the top ten remaining teams from BOP divs 1 & 2, or whether teams just apply and Federation makes the decision.
Paul Higgins is the new refs appointment officer. Good luck Paul! The season kicks off on April 4th.

22 February Trainings at Edgecumbe Domain Mondays and Thursdays, 6.30 pm start.

12 February News from the meeting tonight... Funding from the Southern Trust gratefully received. As is confirmation of sponsors Gary Fowell Builders and Little Orchard Pre-School. Looks like Fed div two will definitely happen. BOP senior clubs meeting Wed 25th Feb, 7.30 - 8.30pm at Waipuna Park. Next Plains Rangers meeting 12 March
Next preseason run at Edgecumbe Domain this Sunday at 5 pm. New Players welcome.

5 February Rangers first run for the pre-season this Sunday!! Be at Awakeri ready for 4.30 pm. New players welcome! ph 3222076 for more info.
The A League finals series starts tomorrow night. Shane Smeltz was named Johnny Warren medal winner, golden boot and scorer of goal of the season at the A League Awards after a top year with the Phoenix. A shame he is moving on next season.

25 January The Phoenix couldn't quite pull off a win at Melbourne, but were unlucky to concede a penalty, have several shots blocked, three by their own players, and finished the season in 6th place.

20 January Plains Rangers first run for the pre-season is Sunday 8th Feb, 4.30 pm at Awakeri. A friendly kick around!
Wellington Phoenix are still alive, but have to beat Melbourne over there 10 pm Friday night and hope Adelaide beat Central Coast. It'll be a huge mission.

13 January Two lots of good news for Plains Rangers: Little Orchard Pre-School have continued their generous sponsorship for the coming season, co-owner Brian Skilling a long time Rangers supporter; and Jason Pullar is returning to Rangers from Whakatane. His transfer was approved by the Federation.
Meanwhile this Sunday, the Phoenix have their last home game of the season. It'll be a great atmos. See you there, if you're in Wellington.

4 January Phoenix had a flattering but extremely exciting win against Newcastle to stay in contention for finals. Happy New Year everyone!

21 December Rangers' new coach Aaron Muggeridge is recruiting for the new season. If you're interested, contact him or email the club president.
Another win to the Phoenix, putting them right up there, but the league is now very tight. Perth Glory wasted Sydney 4 - 1 tonight. There are two more Phoenix home games. On 4th and 18th January. If you're near Wellington over the holidays, go to a game. They're great fun!
Merry Christmas to all Rangers players, supporters, opponents, referees, and to football fans in general!

28 November Great win by the Phoenix over league leaders Melbourne 2 - 1. Check out our Phoenix pages. Phoenix now up to 4th on table.

23 November A Phoenix win against 9 man Newcastle; NZ Under 20 Women beat Chile in their World Cup; NZ to play Spain, South Africa and Iraq in Confederations Cup in June.

15 Nov At the AGM, Aaron Muggeridge was elected coach for the 2009 season. Other positions remained the same. Issues discussed included the home ground for 2009, and a women's team in 2009.
Meanwhile, Rangers keeper Christian Wetting was selected to be part of the Whakatane Top Town team, who are travelling to Christchurch for the TV series to be filmed in the near future. Wett's fellow footballers in the 12 person team include Rebecca Rouse (Whakatane), Reece Edmonds (Tauranga City) and Lucy Potter (Whakatane High School).
Ask Muggsy for a peek at his tattoo!

7 Nov Great win for Phoenix away at Sydney, 2 - 1.
Plains Rangers AGM this Wednesday 12th, 7.30pm at Margaret's. All members welcome.

19 Oct Wellington Phoenix continue a good run of form, beating Central Coast Mariners, away in 30 degrees heat, 1 - 0. Home game next Sunday (of Labour weekend) should be a goodie against Queensland Roar.

11 Oct A very successful prize giving last night. The hangi was beautifully cooked, hosts Christian and Katie did a great job.
Tributes were paid to sponsors Gary and Marina Fowell, Brian Skilling and Lyn Rutland; secretary Margaret Elliot, treasurer Stewart Sutton, CBR Chris Whitaker, ref minder Peter Fitzgerald, coach Christian Wetting and committee man Bas Overdevest.
The prizes were awarded: Golden Boot - Caleb Hyndman; Young Player of the Year - Jono Whitaker; Most Promising - Scott Geddes; Sportsmanship - Bas Overdevest; Endeavour - Barrie Hawkes; Personality of the Year - Jeremy Hawkes; Players' Player of the Year - Kirk Bain; Player of the Year - Simon Gowing. Click here to see all the past winners.
Click here if you want to take the quiz to see how well you know Rangers 2008. No prizes!

7 Oct Remember... Break-up / Prize Giving this Friday at Christian's place, bring $10 per player for the hangi etc, BYO, from 5 pm onwards.
From the Federation meeting of BOP clubs last night: looks like Federation League 2nd division will go ahead next year. Several clubs have opted straight in to it. Talk about the effects of alcohol on the sidelines, sounds like the behaviour of a number of people at the Tasman Cup final was appaling.

29 Sept A good game, vocal crowd, Caleb got a . . . . . yellow. Sponsors Cup stays at Whakatane. Read the report. Check out the photos, including what happened to Kirk, thanks to Stewart Sutton.
Phoenix had a great win, 2 - 1 v Sydney.
Congratulations to Te Puke and TBC who won the Tasman Cup and Bowl too.

24 Sept Kick-off time for the Sponsors' Challenge is 2.30 pm at Rex Morpeth Park. Everyone needs to contribute $5 towards food. Be there 1 pm.
Club break-up Friday 10 October from 5 pm at Christian's place, a hangi, costs $10 per player.

21 Sept Fury beat Te Puke 3 - 0 yesterday, to take the BOP div one championship. Sounds like a convincing win, Te Puke coach Macca says it was their worst performance of the season. Fury coach DC says they could have scored more and that the ref had a good game.
Phoenix dropped to bottom of the table, losing to Perth Glory 1 - 0. Doh!
A massive score in local women's football, Whakatane beating Ngongy 28 - 0. Hmmm.

18 Sept Break-up and end of year prize giving looking likely to be Saturday 11th October at Christian's place.

14 Sept A good win in the end at Opotiki, highlights Wett scoring, Simon saving a penalty (yes you might wonder what the hell he was doing in goal!), Richie and Muggsy getting two each, the assistant ref mowing the lines! Read the report.
Whakatane lost to Te Puke, Rangers leapfrog back to 6th. Te Puke v Fury showdown next Saturday to decide league.

10 Sept Club meeting after training on Thursday, 7.30pm.at Margaret's place. Bring any outstanding fees or fines.
Have a look at some cool photos from Saturday. Lara is a gun photographer!

6 Sept Three penalties, 2 - 1 down at half time, dominated second half, couldn't beat their keeper. Lost 2 -1. Read the report. In a major shock, Tauranga City held Te Puke to a draw 1 - 1.

30 August Against all the odds, Rangers posted a very good win, 2 - 1 at Tauranga City United. Bas was sick, Kirk and Muggsy couldn't make it, Skins had his birthday party Friday night, so he and several others were 'not at their best'. Skins proved it by throwing up after coming on as sub in the second half, and yet... goals to Richie and Jimi took a well deserved win. Read the report.

28 Aug Sponsors' Challenge will be on September 27th, at Whakatane, 2.30pm.

26 Aug Early kick-off at TCU this Sat, 12.30. If you want a reminder why we are having to replay this fixture, check out these photos of the last abandoned game!! Also if Richie's photo in today's Beacon whetted your appetite, check out these cool pics of our win on Saturday. Thanks Lara!

25 Aug Federation meeting on BOP senior football, a season wrap up Mon Oct 6th, 6 pm at Waipuna Park.

24 Aug A well deserved win at Whakatane yesterday. Jordan and Buzza scored, Muggsy hit the post. Wett only had to make one save. Read the report. Watch out for some cool photos in the next couple of days... thanks Lara!
Te Puke beat Fury 1 - 0 to make an interesting last few games in the league.

17 Aug Tasman Cup finalists sorted: Te Puke and Rotorua Utd 2nd div team (who knocked Rangers out).
The Phoenix had a shaky 1 - 1 draw to start their season.
Ryan Nelsen led Blackburn to a late win in their opening game, his header hitting the post in injury time before the rebound was bundled in at Everton.

11 Aug Old Blues played a good team game, and Rangers competed without causing them a lot of problems, going down 4 - 0. For the first time for weeks, Rangers had some subs to use. Unfortunately Richie went off early (ankle) and Dan managed half a game before the flu got the better of him. Six yellow cards were issued in a game that was played in good spirits, a costly afternoon. Jono had an own goal disallowed for off side!!!! Read the report.Amazingly, after six losses in a row, Rangers are still holding 7th place. See the table!

2 Aug Another scraped together line-up for Rangers, at least we managed to put eleven players on the field, even though Simon should have been in bed sick. TBC, despite having a player sent off, attacked with style and won 9 - 1. 'Nuff said.
The Phoenix had a 3- 2 win, coming from 0 - 2 down at half time, away at Sydney to get into the final of the Pre-Season Cup this Wednesday.

26 July It looked the worst possible day for Rangers, away at Tauranga City, with only nine players in appaling conditions. Richie, not meant to be playing, agreed to go in goal, making nine. Luck changed a little, when captain for the day James Mitchell won the toss and grabbed first use of the gale force wind and rain. He then drove an excellent free kick into the goal, and with Rangers leading 1 - 0, after 15 minutes, the ref rightly decided players' safety was at risk in the hypothermic conditions and he abandoned the game. Here's the report.
The match will be replayed on August 30th.
The other games at Mt Maunganui were also abandoned. Rangers headed home via the Papamoa Tavern, where they thawed out, and amused themselves with games of darts and pool and watching the horse races on the big screen. Strangely significant horses names were running: Keeper Coming, Danzahorse (not true Dan, we know!), Dan's Best... The Whakatane team turned up too, their game at Otumoetai cancelled.

21 July The Wellington Phoenix started their pre-season with a 1 - 0 win.

17 July No training tonight, as Bas said, OSH has a thing about slippery surfaces! Tauranga City game next weekend (26th) is an early kickoff. Their premier team is playing Central United (Auckland, current Chatham Cup holders) after us.

16 July A Federation League Div Two?? The Federation is asking clubs for feedback on this proposal, to start next season. Check it out with your club.
Tasman Cup and Bowl semi finals this Saturday.
The split Bay Two draw has just come out, but it can't be listed on the Fed website fixtures menu till the catch ups are played. Check it out here.

13 July A 5 - 1 loss at Tauranga Boys, but Rangers played better in patches than the score indicates. A few crucial errors and several missed chances gave the lopsided score. It was an entertaining game. Here's the report. Check out the photo of the week..........!

6 July What, there are photos???!!! Yes, click here!
Ooouuuccchhh! Rangers got off to a bad start when keeper Wett was delayed, Jono and Jordan weren't coming, conceding 5 goals in a poor first half. Things improved after the break but Fury won 7 - 1. The only good point was when Muggsy, who could only walk in the second half, beat the Fury centre back to the ball and scored.
Things had better get better next week, our opponents are Tauranga Boys Coll, who beat Te Puke 4 - 3!!! Here's the report. The performance was so riveting Jeremy had gone off to talk to a horse in the neighbouring paddock and missed Muggsy's goal!

28 June Freezing cold and rain and a bad start saw Rangers lose 1 - 0 at Rotorua United and get eliminated from the Tasman Cup. Jordan Ogilvy hit the post, very unlucky. Here's the report.
After the game, Rangers might not have stayed in the Tasman Cup, but those who stayed got up close to the World Cup (FIFA Under 17s Womens that is) which was on display in the clubrooms. Check out Photo of the Week for a pic!.

23 June

22 June Rangers, with ten men for the last 30min and Kirk, Mark and Caleb unavailable, had a battling 1 - 0 loss at Te Puke. Here's the report.

16 June Rangers scraped a 1 - 0 win at Otumoetai Two in the Tasman Cup. With several players unavailable, A Simon Gowing goal, a great save by keeper Jono Whitaker, and a Jordan Ogilvy shot cleared off the line were the highlights, though Mark's 'promise' earning a yellow card was pretty funny! Here's the report. The other Tasman Cup results are in, plus the draw for the next round. Rangers have the Div 2 leaders Rotorua Utd. It's meant to be at home but the Events Centre is not available.
Te Puke, this week's opponents, were duly dispatched from the Chatham Cup by current holders Central United 5 - 0.

8 June In the end, a good win against a much improved Rotorua Utd side. Second half goals to Jimmy (2) and Caleb earned a 3 - 1 win. Here's the report, and here are the photos.
Aftermatch - Wett organised a sweepstake for Euro 2008, kicking off tomorrow morning. After the initial hiccups like trying to remember the 16 teams (Mark suggested Argentina!!), the draw was made (Deano asked if there were any African teams in it!!!): Te Puke were 2 - 0 down with 20 min to play, but managed a 4 - 2 win against Opotiki today!

6 June Te Puke have drawn football giants Central United, the current holders, in the Chatham Cup. They'll be at Te Puke, on Sat 14 June. Coach Shaun Macca McIlwain is even interviewed on Soccer NZ's website. Read it here. Te Puke are the lowest ranked team still in the cup. Taupo is the other BOP team still in. The rest of the draw is here.

5 June The Tasman Cup draw is out. All BOP teams are in the Cup, with the first round losers playing for the Tasman Bowl. Rangers are drawn to play Otumoetai Two, away on June 14, 2pm kick off. Otumoetai Two are currently mid-table in BOP div two. Check out all the Tasman Cup draw here.

4 June Club meeting after training tomorrow night. Remember, subs are now overdue!

2 June A couple of great results in the Chatham Cup today. Fellow BOP div one side Te Puke knocked Fed team Rotorua Utd out 5 - 4 in an exciting finish to go thru to round 3. Fed team Taupo knocked Northern Lge premier team Tauranga City out too. Check out the results here.
Still a few of our old royal blue and gold Plains Rangers shirts for sale. Only $20. See Barrie.

1 June A solid win yesterday, 2 - 0 at half time then 6 - 1. Joel Ogilvy got a bit of game time and showed he can still play. Finchy was back, as referee this time. Here's the report and here are some action photos from the game..
Rangers are up to 7th on the table, with the third best defensive record in the league.
Good luck to Te Puke tomorrow as they take on Rotorua United Fed team in the Chatham Cup. Its at 2pm at Te Puke if you want to watch.

30 May The lure of the long weekend has meant there are gaps to be filled in the line-up for tomorrow. We could see the long awaited returns of Muggsy and Joel, plus Bas has got to the end of kiwifruit harvesting. It'll be just like the old days!!

25 May Check out some entertaining photos from Saturday's game, courtesy of our only spectator, injured player Jezza.

24 May A reasonable scrap with Katikati, but only moments of good football. Mark had an expensive day out with a $170 traffic fine, so did that yellow card collector Deano. Richie hit the crossbar, while both Kirk and Scott made timely challenges to thwart the hosts. Ex-Kawerau striker Aaron Searle played in goal for Katikati and was happy with the 0 - draw. Read the report.

22 May Here's Macca's version of Te Puke's excellent win and Taupo's lucky win in Chatham Cup (Hope you don't mind Macca!):
Lee scored a beaut after 2 mins and they could have went 2-1 up. A great save and 1 against the post then on 20 min Lee got 2nd and it was all one way. I should have scored 4 but only got 1. The boys were brill... cheers. stayed over and watched Taupo. They were so lucky. Inter were 2-0 up with 15 to play and should have been 4 up but missed 2 easy chances and payed for it. Taupo must have been on the turps with Te Puke Saturday night!

19 May Great to see so many of our players involved with junior football.
Hopefully no-one else had this start to their season.... A certain Rangers player, coaching a Kawerau 6th grade team, left to travel to the game in Ohope.... then turned back to get his son's boots.... got to Ohope and realised he didn't have his team's strip... borrow shirts from opposition....balls?....nope...oh well.... at least it was a sunny day!
Only one BOP Div one team left in the Chatham Cup now, well done to Te Puke who beat Navy 5 - 0. Fury and TBC both got hidings from illustrious opponents. Our victors Internationale only got beat by Federation League champs Taupo 3 - 2. Check out all the Chatham Cup results and the draw for the next round.

17 May A good hard local derby with Whakatane, in front of a decent crowd at Awakeri. A nil all draw, but Rangers had a number of chances, with a Caleb Hyndman rocket bouncing off the post. Wett made a great save to deny Matt Dalgity in the second half. Some pretty aggressive tackles luckily didn't end in further injuries. Scott Geddes made his debut with a run in defence.Here is the report.

13 May The Federation has confirmed that the Rangers TBC fixtures have been reversed, as per our request. We now play TBC away on July 12 and home on August 2nd.

10 May Rangers rounded up a reasonable line-up for the Old Blues game, with Richie and Bas starting in the centre midfield. However, various events conspired against us. Two penalty decisions gave the home team two goals, costing us big time in a 3 - 2 loss. Deano's chip over the keeper from 40 metres at a free kick was the highlight. Here's the report.

5 May A miserable day at Awakeri. Our injury woes deepened yet again with Jeremy Hawkes suffering a serious knee injury, and out for the season. He's convalescing at home. Two goals in each half saw TCU run out 4 - 0 winners. Even a late penalty hit the post and rebounded away. Read the report if you really want.

28 April. Some good pics of the Chatham Cup game, thanks to Stewart Sutton. Plus..., added bonus, fashion tips from a Rangers star.

26 April Rangers Chatham Cup dreams are over, beaten 2 - 0 by Internationale. Worse than the loss, a broken ankle suffered by centre midfielder Josh Hyndman in the first half. He is undergoing surgery in Tauranga on Tuesday. A decent crowd at Awakeri, about 200, watched the game. Here is the match report. Well done to Te Puke who beat their Auckland opposition. Other results.

20 April A good battle against Fury yesterday. Dave Cook's latest assembly of players had a lot of higher level experience along with the usual multicultural mix. A couple of defensive errors gave away Rangers early lead, with Fury winning 3 - 1. Here is the match report.
Training this week, ONLY on Wednesday, to allow recovery time for the game on Friday. 6pm as usual.
Here are a few pics from the game. Looks like photographer Steve turned the camera off when Fury got their two quick goals!

17 April The game against Tauranga Boys College scheduled for the day after the Chatham Cup fixture has been postponed until August 2nd. Both TBC and Rangers are in Chatham Cup games on Friday Anzac Day 25th April.
Jeremy and Josh both missed training tonight, recovering from Saturday's injuries. On the plus side, Wett will be back and Richie could be as well.

16 April Lots of rain this week should help make the Awakeri field different from the hard dusty track of last Saturday. Check out Photo of the Week to see the lush growth of weeds covering our Edgecumbe Domain pitch!!!!!

9 April The Chatham Cup draw is out. Rangers are to play a team called Internationale, at home on Anzac Day Friday April 25th. The rest of the draw is here. Internationale are an Auckland Sunday League premier division team.
Existing sponsors Little Orchard Preschool have confirmed they will be supporting Plains Rangers again this season, along with major sponsor Gary Fowell Builders. Rangers are looking forward to their first home game, hosting league leaders Te Puke at Awakeri. Rangers could be without several leading players, while Te Puke are fresh from a convincing win at Opotiki, where coach Shaun McIlwain said they could have scored twenty goals instead of the eight they did put away. This is a chance for Rangers to be truly tested!

6 April Rangers roared off to a good start in BOP div one with a 2 - 1 away win at Rotorua United. Two beautifully struck goals friom James Mitchell and Caleb Hyndman could easily have been added to with an ounce of luck, such was the dominance of the Rangers team. Rotorua salvaged a little pride with a last minute penalty, to make the scoreline look like it was a close game.Here are some good action shots. Read the report.
Most other results have come in too. Email us if you have a score to post!

31 March Entertainment plus at the NZFC game at Mt Maunganui yesterday. Waikato FC lost to Youngheart Manawatu 5 - 4.
Kiwi Ryan Nelsen played his first premier league game for 10 weeks, helping Blackburn Rovers to a 0 - 0 draw against Reading.
Meantime, Plains Rangers gear up for their first 1st div game since 2005. Rangers have never met Rotorua United, though of course they had many battles with the old Rotorua City and Suburbs clubs that form United. Kick off is 2.30 pm at Suburbs grounds.

29 March The league fixtures have been finalised, they are listed on the Federation website, and have started being posted on here. Rangers fixtures have not changed from the draft draw, but a number have, apparently.

27 March Our fun quiz has been updated again, check it out, tell the truth!!!
The league draws are expected to be finalised in the next few days.
The cricket boys all finally turned up to training tonight. Wett ran the leg breaks, yorkers and googlies out of their systems. Dan excited everyone with the news that his latest radio ad is about to hit the airwaves. Bazza took Wett's call for full intensity a bit far by miskicking the ball into Wett's eye from close range.

23 March Only two weeks till kick-off day. Will Rangers be ready? The cricketers will have to sharpen up quickly, hopefully they will be more onto it than NZ's cricketers! Yes Dan is right (!) Rangers play their first game v Rot Utd at Neil Hunt Park, the old Rotorua Suburbs ground, on the way into Rotorua.
Rangers players are aching after Wett's training session on Thursday. Hopefully the pain will have disappeared before Tuesday's session hits us!
A lot of Rangers players are doing their bit for junior football this season... Christian, Dan and Josh are coaching Awakeri junior teams, and Kirk has got a Kawerau team. Bazza is involved at the admin level too.

13 March The beach run was, well, tiring, but lots of fun afterwards, from Dan's 10,000 envelopes to Caleb's toe passes. The endless stories ranged from Paraparaumu to Whakatane!
BIG NEWS, Rangers are confirmed in BOP div one this season!! A draft draw is here.Rangers draft fixture list is here. Clubs have the draft draws for the other divisions as well. Teams entered in the other divisions are listed on the (blank) points tables.

7 March Beach run at Thornton this coming Tuesday, 6pm.
Subs are set at $125, these are now payable to Bas or Margaret and are due to be paid by the end of May.

4 March Good news from the Federation that there may well be a spot for Rangers in BOP division one this season. It will be confirmed at the end of this week. There is a draft draw out with our first league game away to Rotorua United at the Rotorua International Stadium on April 5, then home at Awakeri to Te Puke, then AFC Fury!!
Tonight Rangers had a first pre-season outing, at home to Kawerau. The visitors looked like they'd had more trainings together and had their combinations going better, which was true, since four of the Rangers line-up hadn't been to any trainings! There were promising signs though. Youngster Luke Overworth scored for Rangers in a 3 - 1 loss. Ref Michel Nillesen and his assistants did a good job in the gathering gloom, on a slippery pitch. Highlight of the night was Jezza doing a step over and wrong footing the linesman behind him, who overbalanced and tumbled to the ground!

28 Feb Everyone survived the Latham's Track hill run on Tuesday. Some looked quite fresh at the end! First pre-season game next Tuesday, v Kawerau, Kick-off 5.30 pm or 6 pm. Venue Awakeri. Good to see our cricketers back to training.
Wellington Phoenix surprised many be letting Felipe go.

24 Feb Our fun survey has been renewed. Have your say!! Please take note, it's only for fun (yes I did get a complaint about a question a couple of years ago, so there are no questions about referees!). Take the survey.
Newcastle Jets won the A League grand final, beating Central Coast 1 - 0. The game ended in controversy with a red card to CCM's keeper and a penalty claim denied.
Meanwhile, Plains Rangers are likely to enter the Chatham Cup this year, for the first time in our history.
Remember training on Tuesday starts at Chrstian's place, halfway between the Awakeri Hot Springs and the Awakeri turn-off. 6 pm.

19 Feb Good training game tonight, six aside, with our cricketers still off playing their other sport. More step overs, nutmegs, dummies and glimpses of class than you'd see in a whole season of league games! Welcome to new striker Caleb Hyndman, who put away a few chances.

17 Feb Local NZFC team Waikato FC lost badly to Otago Utd at the Mount today, going down 2 - 0 and finishing with 9 men! Meanwhile the Newcastle Jets won thru to the A League grand final (against CCM) courtesy of a 3 - 2 win against Queensland Roar. That referee handed out three penalties, in generous style. Preseason football looms in the BOP, with lots of challenges being laid down.

14 Feb Training called off tonight, so players could enjoy some rain falling on the Plains. Tuesday 6pm is next up.

13 Feb Rangers will be competing in BOP div two this season. Hopes of elevation to div one were dashed at the Fed meeting tonight when it was confirmed that that division would be only ten teams. The Federation league now has an unwieldy 15 teams in it, with three to be relegated. No chance of promotion to the Fed league this season was a contentious topic. There will however be promotion and relegation between BOP div 1 and 2.
First proper training Thursday (14th) 6pm at the Edgecumbe Domain, after that, Tuesdays and Thursdays. All welcome.

6 Feb Club meeting tonight decided.... First training (kick around followed by drinks) this Saturday on the Edgecumbe Domain, 4pm. Furthers trainings to be discussed there, but likely to be Tuesdays and Thursdays. New players welcome, phone Barrie on 3222076 for further info.Club keen to play BOP div one if opportunity arises. Gary Fowell Builders keen to continue sponsorship. Next Rangers meeting after training March 6th.

30 Jan The new season is looming! Club meeting at Margaret's (22 Bridge Street Edgecumbe) Wednesday 6th Feb, 7pm. All welcome. First players get together Saturday 9th Feb, 4pm. Venue to be decided at the meeting. Dust those boots off! Go for a run!

26 Jan Peter Arndell has been appointed Football Competitions manager for our Federation. He is based in Hamilton and will run both the BOP and Waikato leagues.
The A League finals started last night. Check our A League pages for the details.

18 Jan News that Football NZ heavily in debt. Will we all have to pay, to bail them out, again!
Seventeen yr-old Costa Barbarouses very good first full game for Phoenix in their final outing of the season.

14 Jan The Phoenix have now slipped to bottom of the A League after a dismal performance against Melbourne. In a fascinating end to the regular season, all four top clubs are on 31 points with one game to play!! At least there is a finals series to sort them out. One of the few times a finals series seems fair.
Barry Lusher's job as the BOP Federation worker has disappeared. Hopefully BOP clubs will get a fair deal from the administrator in Hamilton. Clubs will be watching and waiting with interest. Barry had certainly done a good job for his region.

7 Jan 2008 Happy New Year! In front of a large noisy home crowd, the Phoenix blew their last home game, losing to two late Sydney goals and putting themselves out of play-off contention.
In local news, it seems Werner Rechsteiner will be back coaching Rangers' neighbours Whakatane this year.

There is lots of fascinating news and trivia from 2007-06, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002 and beyond. Have a read!

Click here to see Photo of the week

Click here to see Action Photos

Action Photos
Away to Whakatane Town, Sept 12 2009
Home to Te Puke, July 25 2009
Home to Old Blues, CNS Cup, June 20 2009
Home to Tauranga City United, June 6 2009
Home to Whakatane Town, May 30 2009
Away to Visique Whakatane, May 16 2009
Home to Katikati United, April 25 2009
Home to Rotorua United Blue, April 11 2009
Away to Whakatane 1sts, Sponsors' Cup Sept 27 2008
Home to Katikati, 6 Sept 2008
Away to Whakatane Town August 23 2008
Away in Antarctic conditions Tauranga City July 26 2008
Away to Fury 5 July 08
Home to Rotorua United 7 June 2008
Home to Opotiki 31 May 2008
Away to Katikati 24 May 2008
Home to Internationale, Chatham Cup Anzac Day 2008
Home to Fury 19 April 08
Away to Rotorua United April 5 2008
Wellington Phoenix David Beckham 1 Dec 07
Sponsors' Challenge v Whakatane 1sts 29 Sept 07
Wellington Phoenix game 29 Sept 2007
Away to Kawerau 15 September 2007
Away to Te Puke 18 August 2007
Home to Papamoa 21 July 2007
Away to Te Puke, Tasman Cup, 30 June 07
Home to Taupo, Tasman Cup, 16 June 07
Home to Otumoetai 9 June 2007
Home to Old Blues 26 May 2007
Home to Fury 28 April 2007
2006 Prize Giving
Sponsors Trophy v Whakatane 1sts 30 Sept 2006
Away to AFC Fury 16 Sept 2006
Tasman Bowl final v Kawerau 2 Sept 2006 match action.
Tasman Bowl final v Kawerau 2 Sept 2006, Before and After
Away to Te Puke Tasman Bowl semifinal 12 August 2006
Home to Greerton 5 August 2006
Home to Ngongotaha 8 July 2006
Away to Rotorua Suburbs 3 June 2006
Home to Taupo Nui-a-Tia 6 May 2006
Away to Te Puke 29 April 2006
Home to AFC Fury 22 April 2006
Away to Kawerau 10 Sept 2005
Away to Te Puke 9 July 2005
Home to Otumoetai 4 June 2005
Away to Whakatane 30 April 2005
Home to Otumoetai 7 August 2004
Away to Kawerau 25 July 2004
Best Insulation tournament 12 June 2004
Away to Whakatane May 22 2004 (selected pics!)
Away to Ngongotaha August 2 2003
Away to Kawerau 1st team Tasman Cup July 12 2003
Home to Kawerau May 24 2003
Away with ten men to Taupo May 3 2003
Home in friendly to Whakatane March 6 2003
Home to Rotorua Suburbs August 24 2002
Best Insulation tournament 8 June 2002
West Ham v Whakatane Sept 29 2001
Away to Greerton July 21 2001
Away to Tauranga City Utd July 14 2001
Away to Whakatane April 21 2001
Home to Rotorua City August 5 2000
Away at Otumoetai July 1st 2000
Edgecumbe v Whakatane, June 19, 1999.
Edgecumbe v Ngongotaha July 28, 1999.