The spectators certainly got their money's worth at the Awakeri Sportsfield on Saturday. Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers were at home to Taupo in BOP division one.
Taupo caught the hosts napping early in the game and shot out to an early lead. Rangers woke up and replied, Luke Overworth finishing off a move from a tight angle.
However, Taupo used the breeze at their backs to keep the pressure on Rangers. They scored a disputed second goal, with the Rangers defence arguing that the scorer was in an offside position after he turned in a rebound off the crossbar, and then a third. Late in the half Rangers started to get their game going well and there was plenty of hope for the turn around.
James Krause continued his good form for the Rangers team with a good solo goal and the home team was back in it. Krause and substitute Joel Matthews put a lot of pressure on the Taupo defence. However, Taupo were always dangerous on the break, and they traded goals with Rangers twice more. James Mitchell and Matthews scored for Rangers, as the spectators were treated to a nine goal thriller. Unfortunately for the home team, it was Taupo that prevailed 5 - 4.
For Rangers, Chris Johnston was named player of the day. His attitude was typified by his pushing forward from centre defence, trying to make the vital difference right to the end.
This Saturday Rangers have their final league game of the season. They play Whakatane Town at Rex Morpeth Park