We caught up with Comag Matamata Swifts coach, Paul Richardson, after Saturday’s 6-0 ISPS Handa Chatham Cup victory over Onehunga Mangere United.
“I thought we were magnificent on Saturday,” said Richardson. “We wanted to go out there, test ourselves against a team from a higher league, put in a good performance and then see what happened.
“To be fair, I don’t think anyone expected a result like that. We’ve been improving week on week and we’ve got guys who’ll score against anyone at the Loaded WaiBOP Premiership level. To do that against an NRFL side shows we’re going in the right direction. I’m so pleased for the club that we can move to round 2 for the first time since 2007 on the back of an effort like that.
“With a vocal home crowd to drive us on the boys looked unstoppable at times. There were so many good performances in a wonderful display of the type of attacking football we’re starting to consistently produce.
“Now we eagerly look forward to Tuesday’s draw. At this point it doesn’t really matter who we get, although it would be great have another home game. Obviously a cup run would be great for the club, but we’d also like to host one of the big boys in what would be a memorable afternoon for our small club.”
Saturday’s match couldn’t have gone ahead without a massive off field effort on the morning of the game.
“I’d like to say a massive thanks to all those who worked hard to prepare the pitch for the game. After days of rain the lines were gone and the pitch was covered in leaves. By kick-off time, however, the Domain looked a picture. I think that photo of the lads with the leaf blowers will live long in our memories. In particular a huge thanks to Rob, Ronan, Jim and Malcolm. Myself and the players really appreciate it all.”