Waikato Stud Matamata Swifts have lost on the road for the second consecutive time in going down 2-1 in a close match at Katikati.
With the hosts fighting for their Loaded WaiBOP Premiership survival, coach Richardson and his team knew they’d be in for a tough day out, and when the long balls started raining in their expectations were realised.
Ben Vogt, in his first start for Matamata, scored during the first half to ensure the teams went to half time level at one goal apiece, but it was the hosts who struck the crucial second goal after the break. Both sides could have had more goals but, on a difficult surface, the Swifts failed to break down a stubborn Katikati rear-guard and had to settle for their third loss in the Bay of Plenty this season.
With Cambridge winning again, Matamata dropped to third spot in the Premiership.
Richardson Racing Stables Swifts reserves returned from Tokoroa with a solid point after a 0-0 draw. With the 1st team forced into several changes, for various reasons, the flow on effect meant the reserves also had to deal with some critical alterations to their regular line-up, but the young side dealt well with the challenge.
The Swifts A team suffered a heart breaking defeat at Melville, losing 3-2 after being ahead at half time. Goals from top scorer, Jamie Cox, and Dan Holmes were good reward for a solid first half effort, but the team failed to kick on after half time. A win would have seen the A team over take Melville on the table but instead they were left to lament what might have been.
It was better news on Sunday for the Challenge Matamata Swifts Ladies team. Their 2-0 victory over Claudelands Rovers at the Matamata Domain was built on the back of a superb second half showing. After battling into a severe headwind during the first half they dominated the second period and gained just reward as first captain, Kerrie Cox, then Patrice Adamson struck the all-important goals.