Waikato Stud Matamata Swifts suffered their largest defeat of the season in going down 6-1 at runaway Loaded WaiBOP Premiership leaders, Ngongotaha. But things started so differently for the Swifts.
Jordane Lambert, a season-long target for the more robust teams, put Matamata in front from an early free kick, then Ben Vogt scored what looked like the second. Unfortunately play was pulled back for an earlier incident and the Swifts were awarded a free kick with the advantage having already been played and taken.
That helped kick the champions-elect, who had been second best for the opening 25 minutes, into life. They capitalised on some sloppy Swifts defending to equalise, then netted twice from the penalty spot just before half time.
The fourth goal of Ngongotaha’s onslaught came minutes after the restart and effectively signalled the end of the game. The result, and the margin, were tough for the Swifts to take, with the hosts given help they are way too good to need. Matamata remains in third and must look to bounce back strongly a Tauranga this weekend.
In the early game at Ngongotaha, Richardson Racing Stables Swifts reserves drew 1-1 with Ngongotaha reserves. Both goals came in the second half, with the hosts going ahead before Logan Raynel equalised from the penalty spot with six minutes remaining.
The Swifts A team made it five matches unbeaten after drawing 2-2 at Cambridge. Club leading scorer, Jamie Cox, found the back of the net again, as did Dan Holmes.
On Sunday, Challenge Matamata Swifts Ladies finally played their twice-postponed match at Ngongotaha. It was a tight encounter with captain, Kerrie Cox, scoring the winner for Matamata during the second half to ensure the team won their fifth game in a row.
The Swifts under-13s returned from Otumoetai with a 4-0 victory under their belts. The team continued their good run scoring two goals in each half. Sam Hills netted the team’s first hat-trick of the season, while Cooper Wellington was on the score sheet once again as the under-13s stayed top of the Waikato Bay of Plenty’s U-13 division 2.
Junior results
13th Grade: Matamata Jets 0-0 Western United. Cambridge 0-3 Matamata Falcons (Player of the Day: Savenu Mathusinghe. Goals: Madison Hunt, Ashley Cox-Milne, Hunter Logie).
11th Grade: Glenview 5-7 Matamata Dragons. Matamata Tigers 1-0 Woodstock (POD: Jessica Walton. Goal: Ericka Landar).
10th Grade: Wanderers 0-1 Matamata Rebels.
9th Grade: Matamata Eagles 0-9 Hillcrest United (POD: Zeb Mataitoga). Matamata Strikers 0-1 Vardon.