The weekend’s wild weather didn’t stop local football from continuing, but it was a bleak couple of days on the results front for all four of Matamata Swifts senior teams.

All three men’s teams played at home on Saturday, with Comag Matamata Swifts WaiBOP Premiership match against league leaders, Taupo, the headline act. The Swifts put up good account for themselves but two late goals, while down to ten players, put paid to their hopes of gaining a result.

Ellis Breadmore twice put the Swifts in front during the first half but, as the conditions worsened and the game opened up, the visitors drew level both times.

After the break it was Taupo’s turn to take the lead, before the Swifts hit back almost immediately through Radge Avergonzado, who then went close to restoring Matamata’s advantage.

The pendulum finally swung Taupo’s way during the closing stages as, having used all their substitutes, the Swifts were reduced to ten men following the latest in their catalogue of injuries. Two goals either side of the 90 minute mark completed a 5-3 win for the league leaders.

Earlier in the day, Waharoa Transport Swifts Reserves were edged out 1-0 by Waikato Division 1 leaders, Melville United, while Fez Kebab Swifts 3rds were beaten 4-0 by Waihi’s reserves.

On Sunday, Challenge Matamata Swifts Ladies travelled to leaders, Tokoroa, in the only Waikato Division 1 match played over the weekend. The team put in a huge shift against the league’s form team, scoring twice in the second half after being two down at the break.

Laura Fisher struck with a half volley and Jen Waterhouse headed home a Stacey McFarlane cross for Matamata’s goals, but the host scored once more during the second period to run our 3-2 winners. April Donnelly marshalled the defense strongly.