Waikato Stud Matamata Swifts’ victory at Waikato Unicol headlined a strong weekend for Swifts football teams.
The Swifts won 2-0 at Waikato University on Saturday and now sit in outright second spot on the Loaded WaiBOP Premiership table. Two first half goals, to Brad West and Andrew Clothier, ensured the Swifts would return from a ground they usually struggle at with maximum points on a weekend when all the teams around them on the table also picked up points.
Matamata was, for the most part, in control of this match. West’s goal in the tenth minute, his fifth of the season, settled any nerves, and when Clothier curled the ball in from outside the box 25 minutes later Matamata looked odds on for their eighth win in eleven games.
Unicol had their moments, but the Swifts back four was strong when needed, while the attacking players created enough to deserve at least another goal. With Melville being held to a draw at home the Swifts now have sole possession of second and sit three points off top spot.
In the early game at the University, Richardson Racing Stables Swifts reserves beat Unicol reserves 2-1 thanks to a first half double from new signing, Ben Vogt. There have been times this season when the reserves have played without luck, but Saturday’s win was well deserved. The performance, after conceding an early goal, was good and chances were created throughout. On another day the reserves would have won by more.
The Swifts A team picked up their second point of the season after a 2-2 draw at Claudelands Rovers, Waikato Division A’s second placed side. Goals to Jason Lawrence and Hayri Cihan were excellent reward for a team that has battled and, at times, struggled all season. They’ll now look to finish the season strongly.
On Sunday the Challenge Matamata Swifts Ladies lost 4-0 at home to Melville United, while the Matamata Swifts Under-13s defeated Otumoetai by the same score. Braedyn Henderson, Jayden Baker, Cooper Wellington and Ryan D’Abo scored the goals that gave the U-13’s their second win of the season.
Junior Results
13th Grade: Wanderers 1-4 Matamata Jets (Goals: Chris Landar 2, Sam Hills, Edward Roskam. Player of the Day: Edward James). Matamata Falcons 0-0 Wanderers (POD: Madison Hunt).
11th Grade: Matamata Dragons 11-1 St Josephs (Goals: Dylan Brown 5, Reilly Benefield 3, Anshil Dayal, Jake Fannin, Joel Harris. POD: Dylan Brown). Matamata Tigers 4-3 Raglan (Goals: Logan Cox-Milne 4, POD: Logan Cox-Milne).
10th Grade: Huntly 1-6 Matamata Rebels (Goals: ??. POD: ??).
9th Grade: Matamata Eagles 4-3 Hamilton Marist (Goals: Jason Li 3, Charlotte Salisbury. POD’s: Jack Power, Charlotte Salisbury). Glenview 1-2 Matamata Strikers (Goals: Jamie Scott, Mollie Hills. POD: Isaac Baxendine).