Swifts roll on after big win

Waikato Stud Matamata Swifts proved too powerful for mid-table Papamoa, winning 5-1 at the Domain on Saturday to stay second on the Loaded WaiBOP Premiership table.

The Swifts began brightly and hit the front after only seven minutes when Jordane Lambert drove the ball home after excellent work from Chris Walker.

Dwayne Signal had a seemingly good goal ruled out, while Papamoa’s keeper made two notable saves to keep Matamata’s lead to a single goal at the break.

The visitors had a player sent off for retaliation on the half hour mark and, while that didn’t immediately alter the flow of the game, it was to prove costly during the last 25 minutes.

Papamoa equalised eight minutes after the re-start when the Swifts failed to deal with a routine free kick.

Their keeper pulled off another three superb saves during a frustrating period for Matamata, but the hosts persevered.

The Swifts re-took the with 23 minutes left.

Andrew Clothier played in Raphael Berthelot who sprinted past a tiring defence and finished easily.

Three minutes later Walker was rewarded for his excellent performance when he nodded home Matamata’s third.

It was left to substitute, Ben Vogt, to apply the coup de gras, firing home twice in the final 15 minutes.

Matamata still trails leaders, Ngongotaha, by three points.

In other games at the Domain on Saturday, the Richardson Racing Stables Swifts reserves lead pushed WaiBOP Championship leaders all the way, but were unlucky to lose 3-2.

Meanwhile the Swifts A team picked up their first win of the season.

Goals to Ramandeep Singh and Logan Raynel had the reserves in front at the break before two second half penalties allowed the Hamiltonians to escape with all three points.

The A team beat Te Awamutu 4-2 thanks to doubles from Ronan Costello and Jamie Cox. The result was great reward for a side that has struggled, at times, this season.

But they’re on the up and can now look forward positively to the rest of the season.

The Challenge Matamata Swifts Ladies match was postponed, while the Swifts under-13 had a bye.

Raphael Berthelot (left) and Jordane Lambert, part of Waikato Stud Matamata Swifts’ French Connection, launch another attack during their side’s 5-1 victory on Saturday.

Alex Mukaka (left) and Daniel Holmes were strong for the Matamata Swifts A team during their 4-2 win over Te Awamutu on Saturday.