Stanley Group Matamata Swifts have returned from Western Springs with a point following a thrilling 3-3 draw. After a difficult lead up to the match coach Lowry would have been happy with a point against one of the league's high flyers, but his team's first half performance, if not execution, promised a little more.

The Swifts had by far the better of the first half but had to settle for 2-2 at the break after they twice let the hosts in through a couple of defensive lapses. The best early effort for Matamata came from Stu Watene who had a sweet strike well saved.

Jack McNab opened the scoring for Matamata 24 minutes in with a deflected shot from out wide with a goal that was well on the cards given the bright start made by his team.

Matamata then undid their good work only minutes later by gifting Springs a close range free header, which levelled the scores. The Swifts kept pressing and were given the opportunity to go ahead again when McNab was hacked down by what appeared to be the last defender. There was no card but a spot kick was given and McNab stepped up to send the Springs keeper the wrong way.

Again the Swifts let their hosts back into the game almost immediately with some lazy defending that allowed a close range tap in for Springs and the game was level at the break.

Springs battered the Swifts during the first 20 minutes of the second half. They went ahead only minutes after the break following a slick passing move, hit the woodwork twice and opened the Swifts up on several other occasions. The half time injury enforced withdrawal of captain Jon Allen didn't help Matamata's shape.

The Swifts equalised with 17 minutes to go when McNab turned and drilled the ball home after good work down the left by Scott Parsonage. Matamata finished the stronger as the hosts ran out of ideas but there were no further goals.

Both coaches agreed a draw was a fair enough result given the way the match had fluctuated. Karl Bryant was good once again for Matamata, Scott Parsonage was his usual energetic self, while Jack McNab was the undoubted star, displaying an unerring eye for goal. Troy Rosser made his debut for Matamata from the bench.