Matamata Reserves set off for Waihi hoping there were enough players waiting at the other end to field a team. Luckily there were - just.

In an effort to confuse us Waihi had shifted the field to the other side of the park and then hid the entrance. Luckily Mark Darkes was on hand to phone us with entry details. Mark again found himself in goal and one of the college boys, Mike Spencer, found himself debuting alongside Matt Monteith up front.

The half started and ended badly, with Waihi scoring and then at the end with Matt hitting the bottom of the crossbar, the back of the goalie's head and then the turf some centimetres in front of the line. Incidents like that let you know it isn't going to be your day. Waihi also managed to score another goal to make it 2-0 at half time.

The reserves started strongly in the second half and almost immediately scored a goal through Joel Chamberlain who was put through by Rob Cox. Unfortunately Waihi replied with another goal. Mike then opened his account following an excellent run, finishing confidently past the right hand of the keeper. He came close to scoring on another couple of occasions and was not scared to shoot.

While searching for an equaliser Waihi went 4-2 up in slightly farcical circumstances. Chris Bedford was in the process of taking over in goal when play resumed as he was trying to put on his gloves, inevitably the ball ended up in the net.

Jono Monteith then cut the lead back to one goal as he weaved his way around defenders (twice) and then when the goalkeeper was dizzy scored. Matamata almost snatched a draw with the last kick of the game as Joel put in a cross that beat Peter Challis, the goalkeeper and unfortunately the crossbar.

Mention must also be made of Waihi's new dazzling orange strip and Richard Lor from the college who also made his debut. Both he and Mike performed well in their first taste of senior football.