Metso Matamata Swifts slogged it out with Te Awamutu for a point on a saturated and muddy surface at the Te Awamutu Stadium. In a match that was a contrast of styles, both sides made the best of the horrible conditions to put on a good show for the fans.

Matamata had the greater weight of possesion throughout, but scoring chances were at a premium and quite evenly spread. The highlight of the scoring opportunities for Matamata came on the twenty minute mark when a stinging Andy Birchenough shot from 25 yards was brilliantly saved by a fully stretched Te Awamutu keeper

After being on the back foot for the opening half hour, Te Awamutu went ahead when two Swifts defenders were caught ball watching. A cross fell nicely for Eddie Randall who scuffed the ball home from ten yards.

The goal energised the home side who had their best passage of play during the minutes either side of half time. The Swifts should have been level, however, just on half time but a goal bound shot was unfortunately handled on the way in.

Te Awamutu could have killed the game off just after the break. The Swifts defence was caught out by the pace of a Te Awamutu striker, but he pulled his shot wide when one on one with Matamata keeper, Gary Darkes..

Matamata hauled themselves back on level terms in the 57th minute. Ged Parkinson, forward for a corner, slid home a well placed Neil Slater header. That was the end of the scoring, even though Matamata looked the more likely side to win it.

The Swifts were particularly threatening from set pieces and had several half chances either saved or put wide. Best for Matamata was centre forward, Neil Slater, while both full backs, Andrew Jordan and Colin Taylor were strong. Scott Parsonage continued his consistent run of form on the left of midfield and the king of consistency, captain Andy Birchenough, was as effective as ever. Alberto Romero was another Swift to shine in conditions not made for his stylish manner of play

Young referee, Blair McConnell, handled the game like a pro. Mention was made by both sides after the match of the sensible manner in which he controlled the match and the way in which he managed the players in such conditions. He's an excellent contender to take control of the end of season All Star game.