Teams Matamata, Otumoetai, Whakatane (Otorohanga pulled out).

1pm Matamata 0 v Otumoetai 1.

2.15pm Whakatane 1 v Matamata 1 (J. Collins).

3.30pm Otumoetai 1 v Whakatane 1.

A pleasing afternoon's work saw an unfamiliar looking Swifts squad work hard and, at times, play some decent football against two WBOPF Federation League opponents. The Swifts had the better of the first 30-minute period against Otumoetai, but coughed up a goal late in the second period as the side faded a little in the heat and on a rough Domain surface.

After a short break the Swifts were back in action against a physical Whakatane side. Jason Collins shinned the ball home to give Matamata the lead only moments after Gareth Clark had been denied by a superb last ditch tackle. The Swifts coughed up a goal on the break during the second period and after that neither side really looked like grabbing a winner.

In the final game Whakatane scored early then missed a first half penalty, before missing two sitters after the break. Otumoetai equalised with an excellent header to 'win' the tri-series tournament.

With players such as Gary Darkes, Ged Parkinson, Scott Parsonage, Andrew Jordan and Dima Slack all missing, and Duncan Lowry and Carlos Rodriguez only playing one match apiece, this afternoon was a great opportunity for the Swifts' fringe and youth talent to shine. It was also an opportunity for the coaching staff to tinker with formations, using a 3-4-1-2 against Otumoetai and a standard 4-4-2 against Whakatane.

Daniel Holmes, in his first taste of senior football, did well in the heart of the defence (until his legs stopped working) and Michael Spencer was again all industry up front and out wide. Young Andrew Clothier is improving every week and did well at left-back while Andrew Taylor is starting to look the goods at a right-back. Matt Aberhart pulled off a couple of excellent saves in each game to ensure he earned his match fee as well.

Swifts squad
Matt Aberhart; Colin Taylor, Duncan Lowry, Daniel Holmes, Andrew Taylor; Andy Birchenough, Alberto Romero, Carlos Rodriguez, Andrew Clothier, Leo Regulado, Luis Maldonado, Mike Collins; Gareth Clark, Jason Collins, Michael Spencer.