Matamata Swifts began their pre-season match programme with a solid work out against NRFL Premier League club, Hamilton Wanderers. Fielding a squad of 18 players, coach Duncan Lowry used the match to have a good look at his 2010 player stocks.

New signing, Stu Watene, scored the opener from close range during the first of three 30 minute periods, while Jon Allen grabbed the Swifts' second from the spot following a foul on Watene. The visitors scored late on to make things interesting.

Both sides had some good goal scoring chances, with the pick of the oh-so-close moments going to Andrew Taylor who volleyed a 20 metre drive onto the upright. The two Swifts keepers, Tom Pamment and Jonathan Crook, each made some great stops.

The two youngsters, Andrew Clothier and Andrew Cooper, showed good pace and skill, while the club's other new signings, Bevan Woltersdorf and William Mason, put in solid shifts at the back.

Swifts Squad: Tom Pamment, Jonathan Crook, Grant Cooper, Bevan Woltersdorf, Andrew Taylor, Scott Parsonage, William Mason, Jamie Baxter, Jon Allen, Andy Birchenough, Alberto Romero, Tim Miller, Andrew Clothier, Matt Keenleyside, Stu Watene, Andrew Cooper, Simon, Michael.

Above Tom Pamment in full flight.


Above Get in there, Birchy.


Above 'Yeah, good pass that guy'.

Above Kick-off for the second third.


Above The Three Amigos.


Above Ballet?


Above Time for a tipple.


Above Tom Pamment in action again.


Above Jonathan Crook clears his lines.


Above New face Michael ?? showed some promising touches.


Above Time for a trick.


Above Air swing!

(Photos by: Dwayne Barlow)