Matamata Swifts 0 v Greerton 4

The Swifts got the playing side of their 2004 season underway with a match against Bay of Plenty champs, Greerton. The well performed visitors ran out comfortable winners,in the end, but there was plenty to be pleased about for the new-look Swifts. Three of the four goals came in the final quarter of the game, while Matamata also contrived to miss a penalty. New signings Rodrigo Navarro and Jason Collins were particularly influential, while guest goalie, Gary Darkes, looked sharp between the uprights.

The Swifts made good use of the rolling sub rule, giving coach, Dwayne Barlow, a good look at all sixteen players against quality opposition. While that led to a fourth quarter bloating of the scoreline, it gave the entire squad some valuable match time.

Pictures will follow soon (hopefully).

Swifts XI 1-Gary Darkes; 2-Adam Graham, 7-Bevan Shelley, 6-Bevan Edmeades; 3-Marcelo Marquez, 4-Colin Taylor, 14-John Van Gog, 8-Jason Collins; 9-David Hyslop; 11-Rodrigo Navarro, 5-Jamie Cox.
(Rolling Subs: 10-Daniel Compodonico, 12-Robert Cox, 13-Carlos Silvera, 15-Julio Medina, 16-Ian Moody)