Metso Matamata Swifts reached the heights of ecstacy then the depths of despair in only a few minutes after their final match of the 2006 football season. The side beat Ngongotaha, who were previously leading the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Super League, only to find out that Taupo had won 5-0 at Te Awamutu.

This means that Matamata and Taupo finished the Super League level on points at the top of the table but Taupo took out the title on goal difference.

It was a gut wrenching way for Matamata to end their season after they had put in such a good performance against the butchers from Ngongotaha. Two second half strikes from player/coach, Duncan Lowry, gave Matamata their victory, although the side suffered from some impetuous refereeing which meant they ended the game with only nine players on the field.

This was ironic because if any side was to have players sent off it should have been the visitors as they appeared more interested in rough-housing the game than actually playing any football.

Matamata should have been ahead within the first five minutes when Jason Collins was put through but stumbled at the critical moment, allowing the Ngongotaha keeper to make the save. This set the tone for the first 45 minutes as Matamata played all the meaningful football, despite being kicked all over the park.

The visitors, only needing a draw to win the title, set their stall out early on. They were strong in the tackle and only attacked in one's and two's. The Swifts ebbed and flowed but always looked the more likely to open the scoring. A Hayri Cihan finish was harshly ruled out for off-side.

After the break Ngongotaha made an attempt to get into the game and could, indeed, have gone ahead from a corner. Thankfully a free header was tonked over the bar.

It was all on during the last half hour as the Swifts, along with the referee, went mad. Jason Collins hit the upright from an acute angle before Lowry opened the scoring. A free kick from Alberto Romero was helped on to Lowry's left foot by Neil Slater and Collins. A crisp finish put the Swifts ahead.

The pressure on the Ngongotaha goal, along with the stupid bookings, mounted and it was no surprise Matamata went further ahead. An Andy Birchenough free kick found its way to Lowry's magical left foot and the player/coach made no mistake from a tight angle.

After that things turned farcical as the Swifts had two players sent from the field. Lowry was given a second booking after he tackled a Ngongotaha player then substitute, Adam Graham, received his marching orders after being fouled. His retaliation was minimal.

Thankfully these decisions didn't have an influence on the match as the Swifts always had things under control. It is frustrating, however, when the home side had players that were fouled all day and the visiting team ended the game with the full quota of players on the field. All we ask from officials is consistency and, while everyone is allowed a bad day, players included, it should never be this bad.

The Swifts back three of Colin Taylor, Scott Parsonage and man of the match, Ged Parkinson, stood up to the challenge presented by Ngongotaha. Juan Carlos Rodriguez, in his first game back after breaking his hand two months ago looked solid in midfield as did Andy Birchenough, Alberto Romero and Duncan Lowry. The Swifts lacked a little sharpness up front early on, but came good during the second half.

And so another successful season ends. The Swifts retained their Waikato Premier League title and went so close to grabbing the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Super League crown. The side also had a good run in the Chatham Cup. With several good young players floating around in the Swifts reserves and Matamata College 1st XI things look good for next season.

Work will begin shortly on piecing together a side that will continue to do the club proud. In the meantime we have our Awards evening and then summer 5-a-side soccer to look forward to.