The Matamata Club Swifts Reserves registered their first win of the season with a healthy home victory over the Putaruru first team.

Ahead 3-1 at the break, thanks to goals from Eric Van Waveren, Gareth Clarke and Mike Collins, the reserves looked a better side than they have in recent weeks. This was due mainly to the fact the side was close to full strength and able to field a nicely balanced line-up.

The reserves closed the game out during the second half with a further goal to Clarke and one to substitute, Matt Monteith. Dima Slack was impressive in midfield for Matamata while Eric Van Waveren proved to be a steadying influence between midfield and defence.

In truth the victory margin should have been much greater as the reserves hit the woodwork a number of times and even missed a penalty. Still, a win is a win, particularly against such traditionally difficult opponents as Putaruru.

The reserves will be better for it and, as the team becomes settled and the players become more familiar with each other, should improve further.