Football: Ngongotaha now in second place

Rotorua United's Steffano Riley (right) goes into a challenge against a Papamoa player during their fixture at Neil Hunt Park in Rotorua on Saturday. Photo / Stephen Parker

Ngongotaha AFC have moved into second place in the WaiBOP Premiership despite only managing a 1-all draw at home against Matamata.

At Stembridge Rd on Saturday, Ngongotaha were the dominant team during the first half but couldn't break away from a sturdy Matamata Swifts side, who held them level at a goal apiece at the break.

Josh McDougal put the Villagers ahead on 20 minutes but the Swifts struck back three minutes later through Dwayne Signal. The Swifts were stronger during the second half but neither side, despite both having opportunities to win the game at the death, could find another goal.

Papamoa are making a good fist of their first season in the Premiership and returned from Rotorua with another three points in the bag.

Their 3-1 victory over Rotorua United came courtesy of goals from Luke Barlow, Daniel Hight and Scott Higgins and moved them into fourth on the table. Lawrie Scott scored United's consolation goal towards the end of the game at Neil Hunt Park.

WaiBOP Premiership favourites, Cambridge have climbed back to the top of the table after a 4-1 win over Melville United.

Cambridge were the dominant side throughout their match at Gower Park in Hamilton but suffered an early set-back after Alex Swain put the hosts ahead. The lead didn't last too long, though, as Cambridge scored three times before the break through Robbie Greenhalgh, Ben Latham and Jason Szabo. Glen Carmichael added a fourth with 14 minutes remaining.

Bottom side Tauranga Boys' College scored the largest win of the weekend, thumping Katikati 6-1 at Southey Field. Boys' College had previously been on the end of some big defeats of their own but kicked their season into life with a dominant performance.

Waikato Unicol maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-1 victory over Otumoetai at Waikato University.

In the final Premiership match, Old Blues defeated Tauranga City United 2-0 to move into the top five.

Claudelands Rovers continue to lead the way in the WaiBOP Championship. Their 5-2 victory over Te Awamutu was their fifth in a row and was constructed on the back of a Jack Connor hat trick and a Meshake Ngungambili double.

Saturday's results:

WaiBOP Premiership: Melville United 1-4 Cambridge, Rotorua United 1-3 Papamoa, Tauranga Boys' College 6-1 Katikati, Ngongotaha 1-1 Matamata Swifts, Waikato Unicol 2-1 Otumoetai, Tauranga Old Blues 2-0 Tauranga City United.

Table: Cambridge 12, Ngongotaha 10, Melville United 10, Papamoa 9, Tauranga Old Blues 9, Matamata 8, Waikato Unicol 7, Katikati 6, Otumoetai 4, Tauranga City United 4, Rotorua United 3, Tauranga BC 3.

WaiBOP Championship: Ngongotaha 3-3 Matamata Swifts, Claudelands 5-2 Te Awamutu, Te Puke United 3-6 Kawerau Sports, Whakatane Town 1-2 Cambridge, West Hamilton 3-2 Tauranga Old Blues, Tokoroa bye.

Table: Claudelands 15, Cambridge 11, Tokoroa 10, Kawerau 7, Te Puke 7, Matamata 6, West Hamilton 6, Te Awamutu 4, Tauranga Old Blues 4, Ngongotaha 1, Whakatane Town 1.