News

Patumahoe bounced back from their first round robin loss in two seasons in emphatic style as they beat neighbours Karaka 57-15 at Patumahoe Domain on Saturday.

Brad Healy’s side responded by jumping out to an early lead and then kicking on for a big win to top the standings after the opening round.

They also celebrated veteran loose forward Tamati Fromm’s 150^th Premier game.

"Happy with the win,” Healy told Counties Sports Hub. “The boys got up for Tamati's 150^th and being back at home.

“We concentrated on us through the week and put a real emphasis on ourselves showing up and playing for each other, which I think showed today."

Pukekohe continued their winning run as they fought hard to out-last Manurewa 25-11 at Mountfort Park.

The home side were right in the contest and the game was tied up with 10 minutes to play before Pukekohe’s fitness shone through.

“It was a very physical game against a good Rewa side,” Pukekohe coach Michael Porter said.

“We were able to finish off a couple of opportunities.

“The boys had to work for 80 minutes and tested our depth in our team with having a number of injuries.”

Papakura and Bombay played out a fascinating 29-29 draw that creates a logjam in the battle for the final semi-final spot.

Papakura led by two scores late in the contest before Bombay chased them down to split the points.

Bombay holds fourth position on the ladder on 13 points with Manurewa two points adrift and Papakura a further two points behind.

Patumahoe completed a 46-22 win over Karaka in the final game of the opening round of Bob Chandler Cup Premier Reserves to top the standings.

Manurewa scored an important 37-22 win over Pukekohe to jump to third in the standings while Bombay picked up a walk over win against Papakura.

Waiuku edged Te Kauwhata 22-21 in Sid Marshall Shield action and continue to hold down a top four spot as a result.

Drury continued their winning run at the top of the standings but had to work hard to account for a plucky Maramarua 26-22 at Maramarua.

Weymouth thrashed Patumahoe 49-10 away from home while defending champions Puni picked up a 43-12 win at Onewhero.

Manurewa scored a 22-10 win over Tuakau at Tuakau.

Karaka proved too strong for Manurewa with a 48-21 victory in the Counties Energy Game of the week in the Massey Cup U21.

Patumahoe got back to winning ways with a 26-5 win over Ardmore Marist while Pukekohe thrashed Papakura 44-0.

Pukekohe edged Karaka 17-13 in U85kg action while Ardmore Marist collected an impressive 35-31 win over Ardmore Marist.

Onewhero thrashed Drury 51-3 while Waiuku proved too good for Beachlands Maraetai 30-14 at Te Puru Park.