News

Bombay took a massive step towards the McNamara Cup semi-finals with a gritty come-from-behind 20-19 win over Manurewa on Saturday. It also consigns the defending champions to a much more challenging run to the semi-finals themselves with the two clubs essentially fighting over the final playoff berth.

 

Bombay threatened early playing into a strong wind but were unable to find a way over the line. Manurewa scored twice in the first spell before conceding right on half time.

Holding a four-point lead, Manurewa spent the final 10 minutes of the game defending their own line but eventually the weight of possession told and Bombay caught them short out wide to secure a famous win. “It definitely was like a playoff game because we were both fighting for that top four spot obviously and Rewa know how to play those tight games being back-to-back champs so very happy with that result,” halfback Liam Daniela told Counties Sports Hub. It was just trying to be patient with it and playing to our strengths – the lineout maul was something we went to quite a lot. It was something we saw as a bit of a strength. When you win those tight ones as a team it gives you heaps of confidence.”

 

Karaka held on to beat Patumahoe 29-28 to maintain their unbeaten run and all but secure top spot heading into the semi-finals. It is the second time this season that Craig Hill’s side has triumphed over their neighbours. “Good game of club rugby – both teams went at it and largely took their chances,” Hill said. “Happy with the boys’ efforts; scored some good tries.”

 

Papakura kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a bonus point 89-0 win over Ardmore Marist at Massey Park. It is the second win of the season for the Jarrod Firth/Mark Thomas coached outfit to go with a draw.

 

Karaka maintain top spot in the Bob Chandler Cup Premier Development grade thanks to their 40-27 win over Patumahoe, while Manurewa held on for a narrow 21-17 victory over Bombay.

Te Kauwhata beat Maramarua 29-25 at home in Sid Marshall Shield action to close the gap to the top four.

Weymouth flexed their muscles with a 71-22 hammering of defending champions Drury while Waiuku edged Onewhero 21-12 in a battle between two top four sides.

Manurewa kept in touch with the top four thanks to a 29-19 win over Te Kohanga while Puni secured a 26-14 win over Tuakau.

Ardmore Marist grabbed a 30-20 win over Manurewa in the Massey Cup U21 grade while Karaka got a walk-over win against Patumahoe.

Manurewa beat TKO (Tuakau, Te Kohanga, Onewhero) in the Bright Cup U19 playoffs while Waiuku prevailed 39-17 over Pukekohe.

In the U85kg grade, Beachlands Maraetai beat Drury 43-5 to maintain third on the competition table.

Waiuku pipped Pukekohe 6-5 in a close battle in Waiuku while Karaka cruised to a 37-10 win over Onewhero.

Manurewa picked up a 29-10 win on the road against Silverdale in Women’s Premier action.

In the Women’s Premier Development grade, Karaka took top spot thanks to a 37-0 blanking of Pukekohe.

Patumahoe thumped Glenfield 56-10, while Papakura collected a 29-19 win on the road against Grammar TEC.