Top four teams in the McNamara Cup square off this weekend

 Top four teams in the McNamara Cup square off this weekend
The top four teams in the McNamara Cup square off this weekend in a defining series of games that will have a big impact on the semi-finals. Unbeaten Karaka host third-placed Pukekohe at Karaka Sports Complex with the thought of a home semi-final very much in play if they were to win. Pukekohe, likewise, will know a win over Karaka could propel them into a home semi-final berth as well. “No hiding, Karaka are a very good outfit and well coach by Hilly,” Pukekohe coach Michael Porter told Counties Sports Hub.
“I think for us, it is making sure we match them physically up front. First round was a game of two halves. This time around we will be looking to play for more than 40 minutes.”
 
Second placed Patumahoe travels to fourth-placed Manurewa for another crucial match-up at Mountfort Park. A win for the visitors will take them a long way towards a home semi but a loss opens the door for Pukekohe. Manurewa will be desperate to secure a win against one of the competition’s big three and get themselves away from the chasing pack.
Ardmore Marist hosts fifth-placed Bombay at Bruce Pulman Park. While Felipo Levi’s side hunt a first competition point, Bombay will need five points as they try to hunt down Manurewa for the final semi-final berth.
 
Patumahoe will have a chance to close in on the top four in the Bob Chandler Cup Premier Development grade when they travel to third-placed Manurewa. Top side Karaka hosts fourth-placed Pukekohe. Maramarua hosts defending champions Drury in a vital Sid Marshall Shield contest. The home side will be looking for a win over a top four side to get them back into a top four spot. Onewhero will look to hold off Manurewa as they attempt to protect a top four place, while top side Waiuku heads to Puni. Weymouth travels to Te Kohanga while winless Tuakau will chase their first win when they host Te Kauwhata.
 
Manurewa hosts Patumahoe in the Massey Cup U21 competition while Pukekohe travels to Karaka.
TKO (Tuakau, Te Kohanga and Onewhero) will face Ardmore Marist at Onewhero in the Bright Cup U19 playoffs – the only match of the round.
Waiuku hosts Beachlands Maraetai in a key U85kg clash at Rugby Park, Pukekohe and Karaka meet at Colin Lawrie Fields while Patumahoe heads to Drury.
Papakura hosts Patumahoe in Women’s Premier Development action at Massey Park in a battle between two sides in a logjam around the playoff picture.
Pukekohe travels across the bridge to Glenfield while Karaka heads to Warren Freer Park to play Eden.
Manurewa has a bye in the Women’s Premier competition.