News

Bombay will be hoping to go one better in the second round clash against McNamara Cup leaders Pukekohe on Saturday while also taking a big step towards a semi-final berth.

Bombay are the only side Pukekohe wasn’t able to beat in the first round – the two sides played out an entertaining draw at Colin Lawrie Fields – and will fancy their chances of going one better at home.

With fifth-placed Manurewa having the bye this week, Bombay could open up a gap of more than a win if they were to beat Pukekohe at Bombay Domain.

Karaka heads to Bruce Pulman Park to face bottom-placed Ardmore Marist while Papakura hosts second-placed Patumahoe at Massey Park.

Karaka bounced back to form last week with a big win over Ardmore Marist while Patumahoe proved too good for Manurewa.

If games go with form, the top three sides in the standings could open up a nearly unassailable gap, leaving the likes of Bombay, Manurewa and Papakura battling it out for the remaining semi-final berth.

Bombay’s Premier Reserves side could take a big step towards the Bob Chandler Cup semi-finals if they were to get a win over Pukekohe as well. That game features as the Counties Energy Game of the Week.

Karaka will look to keep pace with Patumahoe when the former travels to Ardmore Marist on Saturday.

Defending champions Onewhero host Patumahoe in an intriguing U85kg clash on Saturday. Both teams sit inside the top four as it stands but the ladder is congested and a loss for either side opens the door for the chasing teams.

Karaka hosts Ardmore Marist, Beachlands Maraetai is at home to Drury while top-of-the-table Waiuku visits Pukekohe in other matches.

All other grades have the long weekend off.