News

Bombay’s 12-10 win over Pukekohe at Bombay on Saturday secures Mike Tuiloma’s side a McNamara Cup semi-final berth.

The result locks in the two semi-finals to be played a fortnight away – top ranked Karaka will host Bombay while Pukekohe will travel to neighbours Patumahoe – while it also eliminates two-time reigning champions Manurewa from the playoff picture.

Bombay had all the early running in wet conditions up the hill and managed to score a pair of early tries as they threatened to blow the game open.

Unable to capitalise on a couple of other first half chances, they allowed Pukekohe back into the contest in the second half.

In the end Bombay did enough to secure the season-defining win.

Manurewa needed five points against winless Ardmore Marist and then had to rely on Bombay to drop both of their remaining games to advance.

Jeremy Clark’s side ticked off the first part of the equation as they eased to a 60-10 victory at Bruce Pulman Park but had to watch Bombay hold on in the final stages to learn their fate.

Top-of-the-table Karaka didn’t have it all their own way at Massey Park against a determined Papakura side, who came out of the sheds firing.

After trailing through the first quarter, Karaka clicked into gear and claimed a 35-10 victory.

The Karaka Premier Development side warmed up for the semi-finals with a 45-22 win against Papakura in an ominous warning for the rest of the competition, while Pukekohe grabbed a hard-fought 22-8 win over Bombay.

Onewhero secured a narrow 21-17 win over Drury at home in Sid Marshall Shield action on Thursday night.

Weymouth had to come from behind to beat Puni 26-12 while Te Kauwhata kept themselves in the semi-final discussion with a 17-12 win on the road against Manurewa.

Maramarua hammered Tuakau 62-5 in Tuakau while Waiuku won by default against Te Kohanga.

 

 

Papakura will face Patumahoe in the final of the Women’s Premier Development competition on Saturday after a stunning weekend of semi-finals.

All four Counties Manukau sides progressed to the semi-final round after a terrific round robin.

Patumahoe created the biggest story as they knocked over round robin leaders Karaka at Karaka Sports Complex 26-19 in the first game.

It marks a slightly disappointing end of Karaka’s dream debut season in the grade. They were the stand out team during pool play and have set themselves up for a strong future in the women’s space.

Papakura triumphed over Pukekohe 34-30 in a close contest at Massey Park.

The result secures Papakura the right to host the final.