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Karaka, Patumahoe and Pukekohe continue to pull away from the pack at the McNamara Cup round robin hits the midpoint.

All three teams picked up wins on the weekend to extend their advantage atop the standings.

 

Karaka had little trouble in accounting for Ardmore Marist – the 134-7 scoreline underlining how strong Craig Hill’s side is. “The boys have played some very good footy in the first round,” Hill told Counties Sports Hub. “Had patches in each of the games where it has got a bit messy, but they have turned it around to finish each of the games strong. We will need to improve, the other teams look like they are building with some very good results and with guys coming back from Super Rugby and overseas, squads will strengthen.”

 

Patumahoe were always in control against Bombay in their battle up the hill at Bombay and rounded out winners 44-12. It means Brad Healy’s side finishes the first round in second place on the table. “Happy to get the win up on the hill. Beautiful day with Bombay celebrating ladies day and both teams went at it,” Healy said.“Credit to Bombay, who never went away the whole 80. Nice to finish in the top four first round but the boys know it only gets harder from here. We know the other big teams come into their own in the second round so we need to keep getting better each week.”

 

Pukekohe were challenged by Papakura but always looked the better side and ended up grabbing a 43-15 victory at Massey Park.

After a couple of losses, Pukekohe has responded well in the past couple of weeks. “I’m pretty happy with round one,” coach Michael Porter said. “We dropped a couple of games, but I think we are building nicely heading into round two.”

Papakura secured a last-gasp 11-10 win over Pukekohe in Bob Chandler Cup Premier Development. A penalty goal on the final whistle securing the home side the points.

 

Patumahoe beat Bombay 45-21 to keep in touch with the top four.

Waiuku prevailed 36-15 in an impressive win over Weymouth in the top-of-the-table Sid Marshall Shield clash in Waiuku.

Defending champions Drury edged Te Kauwhata 36-34 while Onewhero jumped into third place thanks to a 50-12 win away to Tuakau.

Manurewa moved into the top four thanks to a 29-22 win on the road at Maramarua while Te Kohanga held off Puni 27-20 at Te Kohanga.

Patumahoe edged Ardmore Marist 29-28 in Massey Cup U21 action while Manurewa secured a 31-7 win over Pukekohe.

 

In Bright Cup U19 play, Pukekohe triumphed over Weymouth 34-10, while Manurewa beat TKO (Tuakau, Te Kohanga, Onewhero) 34-12.

Waiuku got a walk over win against Puketapapa.

In U85kg games, Karaka edged neighbours Patumahoe 23-17 while Beachlands Maraetai continued their strong campaign with a 36-10 win at home against Onewhero.

Manurewa Premier Women went down narrowly 31-29 to College Rifles.

All four local Women’s Premier Development teams picked up wins, however. Papakura beat Waitakere 37-7 away from home, Pukekohe thumped Massey 49-0 away, while Karaka were too good for Pakuranga 79-10.

Patumahoe got a win by default against College Rifles.