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Back to newsManurewa kept their McNamara Cup semi-final hopes alive
Manurewa kept their McNamara Cup semi-final hopes alive with a 48-17 win over Papakura at Mountfort Park. “The game against Papakura was a tough contest. Was a grinding first 40 minutes with the scores locked at 12-all,” explained Manurewa coach Jeremy Clark. “Halftime made some adjustments and got back to our game and put in a second half effort. The bench was solid and really finished the game well and we scored some well-constructed tries going through hands and phases so a big finish helped us.”
Pukekohe and Patumahoe drew 18-18 at Colin Lawrie Fields to maintain their positions on the table with Patumahoe holding second and Pukekohe third. It means the right to host a semi-final could come down to the wire as Patumahoe have a bye this week.
Karaka officially secured a home semi-final as they beat Bombay 27-12 at Karaka Sports Complex and remain unbeaten atop the standings. “We expected a tough game and that’s what we got,” said Karaka coach Craig Hill. “Bombay had a lot to play for and continue to. We couldn’t shake them at any stage. The teams they are yet to play should be wary.
“Some good goal-line defence from our guys.”
Manurewa faces bottom-placed Ardmore Marist next week before a bye in the final round. Bombay sits one point above them on the table and finishes the season with matches against Pukekohe and Patumahoe.
Pukekohe secured a semi-final berth in the Bob Chandler Cup Premier Development competition with a 53-24 win over Patumahoe.
Karaka beat Bombay 34-8 while Papakura edged Manurewa 24-19.
Weymouth continued their strong form in the Sid Marshall Shield with a 38-20 win over Te Kauwhata at Laurie Gibbons Field.
Defending champs Drury beat Manurewa 20-14 while Onewhero were too good for neighbours Te Kohanga 32-10.
Waiuku thumped Tuakau 53-0 while Maramarua were too good for Puni 31-19.
Two-time reigning champions Karaka will face Patumahoe in the Massey Cup U21 competition final after both sides won through via their respective semi-finals.
Karaka cruised to a 34-7 win over Ardmore Marist while Patumahoe upset Manurewa 25-22 at Mountfort Park.
Ardmore Marist triumphed 27-14 over Pukekohe at Bruce Pulman Park while Waiuku drew 32-32 with Manurewa – Manurewa advancing for scoring more tries in the contest.
Waiuku edged Onewhero 15-7 in U85kg action while Patumahoe secured a crucial 31-17 win over Beachlands Maraetai.
Pukekohe blanked Drury 38-0.
All four Counties Manukau sides will contest the semi-finals of the Women’s Premier Development competition in a stunning result for the Union.
Karaka hammered Glenfield 89-0 to secure top spot heading into the semi-finals in the first season the club has run a women’s team.
Patumhoe’s 41-17 win over Grammar TEC means they jump into the top four and will face a trip to neighbours Karaka in the semis.
Papakura secured a win by default against Pakuranga while Pukekohe’s bye didn’t prevent them from earning a semi-final berth.
Papakura will host Pukekohe in that match next weekend.
