News

Manurewa and Pukekohe women will battle it out for a place in the Coleman Shield semi-finals when they meet in an all-Counties Manukau quarter-final at Mountfort Park on Saturday.

The home side came out on top in a battle between the two sides a few weeks ago that saw the Counties Sports Hub Shield be locked up at Manurewa over the summer.

But with the season on the line for both sides, that result will count for nothing.

"We're excited for a Counties derby this week," said Manurewa co-coach Bruce Kaino. "We give Puke full respect for putting out awesome performances this year and for newcomers into this competition, they have punched well above their weight.

"We know if we don't perform this week that's our season finished. And we expect Puke to come out firing.

"I think both lose their Black Ferns but it's an awesome opportunity for others to step up and have a go. It is also a chance to push for a spot in the young and exciting Heat campaign set to kick off soon."

In the Women's 10s Top 6 Weymouth will host top-of-the-table Grammar TEC at Laurie Gibbons Reserve while Patumahoe faces Marist at Mt Wellington War Memorial Park.

Patumahoe currently sits second on the table while Weymouth are a point back in fourth place.