News

Papakura will seek a rare win against a top four side when they face Manurewa at Massey Park in McNamara Cup action on Saturday.

Fresh off their first win of the 2024 campaign, the Jarrod Firth/Mark Thomas coached side can stake their claim for a semi-final berth if they can beat the defending premiers at home.

Papakura secured a come-from-behind draw in the corresponding match last season but will be hoping to go one better and propel themselves into a top four spot in the process.

Four spot on the table is separated by just three points with Bombay on nine, Papakura on seven and Manurewa on six so any match between the three sides could have a profound impact on the semi-finals in a couple of months’ time.

Pukekohe heads to Patumahoe Domain to take on Brad Healy’s side in a classic local derby.

Pukekohe are coming off the bye and will be well rested while Patumahoe will be licking their lips after their first loss of the season at the hands of Karaka.

Bombay hosts top-of-the-table Karaka up the hill in a battle between the last remaining unbeaten sides.

After starting the season with a bye, Bombay has recorded a pair of draws plus a win over Ardmore Marist and would love to strike a blow against one of the competition favourites.

The round kicks off on Thursday night when Waiuku hosts Maramarua in a mouth-watering Sid Marshall Shield match.

The two top four sides agreed to play under lights on Thursday to avoid a clash with duck shooting season beginning on Saturday.

Onewhero hosts Te Kauwhata at Onewhero while Tuakau hosts the very much in-form Weymouth side at Tuakau.

Defending champions Drury head over the Tuakau Bridge to face Te Kohanga while Manurewa travels to Puni.

Manurewa meets Ardmore Marist in a key Massey Cup U21 battle at Mountfort Park while in the other game this round, Karaka hosts Patumahoe.

Pukekohe and Waiuku meet under lights at Colin Lawrie Fields in Bright Cup U19 action on Thursday night while TKO (Tuakau, Onewhero and Te Kohanga) head north to face Auckland outfit Puketapapa Roskill Sports on Friday night.

Weymouth travels to Bruce Pulman Park to play Ardmore Marist on Saturday.

It will be an emotional occasion at the two U85kg grade fixtures on Saturday as the sport mourns the passing of Beachlands Maraetai player Cory Heather last weekend.

Karaka hosts Waiuku at Karaka Sports Complex while Drury travels to Onewhero where a moment’s silence and a tribute to Heather will be made at both games.

The scheduled Patumahoe v Pukekohe match has been postponed.

Manurewa faces old foes Ponsonby in the Women’s Premier competition at Cox’s Bay Reserve.

Karaka hosts neighbours Patumahoe in Women’s Development action while Pukekohe travels to Grammar TEC. Papakura has the bye.