News

Patumahoe and Karaka could both clinch a semi-final berth in the McNamara Cup this weekend while Manurewa and Papakura play a crucial match in determining their playoff aspirations.

Patumahoe hosts bottom-placed Ardmore Marist needing only a point to book a playoff spot while Karaka hosts fourth-placed Bombay knowing a win locks in their semi-final spot.

Both teams are in a fierce battle with top side Pukekohe at the top of the standings with the top two sides at the end of pool play earning the right to host a semi-final.

Pukekohe (39 points) has the bye this week, which could allow Patumahoe (35) and Karaka (33) to move up.

Bombay could go a long way to sealing fourth spot if they could beat Karaka at Karaka Sports Complex.

They will look to bounce back after a convincing loss to Pukekohe at home last weekend.

Manurewa could move up to fourth if they can beat Papakura at Mountfort Park in what shapes as an intriguing clash.

The two sides drew their first round match at Massey Park.

Papakura desperately needs to win if they are to have a realistic shot at making the semi-finals.

Bombay (18 points) lead Manurewa (16) in the battle for fourth with Papakura

(9) still in with a chance.

The weekend shapes as a key round in the Bob Chandler Cup Premier Reserves competition on Saturday as well.

Fifth placed Manurewa host bottom-of-the-table Papakura at Mountfort Park while third placed Karaka meets fourth placed Bombay.

Patumahoe host Ardmore Marist in the third game of the round.

Weymouth could take a significant step towards a home semi-final in the Sid Marshall Shield competition when they host Maramarua at Laurie Gibbons Reserve in the Counties Energy Game of the Week.

Te Kauwhata travels to Tuakau looking to secure a win that will bring them within touching distance of a playoff spot while Te Kohanga will hope to do likewise when they travel to Manurewa.

Waiuku hosts Onewhero at Rugby Park while Puni is at home to neighbours Patumahoe.

Top side Drury has the bye. 

Undefeated Karaka hosts Papakura in the Massey Cup U21 competition at Karaka Sports Complex while Manurewa travels to Bruce Pulman Park to play Ardmore Marist and Patumahoe hosts Pukekohe in a match that will have playoff seeding impact.

In the U85kg Cup, Beachlands Maraetai travels to Karaka Sports Complex to face Karaka, Patumahoe hosts Onewhero, Ardmore Marist travels to Waiuku, and Pukekohe is at home to Drury.

The two local Presidents sides play against each other on Saturday with Ardmore Marist hosting Pukekohe at Bruce Pulman Park.