News

Patumahoe opened the 2024 McNamara Cup season with a close-fought 32-20 win over Papakura at Patumahoe Domain on Saturday.

The game was a genuine battle between two sides that look certain to be semi-final contenders this season.

The Patumahoe back-line looked sharp, particularly their new additions, in an encouraging sign for coach Brad Healy.

But Papakura were always in the fight and but for a couple of quality early tries, a much different result was more than possible.

An improved Papakura side will certainly win their share of games this year and are likely to be a genuine threat for a playoff spot.

“It was good to get the first up win,” said Healy.

“The new boys to the club really impressed,” he added.

Karaka finished the faster as they defeated reigning champions Manurewa 44-27 at Karaka Sports Complex in a replay of last season’s final.

As with the game up the road, the scoreline was not a true reflection of how close the contest was, with a pair of late Karaka tries blowing the score out.

Both sides went at it up front while the back lines were able to finish some nice plays.

Karaka gained great control from young first-five Josh Penney, while number eight Zac Mauga and lock Tino Ulugia were very impressive.

“I am really happy with that,” said Karaka coach Craig Hill. “Going into it I was sure how we were going to go with a lot of young boys stepping up and a lot of other boys playing their first game coming up from P2.

“Taking points when they were on offer – I don’t think we missed any of our chances to be honest.”

Pukekohe dominated Ardmore Marist in a one-sided contest at Colin Lawrie Fields in Pukekohe as they secured an 86-0 win.

It was one-way traffic after a tight opening five minutes as Michael Porter’s side shot out of the blocks early against a young, rebuilding Ardmore Marist outfit.

Papakura secured a superb 27-17 win over last season’s runners-up Patumahoe in the Bob Chandler Cup Premier Development grade.

Karaka proved too strong for Manurewa as the defending champs won 47-21 at home.

Pukekohe picked up a win by default over Ardmore Marist.

Maramarua produced arguably the performance of the weekend as they upset reigning Sid Marshall Shield champions Drury 43-22 at Drury Domain.

Elsewhere, Weymouth thrashed Te Kohanga 66-0 in an impressive showing, Te Kauwhata recorded a 39-8 win over Tuakau at home while Manurewa were too strong for Onewhero 38-21 at Mountfort Park.

Waiuku were able to defeat Puni 36-22 in a battle between two sides with plenty of history at Rugby Park.

Two-time defending champions Karaka flexed their muscles early in the Massey Cup U21 competition as they beat Manurewa 49-10 at Karaka while Pukekohe had to work hard to edge Ardmore Marist 23-17 in Pukekohe.

Patumahoe had the opening round bye.

The TKO (Te Kohanga, Tuakau, Onewhero combined entity) recorded a stunning 64-3 win over Pukekohe in the opening match of the Bright Cup U19 competition at Navigation Homes Stadium on Friday night.

Elsewhere in the expansion grade, Manurewa proved too good for Ardmore Marist 58-24 while Weymouth were thumped 58-0 by Auckland side Puketapapa Roskill Sports.

Waiuku had an opening week bye.

Defending champions Waiuku blanked Patumahoe 15-0 in a replay of last season’s U85kg grade final at Rugby Park, Waiuku.

Karaka were able to pip Beachlands Maraetai 20-18 in a close contest at Te Puru Park while Pukekohe beat Onewhero 22-7 at Pukekohe.

Drury had the bye.

The Patumahoe women opened their Premier Development season in style as they smashed Pakuranga 73-0 at Patumahoe.

Papakura went down to Massey 43-20 while Pukekohe collected a win by default over College Rifles.

Karaka had a bye to start with.

Manurewa had the bye to begin their Premier season.