News

Patumahoe will face North Shore in the final of the inaugural Wider Auckland Club Knock Out competition after the two sides advanced from the semi-finals on Saturday.

Patumahoe, the sole Counties Manukau side active in the semi-finals, played out a 17-17 draw with Auckland outfit Grammar TEC at Cornwall Park but advance to the decider due to scoring the first try of the match.

After beating an under-strength Manukau side in the opening week, Brad Healy’s side has been impressive through the opening couple of weeks of the season.

North Shore, celebrating their 150^th anniversary this season, beat Pakuranga 34-24 in the other semi-final on Saturday.

It means it will be Counties Manukau v North Harbour in the battle for the John Spiers Trophy next weekend.

In other games, Karaka rebounded from last week’s narrow loss to Pakuranga by thumping Ponsonby 68-28 at Karaka Sports Complex.

Defending Gallaher Shield champions Manukau, who lost to Patumahoe last week while missing several of their top side, hammered Manurewa 83-20.

Pukekohe continued their impressive pre-season by defeating Papatoetoe 34-26 at Colin Lawrie Fields in the Pool 2 BICTO Te Pukenga trophy competition.

Bombay proved too good for Auckland’s Eden 34-22 at Gribblehurst Park while Papakura ensured it was a clean sweep for Counties Manukau clubs in the grade with a 41-17 victory over Kumeu at North Harbour Stadium.