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Pukekohe moved back to the top of the McNamara Cup standings and gave themselves the best opportunity to secure a home semi-final after a thrilling 18-6 win over Patumahoe at Patumahoe.

For the second time this season, Michael Porter’s side beat a Patumahoe outfit no-one else has been able to best.

“It was one hell of a game – a typical Puke, Patty game really,” said Porter.

“I was really happed with the boys this week, we learnt from last week’s game and were able to front again this weekend and get the job done against a good Patty side.

“We are pushing to get a home semi-final. It has been a few years since we have had a home semi so we are doing everything we can to push for it, but we also know we need to front again next week against a good Rewa side.”

Manurewa secured a semi-final berth after a convincing 36-12 victory over Bombay that guarantees them a chance to defend their McNamara Cup in a fortnight.

“It was an arm wrestle – both sides really taking it to each other,” Manurewa coach Jeremy Clark said.

“The back end of the game, we scored some nice tries to finish the game and get the win.

“It was a solid performance by all 23 involved. The bench really played a big part in the win.

“Happy with that performance to secure a semi-final. We now focus on Pukekohe over there so back to work next week to prepare.”

Papakura collected a 48-5 win over Ardmore Marist to help celebrate Brockson Brown’s 100^th Premier game.

Bombay beat Manurewa 36-15 in Bob Chandler Cup Premier Reserves action to leapfrog them into fourth place with one game to go.

Patumahoe took care of Pukekohe 29-5 while Ardmore Marist thrashed Papakura 58-0.

It leaves an intriguing final week of play with top sides Patumahoe and Karaka playing off for top spot.

The battle is on for the two remaining playoff berths with Pukekohe (28), Bombay (26) and Manurewa (25) all in the frame.

Pukekohe and Manurewa play each other while Bombay faces bottom-placed Papakura.

Drury restored top spot in the Sid Marshall Shield after they beat Weymouth 22-10 while Te Kohanga moved up to third and secured a semi-final berth with a resounding 50-3 win over Patumahoe.

Te Kauwhata kept themselves in the semi-final hunt thanks to a brilliant 18-12 win over defending champions Puni.

Maramarua hammered Tuakau 84-3 while Manurewa edged Onewhero 36-33.

Patumahoe pushed unbeaten Karaka hard in the semi-finals of the Massey Cup U21 competition before the top seeds eventually completed a 14-6 win to advance to the final.

They will face Pukekohe in the decider, after they narrowly pipped Manurewa 13-12 in the other semi-final.

Onewhero grabbed sole possession of fourth spot in the U85kg grade after a 55-5 win over Drury.

Waiuku stayed top thanks to a 46-17 win over Beachlands Maraetai while Patumahoe proved too good for Pukekohe 21-14.

Karaka accounted for Ardmore Marist 43-5.