News

Pukekohe and Bombay will renew a recent rivalry that has been fierce at times as both clubs look to bounce back from defeat last weekend.

The two sides made promising starts to the McNamara Cup season only to lose narrowly last weekend and will be out to prove a point this week.

Pukekohe has dropped back-to-back games against Karaka and Patumahoe respectively and Michael Porter’s side will be eager to get back to their best at home at Colin Lawrie Fields.

“Yea we really need to front up up front this week,” Porter told Counties Sports Hub. “Bombay are a big physical pack, with some class backs so will front for 80 minutes.”

Bombay too will be hoping to get back into the winner’s circle after losing for the first time against Karaka last week.

Mike Tuiloma’s side got out of the blocks quickly and have proven they are worthy semi-final contenders this season.

“This game is big for many reasons, but main one for us is about staying in the race and that's the challenge this Saturday for us - stay in the race,” Tuiloma explained.

“For us it's not about being better to get the win, it's just about being better at fixing individual and team details and hope for a win as a result.

“A local derby, looking forward to the battle of the forwards.  If you look at both packs there are some really good match ups especially in the loose forward department.  Looking forward to see both trios go at each other.”

In other matches, Ardmore Marist travels to Manurewa searching for a first competition point against a team that hit their straps last weekend.

Karaka hosts neighbours Papakura at Karaka Sports Complex and will look to protect their unbeaten start to the season while Papakura chase a break-through win against a top four outfit.

Defending Sid Marshall Shield champions Drury will look to continue their run of form when they face fellow top four side Waiuku at Drury Domain.

Top-of-the-table Weymouth meets Maramarua in a battle between the other two top four sides at Laurie Gibbons Reserve.

Te Kauwhata will look to kick-start their season when they host Te Kohanga at Te Kauwhata Domain while Onewhero travels to Puni looking to move into the top four.

Manurewa hosts Tuakau at Mountfort Park.

Two-time defending champions Karaka host Ardmore Marist in Massey Cup U21 action while in the other fixture Patumahoe travels to Pukekohe.

Old foes Manurewa and Pukekohe meet in the Bright Cup U19 competition at Mountfort Park.

Waiuku travels to Weymouth while Ardmore Marist heads north to play Auckland side Puketapapa.

Beachlands Maraetai will travel to Pukekohe in an emotional return to the U85kg competition while Patumahoe heads over the Tuakau Bridge to play Onewhero.

Drury hosts Karaka at Drury Domain while Waiuku has the bye.

Manurewa heads to Mt Wellington to play Marist Brothers in the Women’s Premier competition.

Papakura hosts College Rifles at Massey Park in the Women’s Development competition.

Elsewhere, Pukekohe is at home to Pakuranga and Karaka hosts Grammar TEC.

Patumahoe has a bye.