News

Pukekohe and Bombay have played out a physical and entertaining 22-22 McNamara Cup draw at Colin Lawrie Fields on Saturday.

Neither side was ever in front by more than seven points throughout the contest that was played in challenging, blustery and cold conditions.

Both sides had opportunities to secure a win – Bombay missed a long-range penalty on the final play – but a split points scenario was an appropriate result as neither side deserved to lose.

“Yea I think it was a great result – both teams brought their best out today,” said first-five George Taina. “Great effort from both teams.

“It is never an easy day for the kickers in a windy day like that. It was pretty tough out there today.”

Taina had a superb all-round game.

Patumahoe trailed Papakura through the opening 15 minutes at Patumahoe Domain before easing away in the second half to secure a 62-17 win.

The result sees Brad Healy’s side improve to two wins from two games to go with their opening round bye.

“Full credit to Papakura – they put us under a lot of pressure early and stuck in there for the whole 80 minutes,” Healy explained.

“Plenty for us to work on still but happy to get the five points.

“Our skip Will [Furniss] was huge, as he is every week, and backed up by his locking partner Ryan Stewart.

“We had a couple of debuts in James Thompson and Latham McGill, which is always something to cherish for them and their families.”

Karaka made it three from three as they thrashed Ardmore Marist 67-17 at Karaka Sports Complex to move to sole possession of top spot on the ladder.

“Pleased with the start again,” said coach Craig Hill. “We scored some well worked tries in that first 20 minutes.

“Ardmore Marist kept banging away and had the better of us in a 15-minute period before halftime.

“Our boys got back on it in the second half.

“Debut winger Aca Seru showed his power and pace. Loose forwards Suji Vosikata and Aporosa Vuniyayawa had good games, proving a handful with ball in hand.”

Te Kohanga came out on top 18-17 in a memorable Counties Energy Game of the Week against reigning champions Puni that went back and forth throughout.

In a battle between two clubs that know each other well and share a fierce but healthy rivalry, it was the visitors that came from behind to claim the points.

Te Kauwhata did likewise in the annual Gumboot Challenge against old foes Maramarua, storming home to win 17-9 at Te Kauwhata.

Maramarua took an early lead and held that well past the hour mark before the home side clicked into gear.

Weymouth made a successful return to the Sid Marshall Shield Championship grade as they claimed a 43-3 win over Waiuku at Laurie Gibbons Reserve.

Onewhero held on to edge Patumahoe 13-12 at Patumahoe Domain after the home side mounted a comeback of their own, but it was plain sailing for Drury as they easily accounted for Tuakau 67-14.

Manurewa had the bye.

Patumahoe piled on 90 points as they blanked Papakura in their Bob Chandler Cup Premier Reserves contest. It was their second straight win.

Karaka hammered Ardmore Marist 75-10 to remain atop the standings while Pukekohe had to work hard to hold off Bombay 28-17.

Defending Massey Cup U21 champions Karaka continued their strong start to the season as they beat Ardmore Marist 61-7 at Karaka Sports Complex.

Pukekohe earned a crucial away win 20-12 against Manurewa at Mountfort Park while Patumahoe picked up a 29-12 win over Papakura.

Waiuku reversed the result of last year’s U85kg Championship final as they beat Onewhero 22-0 at Onewhero Domain.

Beachlands Maraetai made a winning start to the season as they defeated Pukekohe 20-12 at Te Puru Park.

Newcomers Ardmore Marist proved too good for another first year side in Drury 27-0 while Patumahoe stormed home to beat neighbours Karaka 19-13 at Karaka Sports Complex.