News

Pukekohe Women secured their first win in the Coleman Shield as they cruised to a comfortable 66-0 thrashing of Silverdale at Silverdale on Saturday.

After some strong showings earlier in the season that pushed the big guns but ultimately fell short of victory, the big win on the road will be just the tonic this side needs to make a push for the playoffs.

“Good day for us,” coach Azania Watene told Counties Sports Hub. “Our first win but we were more focused on maintaining defence and not letting them score. Great for the team confidence although we still have a lot to work on.

“Some individual brilliant performances, Mo [Motiira Nantei] at hooker, Kat [Kararina Enosa-Taifau] in the midfield.

“Great to see more of the team policy becoming more consistent. Really pleased to have tidied up the lineout drive through the game.”

Manurewa remained atop the Coleman Shield standings thanks to a 39-5 win over North Shore at Mountfort Park.

The Counties Sports Hub Shield holders have not been troubled so far this season and look likely to be able to battle for the silverware later in the season.

Papakura defaulted to Ponsonby.

Patumahoe made a winning start to the Richards-Martin Shield season with a 42-5 win over College Rifles at Clive Howe Fields.

In the first weekend of competitive action for the 10-a-side competition, Patumahoe picked up an impressive win at home.

“Was awesome to get the first win,” said Patumahoe coach Anthony Campbell. “It was one of our team goals, so good to tick that off against a strong team like College Rifles. 

“We were really happy with the team’s defence and equally happy with our attack. Happy that what we trained during the week was shown on Saturday.

“Was hard to single anyone out in particular; everyone worked hard for the result.”

Weymouth got off to a successful start in their first foray into the grade. The Weymouth side drew 15-15 at Waitemata in an encouraging showing.