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Two-time reigning McNamara Cup champions Manurewa flexed their muscles with a relieving 31-0 blanking of Papakura on Saturday.

Winless through their opening four matches, Jeremy Clark’s side underlined their capabilities with a dominant display at home.

“We defended for long periods in the first half where the game was tight,” Clark told Counties Sports Hub.

“We got some ball in the second half and really started playing some entertaining, expansive running rugby.

“Happy to get the win and move in the right direction. We have been building for the last few weeks.”

Patumahoe got back to winning ways with an impressive 39-22 win over neighbours Pukekohe at Patumahoe Domain.

Pukekohe had their chances but were unable to capitalise as much as their opponents, who bounced back from last weekend’s loss to Karaka.

The win keeps Brad Healy’s side on top of the standings.

“Was a great game to watch from both sides,” said Healy.

“A high attacking, fast-paced game with great tries from both teams.

“The boys were happy to get the win going into the bye next week.”

Karaka kept pace with Patumahoe atop the McNamara Cup standings thanks to a 37-26 win over Bombay at Bombay Domain.

Craig Hill’s side were a little too clinical for a tough Bombay outfit in a battle between the two unbeaten sides.

“Tough game which could have gone either way with 15 minutes to go,” said Hill.

“The boys put a couple of good tries together to push the score out.

“We certainly had to get through a lot of defence at various times during the game.

“Happy with the five points but there is plenty to work on.”

Patumahoe and Karaka sit atop the standings (on 20 points), though the latter has a game in hand. Pukekohe (12 points) hold third place with Manurewa (11) jumping into the top four ahead of Bombay (10).

Pukekohe claimed a 24-19 win over Patumahoe in Bob Chandler Cup Premier Development play.

Karaka were too good for Bombay 19-10, while Manurewa pipped Papakura 27-25.

Onewhero kept pace with the top four in the Sid Marshall Shield standings thanks to a 22-19 win over Te Kauwhata at Onewhero.

Defending champions Drury won again – a 29-17 victory on the road at Te Kohanga, while Manurewa triumphed 43-19 over Puni at Puni.

On Thursday night, Waiuku beat Maramaria 24-18 at Rugby Park while Weymouth picked up a win by default over Tuakau.

Manurewa proved too strong for Ardmore Marist 32-18 in Massey Cup U21 action while Karaka hammered Patumahoe 42-10.

Waiuku continued their strong Bright Cup U19 season with a 31-12 road win over Pukekohe.

Ardmore Marist beat Weymouth 37-12 while Onewhero fell to Auckland club Puketapapa 22-20 in Auckland.

Two matches were played in the U85kg grade as the grade paid tribute to Beachlands Maraetai player Cory Heather, who passed away tragically a week ago.

Waiuku picked a 15-10 win over Karaka at Karaka Sports Complex while Onewhero cruised to a 36-14 win over Drury.

The Patumahoe v Pukekohe match was postponed.