News

The Counties Manukau U85s enjoyed a 28-18 win over North Harbour at Patumahoe Rugby Club on Saturday.

The win sends the team into the final for the Under 85kg competition where they will face Auckland this Saturday on Waiheke Island at 2.35pm. 

Meanwhile the Counties Manukau Steelers Development side had a narrow 34-31 loss to Taranaki at Navigation Homes Stadium.

"I thought it went well in the first half," said head coach Mike Tuiloma. "We set the tone and pace of the game and played a physical one at that but we just couldn't close out the game.

"Our lineouts were key in that game, also the fact that we played direct, upfront rugby. Desma Liaina had a stand out game with his control at 9 and spotting holes in the fringes. Young Jesse Te Kani also had some good moments."

Counties Manukau U18 Boys beat Bay of Plenty 33-22 at Pukekohe Rugby Club.

The home side took a little while to get into the game, with the visitors striking first before Elijah Solomona scored to get his side into the contest.

Solomona, Thomas Setitaia and Apai Mau Hinkes scored tries as the first half continued to give Counties Manukau a 26-12 advantage at the break.

Despite conceding a pair of late tries while they had a man in the bin, the Counties Manukau side dominated the second half to secure victory.

The Counties Manukau U18 Girls went down to Bay of Plenty 39-10 at Pukekohe Rugby Club on Saturday.

Counties Manukau U16 Boys went down 50-0 to Waikato at Te Kauwhata Rugby Club in their pre-season game. At the same venue the Counties Manukau U16 Girls lost to Waikato 22-10.

Despite the loss, the coaching staff was happy with what they saw from their side, particularly in physical fundamentals.

The Under 19s had a bye in their competition but travelled down to Paeroa for a friendly against Chiefs Heartland U20s. The team had a strong 43-14 win with seven tries coming at regular intervals to Jayden Flanagan, Austin Carew, Fakaongo Leaamanu, Lenz Morunga-Itunu, Junior Tolatau, Ryan Michie and Taeao Pomale-Time. Jayden Flanagan and Jayden Clark added four conversions between them.