News

It was a mixed weekend of results for Counties Manukau representative teams with the PIC Steelers the highlight with their gutsy win on the road in Tauranga.

Reon Graham’s side defended strongly and picked up their second win in four games to stay well and truly in the playoff picture.

Unfortunately, a 32-12 loss to defending champions Waikato at Navigation Homes Stadium on Saturday has seen the Counties Energy Heat miss the semi-finals of the Farah Palmer Cup.

Needing a win to advance, the Heat gave a good account of themselves in the first 40 minutes and were well in the game for the first hour.

But the class of Waikato shone through in the final quarter as they eased away to victory.

The Bayleys Counties Manukau Bs went down to Bay of Plenty 23-14 in Tauranga on Saturday.

Coach Jeremy Clark was pleased with his side’s efforts, however.

“It was a good physical game against a well-drilled Bay of Plenty side,” Clark said. “We lifted from the previous week, and it showed in the first 20 minutes as Bay of Plenty were camped in our 22 but were unable to come away with points.

“I was very happy with the 80-minute effort put in and there are some signs there ahead of our next game against Auckland at Massey Park.”

Peti Lauese and Lesa Sapau scored tries for the Counties Manukau side.

The Counties Manukau U19s lost to Taranaki 34-20 in Hamilton.

The Counties Manukau U85kg side had a narrow 15-14 loss to Waikato in a pre-season hit out. The coaching staff were happy with the performance with the match played in good spirits.

Pukekohe High School 1^st XV went down to New Plymouth 36-25 in New Plymouth in their Chiefs Top 4 semi-final on Saturday.

The Tuakau College/Onewhero Area School 1^st XV claimed the 1^st XV Cup thanks to a terrific 14-10 victory over Hauraki Plains College at Navigation Homes Stadium.

Played in front of a big crowd, both teams put on an exhibition, but it was the Tuakau/Onewhero side that came out on top, despite losing a player to a red card in the opening half.

Rosehill College 1^st XV beat Pukekohe High School 2^nd XV in the Plate Final of the 1^st XV Cup while Waiuku College beat Papakura High School 22-19 in the final of the U15 Open competition.

The Karaka Razzlers’ run in the NZ Barbarians U85kg national competition came to an end in the semi-finals after they were beaten 48-5 by the Southern Bush Pigs – a combination club side from Dunedin.