Bombay secured a 38-22 win over Manurewa at home on Saturday to ensure they take control of a top four spot in the McNamara Cup.
Mike Tuiloma’s side collected their second win of the season and maintain fourth place as a result.
“It was great to get the win, but even better to finally see things start to click,” Tuiloma said. “It’s been a tough few weeks, but we stayed patient with the boys. There’s still plenty to fix, but I’m glad the team came out on the right side of the result.
“That said, full credit to Manurewa, they’re a tough, well-coached side with players across the park who can break the game open at any moment. Their physicality, skill level, and ability to punish mistakes made it a real battle right to the final whistle. It was by no means an easy win, and the result could have gone either way.
“Now, it’s about making sure we keep pushing the detail through training and maintaining the connections that clicked on Saturday, especially with a bye week coming up.”
Karaka continued their unbeaten run in 2025, accounting for Ardmore Marist 63-24 at Bruce Pulman Park.
“Similar to last week, played really well in the first half, took some good options and finished the opportunities,” coach Craig Hill said.
“Second half, we conceded a few penalties and free kicks, which slowed the momentum and allowed Ardmore Marist to come back at us.”
Patumahoe thumped Papakura 100-0 to maintain top spot on the table but having played a game more than their two closest rivals.
“Happy with the efforts,” coach Brad Healy said. “It is nice to see what we have been training is starting to come into our game, and we are getting the rewards.
“Credit to Kura as they played the full 80 minutes with great heart and never once dropped their heads. We look forward to hosting them in the second round.”
Bombay and Manurewa played out a 22-22 draw in the Bob Chandler Cup Premier 2 competition.
In other matches, Patumahoe beat Papakura 26-20 while Karaka eased to a 61-34 victory over Ardmore Marist.
Defending champions Onewhero handed Te Kauwhata their first Sid Marshall Shield loss of the season after recording a 26-19 victory in Te Kauwhata.
Maramarua enjoyed a 22-12 win over Te Kohanga while Drury edged Puni 31-28.
Weymouth claimed a big 75-7 win on the road against Waiuku while Manurewa hammered Tuakau 114-5.
Pukekohe secured a narrow 22-18 win over neighbours Patumahoe in the Massey Cup U21 competition.
Ardmore Marist edged Manurewa 20-14 while Karaka picked up a 46-19 win over Waiuku.
Manurewa claimed a 38-24 win over Waiuku in the Bright Cup U19 competition, while Patumahoe went down to Auckland’s College Rifles 48-0.
In the U85kg grade, Pukekohe picked up a 46-12 win over Beachlands Maraetai at Colin Lawrie Fields.
Drury headed off the Cattle Dogs 27-10 while Patumahoe went down to Hamilton Marist 20-17.
Waiuku proved too strong for Morrinsville Sports 27-19 while Karaka took a 41-14 win over Fraser Tech.
