Karaka fought back to beat defending champions Patumahoe 16-12 in the opening round of the McNamara Cup at Karaka Sports Complex on Saturday.
Craig Hill’s side trailed for the majority of the match but came home with a wet sail to snatch victory.
They bombed some scoring opportunities throughout, with the last pass not going to hand but it ultimately didn’t cost them the win.
“Everything we were expecting today – we just had to hang in there and keep working away and hopefully get some points on the board,” Hill said.
“First comp game the intensity is a bit higher, so we left a bit out there.
“The way the scrum operated was great.”
Bombay made an encouraging start to the season defeating Papakura 48-20 at home up the hill.
Mike Tuiloma’s side had to work hard to overcome a spirited Papakura outfit.
“It was a tough one—Kura came to play,” Tuiloma said. “We went away from what we had planned, and by halftime, it was clear the boys needed a rev-up.
“Credit to Kura, they stayed in the fight right up until the last 10–15 minutes, and to be honest, we were a bit lucky to come away with the result.
“That being said, there were plenty of positives to take from the match. Having 10 debuts in week one is huge, and while there were some early nerves and moments where our detail let us down, the experience will only make us better.”
Pukekohe grabbed maximum points from their battle with old foes Manurewa at Mountfort Park, running out 44-31 winners.
They had to withstand a second half comeback from the home side, however.
“Rewa has got some really good young boys there with some old heads and really stayed in the game for 80 minutes,” Pukekohe coach Michael Porter said.
“They made us work for the win.”
Karaka were too strong for Patumahoe in the Bob Chandler Premier 2 competition, completing a 46-31 victory.
Pukekohe beat Manurewa 56-5 while Bombay were too good for Papakura 67-0.
Puni upstaged defending Sid Marshall Shield champions Onewhero 26-19 at Onewhero in a statement win first up.
Te Kauwhata secured an impressive 55-35 road win first up against Drury while Maramarua edged Manurewa 35-26.
Waiuku edged Te Kohanga 17-12 while Weymouth triumphed 51-0 over Tuakau.
In Massey Cup U21 action, Waiuku picked up a 27-7 win on the road against Manurewa. Karaka beat Patumahoe 42-12 at Karaka.
The Rua North combination side (Maramarua and Hauraki North) proved too strong for Patumahoe in their Bright Cup U19 match at Navigation Homes Stadium on Friday night. The joint venture won the match 46-15.
Pukekohe went down to College Rifles 29-19.
Pukekohe got their U85kg campaign off to a good start with a 38-3 win over Drury at Drury.
Waiuku picked up a 44-5 win over the Cattle Dogs from King Country while Bombay went down to Fraser Tech 22-5.
Karaka got a walk over win against Beachlands Maraetai.
