Manurewa scored their first win of the McNamara Cup season on Saturday when they held off a hard-finishing Ardmore Marist side 28-22 at Mountfort Park.
Jeremy Clark’s side fell behind early but composed themselves and slowly took control of the game.
But with the result seemingly secured, Ardmore Marist roared back in the final five minutes to set up a grandstand finish.
“It was ugly, but we got five points out of the game and that is what we were aiming for,” Clark said.
“It was heart in your mouth stuff at the back end, but the boys survived to hold them off and I am proud of their efforts.
“A win is a win – the monkey off the back – you just have to build.”
Patumahoe came out on top of a topsy-turvy 34-11 win over neighbours Pukekohe at Patumahoe Domain.
The visitors led for a long time before Brad Healy’s side got on top.
“It was a typical Patty-Puke battle,” Healy said. “Both teams had plenty of chances in the first half but couldn’t really capitalise.
“It was a rough start to the second half for us, but we managed to hold on then got our shape and game going in the last 20.
“Our bench was big for us.”
Karaka eased to a comfy 78-7 win over Papakura at Karaka Sports Complex to remain the only unbeaten side in the competition.
“A lot of credit should go to Papakura and their effort,” said coach Craig Hill.
“Their forwards were extremely busy with ball in hand, keeping our boys busy on defense.”
Ardmore Marist picked up a 40-28 win over Manurewa in the Bob Chandler Cup Premier 2 competition.
Pukekohe triumphed 43-10 over Patumahoe while Karaka beat Papakura **-**.
Te Kauwhata edged Maramarua 18-16 in a fascinating Golden Gumboot game in the Sid Marshall Shield on Saturday.
Waiuku picked up an 18-17 win over Puni in a thrilling contest at Puni.
Onewhero beat Manurewa 45-22 while Weymouth claimed a 50-0 win over Te Kohanga.
Drury enjoyed a 57-7 win over Tuakau on the road.
Waiuku grabbed a 17-12 win over Pukekohe in the Massey Cup U21 grade.
Ardmore Marist eased to a 45-10 win over Patumahoe, while Karaka beat Manurewa 57-7.
In Bright Cup U19 action, Ardmore Marist picked up a 13-10 win over Waiuku while Manurewa went down to College Rifles 34-7.
Beachlands Maraetai enjoyed a 29-18 win over Hamilton Marist in U85kg play.
Elsewhere, Waiuku hammered Drury 63-3, Patumahoe fell to Fraser Tech 19-15 and Bombay went down to Morrinsville Sports 33-7.
