Patumahoe handed Karaka their first loss in the McNamara Cup this season with a thrilling 39-37 victory at Patumahoe Domain on Saturday.
The win sees Patumahoe draw level at the top of the standings.
“It was a very physical and fast-paced game from both sides,” Patumahoe coach Brad Healy told Counties Sports Hub.
“We got out to a good lead early, but Karaka came back as we knew they would.
“Was good to see the boys play the full 80 and grab the win at the end.
“Expecting the same against Puke this week.”
Blair Butchart calmly slotted a long-range penalty goal after 80 minutes had expired as Pukekohe snatched a 28-26 victory over Manurewa to all but secure a semi-final berth.
Michael Porter’s side dominated the first half before the visitors raced back into contention in the second spell.
Manurewa fullback Master Kava converted a try from the sideline with a couple of minutes to play to put his side in front.
But a late infringement saw Butchart get his chance to be the hero.
“Hell of a game and could have gone either way,” Porter told Counties Sports Hub.
“We knew Rewa were going to turn up and play and they definitely did that.
“I’m happy we could get the win in the end.”
Bombay claimed a 29-25 win over Ardmore Marist at Bombay to reverse the result from last week between the two sides.
Mike Tuiloma’s side held their nerve in front of their home supporters to secure the crucial win.
“Ardy are tough and we made it especially harder on ourselves,” Tuiloma said, “Ardy are physical and know how to use that physicality on the right parts of the field.
“Grateful that our boys showed some mana with the defense because it could’ve gone Ardy’s way but credit to the boys – we needed that win to stay in the race.”
One point separates Manurewa, Ardmore Marist and Bombay on the ladder in what is shaping as an epic battle for the final playoff berth.
Ardmore Marist grabbed a 26-24 win over Bombay in the Bob Chandler Cup Premier 2 competition.
Pukekohe claimed a 43-24 win over Manurewa while top ranked Karaka beat Patumahoe 42-22.
Maramarua stunned Weymouth with a 34-31 win in the Sid Marshall Shield to bring themselves into a top four position.
Tuakau picked up their first of the season with a hard-fought 26-19 win over Te Kohanga in Tuakau.
Onewhero claimed a 46-17 win over Drury, Waiuku edged Manurewa 24-22 and Te Kauwhata beat Puni 22-17.
In Massey Cup U21 action, Patumahoe edged Waiuku 25-23, Pukekohe blanked Manurewa 30-0 while Karaka grabbed a win on the road 29-19 against Ardmore Marist.
Pukekohe secured an impressive 38-0 win over Fraser Tech in the U85kg grade.
Elsewhere, Karaka beat Bombay 31-5, Beachlands Maraetai blanked the Cattle Dogs 38-0, Waiuku secured a 32-7 win over Patumahoe while Drury went down to Morrinsville Sports 50-0.
Pukekohe enjoyed a 43-14 win over Eden in the Auckland Women’s Premier Development competition on Saturday.
With their opponents struggling for numbers, the game was played under the Game On rules, which meant Pukekohe had to adjust.
“Pukekohe Rugby Club held its sponsors day on Saturday, with the Eden Lady Hawks putting up a strong fight despite their numbers,” coach David Faitala told Counties Sports Hub.
“The game presented a challenge as the team had to adapt to Game On rules and it took time for the Eden defence to be broken.
“The match showcased emerging talent on both sides and was played in a positive spirit, with both teams enjoying the sunny weather and lively atmosphere at the club.”
Papakura picked up their first win of the season – an impressive 79-0 hammering of Glenfield on the road over the Shore.
Weymouth went down to North Shore 42-12 at Laurie Gibbons Reserve.
Manurewa had to fight back to secure a 38-38 draw away to College Rifles in the Premier Women’s competition and remain unbeaten on the season.
Patumahoe had no answer to leading outfit Ponsonby, who won 41-0.
