Two first round winners square off in what shapes as an intriguing early season McNamara Cup contest on Saturday when Pukekohe hosts Bombay at Colin Lawrie Fields.
Pukekohe accounted for Manurewa but didn’t have everything go their way at Mountfort Park in last weekend’s opening round.
Bombay, meanwhile, had to work hard before overcoming Papakura after putting on some points in the final quarter to blow the margin out.
“Bombay will be a different challenge,” said Pukekohe coach Michael Porter.
“We will prepare during the week for a physical game against which we are expecting to be a good Bombay side.”
Bombay coach Mike Tuiloma is more focused on his own team working on their systems at this stage of the season.
“For us, the focus remains on ourselves—getting our preparation right, fixing detail and systems, ensuring we’re ready to put in a full 80-minute performance,” Tuiloma said.
“If we get that right, hopefully, it reflects in the way we play for the full 80 minutes.”
Papakura and Ardmore Marist will meet looking for their first win of the 2025 McNamara Cup season at Massey Park.
Papakura went down to Bombay despite putting up a reasonable first up effort in their week one clash while Ardmore Marist had a bye in the opening round.
Defending champions Patumahoe will look to bounce back when they host Manurewa at Patumahoe Domain.
Neighbours Manurewa and Weymouth square off in the Sid Marshall Shield at Mountfort Park.
Te Kauwhata were impressive on the road first up and will look to make a statement at home when they face last season’s runners-up Waiuku.
Drury and Maramarua meet in what should be a tight tussle while Puni travels to Tuakau.
In the Massey Cup U21 competition, Karaka hosts Ardmore Marist at Karaka Sports Complex.
In other matches, Waiuku travels to Patumahoe, and Manurewa hosts Pukekohe.
Neighbours Patumahoe and Pukekohe meet in the Bright Cup U19 competition at Patumahoe while Waiuku heads to Auckland to face College Rifles.
Karaka visits Pukekohe in the U85kg grade while Beachlands Maraetai are at home to Patumahoe.
Drury have the drive south to face Hamilton Marist while Bombay have an even bigger road trip when they take on the Cattle Dogs in Otorohanga.
