Ardmore Marist secured a break-through 66-0 thrashing of Papakura in the McNamara Cup that will have rivals sitting up and taking notice.
Having gone through last season without a win, the victory will be extra special for coach Suliasi Taufalele’s side. They completely dominated throughout the match and will have the other coaches getting nervous.
“I think the boys did well at maintaining our intensity throughout the game and managing to keep Papakura scoreless,” Taufalele said. “Credit to Papakura, who kept fighting and kept us honest.
“The team was led from the front by Tomasi Alosio and Sione Takai with Afa Moleli directing the team well in the backs and Sala Ale physical on attack and defence.”
Defending champions Patumahoe bounced back from an opening week defeat to hold off Manurewa 32-29 in Patumahoe.
Assistant coach Buck Manning had the reins of the side this week and was happy his side held their nerve with some experienced players out.
“Pretty messy – we didn’t earn the right to play the way we were trying to,” Manning said. “There was tit for tat scoring and we didn’t respect the ball enough when we had it.
“We had some nice moments for small periods though, which was pleasing. Set piece was better than the week before.
“The Evans boys and our new hooker Siah went well and Jonty Short was very good. And it was the best game I think I’ve seen Cohen Brady-Leathem play.”
Pukekohe made it two wins from two as they triumphed 38-14 against Bombay at Colin Lawrie Fields.
Michael Porter’s side were able to gain control early and not relinquish. “It was nice to see us start well and then kick on with things,” Porter said.
“I thought Blair [Blair Butchart] and Kana [Helu] did well to control the game.”
In Bob Chandler Cup Premier 2 action, Patumahoe beat Manurewa 53-26, Papakura pipped Ardmore Marist 41-27 while Pukekohe thumped Bombay 57-0.
Weymouth picked up a second straight win in the Sid Marshall Shield, beating neighbours Manurewa 42-22.
Te Kauwhata backed up their impressive opening win with a 50-31 victory over Waiuku while Drury edged Maramarua 25-19.
Defending champions Onewhero secured a 38-7 win on the road at Te Kohanga while Puni made it two from two with a 31-10 win over Tuakau.
Karaka edged Ardmore Marist 20-16 in Massey Cup U21 play. Elsewhere, Pukekohe were too good for 34-24 win over Manurewa, Patumahoe were too good for Waiuku 31-21 while
In Bright Cup U19 action, Manurewa pipped Rua North 31-30. Patumahoe edged neighbours Pukekohe 17-7 while Waiuku were down to College Rifles 32-7.
Beachlands Maraetai got their first win of the U85kg season with a comfortable 46-10 win at home to Patumahoe.
In other matches, Pukekohe triumphed 28-15 over Karaka, Drury lost 29-1 8 to Hamilton Marist, while Bombay lost narrowly 10-8 to the Cattle Dogs.
