Ardmore Marist moved to within striking distance of securing a home semi-final after beating defending McNamara Cup champions Karaka 27-18 at Karaka Sports Complex on Saturday.
Suliasi Taufalele’s side maintain top spot on the table with the result and open up a six point advantage over second-placed Pukekohe and a 12-point gap back to Karaka in third.
“Proud of the way the boys came back after they got an early lead,” Taufalele told Counties Sports Hub.
“And to get a win against Karaka at their home ground isn’t easy.”
Patumahoe moved back into the top four with a convincing 62-8 victory over Weymouth at Laurie Gibbons Reserve.
“It was an opportunity for us to look at a few of our younger 21s prospects,” coach Greg Stanford said.
“Some good talent coming through and they showed some real promise.
“Weymouth were fairly hearty early on and never really died away. Massive credit to them.
“As these sorts of games loosen up, it can become a test to stay within the systems – the lads did well with that.”
Manurewa collected a vital 27-27 draw with Pukekohe at Mountfort Park, which means they keep well in the hunt for a semi-final berth.
Bombay proved too strong for Papakura, claiming a 48-7 win at Massey Park.
Waiuku edged Patumahoe 27-22 in a crucial Bob Chandler Cup Premier 2 result that sees Waiuku go a long way to securing a semi-final berth.
Karaka cruised to a 45-17 win over Ardmore Marist, Manurewa upset Pukekohe 34-22 while Bombay beat Papakura 75-15.
Pukekohe took control of a top four spot in the Sid Marshall Shield will a 39-26 away win at Drury.
Onewhero beat Maramarua 24-7 to solidify second spot while Te Kauwhata continued their unbeaten run with an 80-0 victory over Puni.
Manurewa thumped Tuakau 64-14 while Karaka pipped Te Kohanga 24-22.
