Defending McNamara Cup champions Karaka will look to bounce back after a pair of losses in recent weeks when they host Papakura at Karaka Sports Complex.
Craig Hill’s side has rarely tasted defeats over the past few seasons and even fewer have they suffered back-to-back losses.
“Been a battling start to be fair,” Hill told Counties Sports Hub. “Have created opportunities but are failing to take them.
“In areas of the game that we are normally pretty good at we have only been average.
“The losses certainly highlight more where you need to be better, rather than being able gloss over them because you have won.
“We do need to make improvement in performance to match what other teams are putting out. The weekend just gone against Pukekohe showed that.
“I just want us converting opportunities into points, more players around the ball.
“We have struggled with availability of players for various reasons – them returning will help. The young boys who are stepping up from our 21s teams of the last couple of years are getting some good minutes and they are getting an idea of the level that’s needed so that’s been a positive.”
Ardmore Marist will also look to bounce back from their first loss of the season last week when they meet Manurewa at Bruce Pulman Park.
The two sides have been two of the most impressive outfits in the first six weeks of the season and this game should be a thrilling contest.
Pukekohe carries a four-game winning streak into their road trip to Laurie Gibbons Reserve where they face winless Weymouth.
Michael Porter’s side will be strong favourites on the back of a great run of form.
Patumahoe are fresh off their best performance of the season and will look to hold off a Bombay side coming off a win as well when they do battle at Patumahoe Domain.
Waiuku hosts Pukekohe in the Bob Chandler Premier 2 competition at Rugby Park.
In the Sid Marshall Shield, the top two sides go at it when Te Kauwhata hosts Drury at Te Kauwhata Domain.
The defending champions are a perfect four from four so far this season but will get tested by an in-form Drury side.
Maramarua travels to Pukekohe in what should be a tight battle while Onewhero is at home to Karaka.
Tuakau chases their first win of the season when they face Puni in Tuakau while Te Kohanga hosts Manurewa.
Manurewa and Karaka clash in the Massey Cup U21 competition at Mountfort Park while the other game sees Ardmore Marist head to Pukekohe.
Beachlands Maraetai and Pukekohe square off in the U85s grade at Te Puru Park, while Karaka and Drury meet in the other all-Counties Manukau game at Karaka Sports Complex.
Waiuku hosts Morrinsville in what should be a good contest while Patumahoe are at home to Fraser Tech.
Bombay travels to Hamilton Marist.
Manurewa will look to bounce back from a last start loss when they face Papatoetoe in the Women’s Premier grade.
The two sides meet at Papatoetoe Recreation Ground.
Local sides Patumahoe and Papakura will meet in a Women’s Premier 2 grudge match at Patumahoe Domain.
Weymouth are away to Northcote while Pukekohe faces Waitemata at Waitemata Park.
