Papakura was finally rewarded for their hard work with an impressive 42-12 win over Weymouth in their McNamara Cup clash at Massey Park on Saturday.
The two sides were returned to the top division of club rugby this season and have found the going challenging.
Both clubs have shown a huge commitment to putting in a strong performance each week even when the scores have often been one-sided.
In a battle between two winless sides, Papakura jumped out of the gates with a dominant first half that was built around their strong defence.
Weymouth had their moments and will feel on another day they can be a lot more competitive.
“I think it is just a good morale-booster for the boys,” coach Mike Tuiloma told Counties Sports Hub. “It is good to give the boys confidence so they can go again next week.”
Pukekohe accounted for neighbours Patumahoe 29-15 to make it six wins on the bounce in the McNamara Cup and finish the first round in second place.
Michael Porter’s side led throughout the contest and were able to pull away in the final quarter.
“Another good Puke v Patty game – really physical,” Porter said.
“We are happy our boys were able to finish off our opportunities.”
Ardmore Marist remains atop the standings after they secured a 50-22 win up the hill at Bombay.
“Good to get a win up on the hill,” Ardmore Marist coach Suliasi Taufalele said.
“Bombay are tough to play at home.
“It was close at halftime, but I think our bench came on and really made a difference.”
Karaka had to fight back to beat Manurewa 26-15 at Mountfort Park in another close game.
“Pretty important game for us given the results and the table,” coach Craig Hill said.
“I was really pleased with the boys’ effort. We made a few mistakes, which could have led to a bit more ball, but it wasn’t for the lack of trying.
“A real arm-wrestle overall.”
The top four at the halfway mark are Ardmore Marist (31 points), Pukekohe (30), Karaka (24), Patumahoe (23) with Manurewa in fifth place on 20 points,
Pukekohe made it an unbeaten first round in the Bob Chandler Cup Premier 2 competition as they took down Patumahoe 38-17.
Ardmore Marist had to work hard to overcome Bombay 21-19 while Waiuku hammered Papakura 69-0.
Karaka held off Manurewa 52-40 in a high scoring affair.
Drury secured a 29-17 win over Te Kohanga in the Sid Marshall Shield that lifts them into fourth place on the table.
Defending champs Te Kauwhata hammered Pukekohe 72-0 in a convincing performance while Onewhero maintain second on the latter with 36-12 away win at Manurewa.
Maramarua enjoyed a 67-7 win over Tuakau while Karaka beat Puni 40-19.
Karaka continued their strong Massey Cup U21 form with a 39-16 win over Patumahoe. Ardmore Marist beat Manurewa 50-19 while Pukekohe took care of RuaNorth 62-12.
Patumahoe grabbed a 38-10 win over Bombay in the U85 grade.
Waiuku had little trouble in putting away Drury 41-5 away from home while Pukekohe accounted for Fraser Tech 37-22 in Hamilton.
Karaka scored a 52-19 win over Hamilton Marist away from home, but Beachlands Maraetai went down to Morrinsville 34-18.
Manurewa lost a close Women’s Premier game 38-33 to College Rifles at Mountfort Park and remain third in the standings.
Papakura grabbed a narrow 35-32 win over Weymouth in the Women’s Premier 2 grade while Pukekohe took down Eden 37-24.
