Patumahoe bounced back from last week’s loss to hand Ardmore Marist their first McNamara Cup defeat of the season with a 35-31 victory at Bruce Pulman Park on Saturday.
Greg Stanford’s side were disappointing against Manurewa a week earlier but responded strongly with arguably their best performance of the season against the early season leaders.
“A great all-round effort from the lads today,” a delighted Stanford told Counties Sports Hub.
“Last week was not great and we really wanted to make amends, and we were up for working bloody hard today.
“The boys started well and applied a good amount of early pressure.
“Ardie, as we expected, punched back and never went away all game.
“We played some good rugby today and deserved the reward.”
Pukekohe won for the fourth straight week as they accounted for defending champions Karaka 31-14 at Colin Lawrie Fields.
The home side celebrated Callum Adams’ 100th game for the club in style as they reversed the result of last season’s grand final.
Bombay picked up their second win of the campaign as they claimed an 85-11 victory over Weymouth at Bombay Domain.
“Again we’re chasing that 80-minute performance,” coach Jodan Goldsmith said.
“First half was disappointing, especially because we had a great week of prep.
“The boys turned it on in the second half and stuck to our systems, took opportunities which converted into points.
“We’ll take the five points and move our focus to next week.”
Manurewa proved too strong for neighbours Papakura as they ran out 62-17 victors at Massey Park in Papakura.
Manurewa made it four wins from five in the process.
Admore Marist enjoyed a 26-20 win over Patumahoe in Bob Chandler Cup Premier 2 action.
Waiuku secured a 31-15 road win over Bombay while Pukekohe edged Karaka 21-14, in a great result for the club.
Manurewa eased to a 56-0 win over Papakura.
Maramarua claimed a morale-boosting 52-21 win over Drury in the Sid Marshall Shield.
Onewhero blanked Te Kohanga 42-0 at Te Kohanaga while defending champions Te Kauwhata were too good for Manurewa 40-17 at Mountfort Park.
Pukekohe beat Puni 56-10.
In Massey Cup U21 action, Patumahoe triumphed 31-5 over RuaNorth.
Bombay picked up a 37-14 win over Drury in the U85 grade up the hill at Bombay. Elsewhere, Karaka edged Morrinsville 31-28, Waiuku beat Beachlands Maraetai 24-19, and Pukekohe proved too good for neighbours Patumahoe 25-15.
Papakura collected an impressive 27-5 win over Eden while Weymouth went down to Waitemata 17-15 in a tight match in the Women’s Premier 2 competition.
