Patumahoe weathered the storm in all respects as they claimed a crucial 14-11 McNamara Cup win over Manurewa at Patumahoe Domain on Saturday.
The heavens opened up just before kick-off making conditions slippery and handling a challenge.
Both teams were desperate to finish the weekend inside the top four as the playoffs approach and played that way.
Patumahoe dominated the first half but couldn’t break away from their opponents.
Manurewa got into the game more in the second half, but Patumahoe’s defence held strong for the most part.
“It sure was a dogfight. You never get anything less from Rewa. Here at home, it is a big day for the club and the boys wanted to put on a big effort and thankfully the boys did,” Patumahoe coach Greg Stanford told Counties Sports Hub.
“Two passionate clubs that are there or thereabouts.
“We still have to go to work every week and we just have to work hard for those semi-final spots.”
Karaka had to work hard to hold off a spirited Bombay 22-18 at Bombay Domain.
The win keeps the defending champions in third place on the table.
“First day of wet weather footy and playing Bombay on the hill is never easy,” Karaka coach Craig Hill said.
“Was really pleased with the young fellas who came into the front row against a very good Bombay scrum. They really stood up.
“Some goal-line defence got us home in the end.”
Pukekohe secured a 76-3 win over Papakura at Colin Lawrie Fields that will see them retain second place on the table.
The win goes a long way to securing Pukekohe a semi-final berth and even a home semi.
Defending champions Ardmore Marist thumped Weymouth 122-7 at Pulman Park to all but confirm a home semi-final.
Patumahoe edged Manurewa 25-24 in a narrow Bob Chandler Cup win that keeps the home side in the playoff race.
Ardmore Marist claimed a 38-19 win over Waiuku, Karaka cruised to a 62-17 victory over Bombay while Pukekohe blanked Papakura 127-0.
Onewhero triumphed 49-15 against Drury in the first game of the Sid Marshall Shield post-split round.
Manurewa pipped Maramarua 14-12 in an upset result at Maramarua.
Puni secured a 35-5 win against Tuakau while Pukekohe defeated Karaka 25-10 in the Sid Marshall Cup grade.
Ardmore Marist grabbed a brilliant 24-22 win away to Patumahoe in the Massey Cup U21 competition.
Pukekohe ran out 50-5 win over Manurewa while Karaka beat RuaNorth 39-5.
Waiuku beat Pukekohe 29-24 in the U85 grade.
Beachlands Maraetai were too good for Bombay 21-8, Patumahoe fell to Morrinsville 17-10 in the Waikato, Drury were beaten 39-0 by Hamilton Marist while Karaka stayed top with a 45-7 win over Fraser Tech.
Manurewa pushed Auckland champs Ppnsonby but ultimately went down 22-19 in the Women’s Premier grade.
Papakura edged Weymouth 27-22 in the close Women’s Premier 2 game at Massey Park, while Patumahoe beat Waitemata 20-7.
