A year on from the heartbreak of losing a McNamara Cup final, Pukekohe return to the big dance against a highly fancied Ardmore Marist side in a year in which the club celebrates its 70th anniversary.
After a decade of missing the final, the green and golds got a break-through in 2025 to reach the decider but were never really in the contest.
It is often said that before you can win a final, first you need to lose one and Pukekohe will be hoping that theory rings true by Saturday evening and they have secured a seventh championship in club history.
“It means a lot for the playing group to be in the final,” coach Michael Porter told Counties Sports Hub.”
“We have had our backs against the wall at times and keep fighting.
“We know Ardmore is a very good side – they showed it all year with the performances and are top of the table for a reason.
“Both games this year have been really good games between us, and I am sure Saturday won’t be any different.”
Ardmore Marist has been the model of consistency this year – winning 13 out of 14 round robin games before easing past Patumahoe in the semi-finals last weekend.
All of this comes after the club was struggling to remain in the McNamara Cup only a couple of years ago – getting 100-point beatings by the likes of Pukekohe.
Now they enter Saturday’s decider as the clear favourites to win a sixth title as a combined entity (Ardmore won four championships as a stand-alone club).
“It would be massive for the club to win a final after a few tough years,” Ardmore Marist coach Suliasi Taufalele said.
“It would be nice to coach a team I used to play for to a championship, but I am happy to see the club back where it should be.
“I know Pukekohe will be highly motivated in the 70th year celebration so I’m expecting a pretty brutal game.”
The McNamara Cup final kicks off at Navigation Homes Stadium at 2.45pm.
Pukekohe will have a team in the Bob Chandler Cup Premier 2 final as well – highlighting an awesome season for the club.
They will take on the defending champion Karaka side that has obliterated everything in its path over the past few seasons and will head into the decider as overwhelming favourites.
Defending champions Te Kauwhata hosts Maramarua in the semi-finals of the Sid Marshall Shield while Onewhero hosts Manuewa.
In the Sid Marshall Cup semi-finals, Puni travels to Te Kohanga while Karaka hosts Pukekohe.
Karaka is at home to Pukekohe in the final round of the U85 Cup while Waiuku travels to Morrinsville.
In the U85 Shield, Drury heads to Hamilton to face Fraser Tech while Bombay hosts Hamilton Marist.
