Ardmore Marist South Auckland Motors Premier 1 protected top spot on the table with a 25-15 win over Karaka in a quality battle that also featured as the Counties Power Game of the Week.

The match between two of the competition’s leading sides did not disappoint, with little separating the pair in the first spell.

Matt Storm had a conversion and kicked six penalties to contribute 20 points to his side’s cause.

“I’m happy with the win but not happy with our performance though,” Ardmore Marist coach Doug Sanft said.

“It wasn’t something we were lacking but we were forcing the offloads and just the little things around execution.

“We missed a few opportunities in that game and it comes with pressure.

“Some of the stuff we did yesterday was out of the ordinary.

“I’m happy with the win but we could play better.”

Ardmore Marist Ross Roof Group Premier 2 took out a nail biter against an aggressive and very big Karaka pack. 

It was a frustrating game for the Carwyn Chase and Suliasi Taufalele coached home side which saw a yellow and red card handed out to the visitors for dangerous tackles, the last of which resulted in the matching winning penalty try.

Both sides host Patumahoe next Saturday.  The Patumahoe top side are chasing a top four finish and a win this week is critical to their cause.  Their Premier 2 side is in a comfortable third on the table, but they will be keen to lock in a home semifinal. 

The Ardmore Marist Premier 3 side travelled south to Puni on Saturday and took out an upset 24 - 5 win against the third placed Puni side.  The Chris Rumble coached Ardmore Marist team are now level third on the table with Puni and will host Tuakau next Saturday at Bruce Pulman Park.  Tuakau are yet to record a win this season.

Saturday August 8th is is a big day at Bruce Pulman Park, with Ardmore Marist Sponsors Day, Ladies Day and Old Boy's Day.  The first game kicks off on field 1 at 1pm and Brotherhood Musiq will be playing in the Teamsport Lounge from 4.30pm till late.

McNamara Cup (Premier 1)

Patumahoe Troydon Patumahoe Hotel 54

(Palu Ale 2, James Brady, Kalim North 2, Jowell Male 2, Paul Wolfgramm tries; James Brady 2, Jonny Wilkinson 5 cons)

Papakura 12

(Johan Fagasua, Clinton Malolua tries; Johan Fagasua cons)

HT: 26-0

Ardmore Marist South Auckland Motors (Counties Power Game of the Week) 25

(Savelio Ropati tries; Matt Storm cons; Matt Storm 6 pens)

Karaka 15

(Timote Asi, Sione Molia tries; Baden Kerr cons; Baden Kerr pens)

HT: 12-8

Onewhero Summit Homes 26

(Leroy Jack 2, Courtney Roberts, Cameron Roigard tries; Cameron Roigard 3 cons)

Bombay (Counties Power Cup Holders) 31

(Adam Brash 2, Taimua Malielegaoi 2, Tuise Toai-Key tries; Ki Anufe 3 cons)

HT: 14-21

Manurewa Kidd Contracting 50

(Andrfew Fauoo, Nicholas Nasila, Augustine Mafoe 2, Viliami Taulani 2, Peter White, William Raea tries;  Viliami Taulani, Larenz Tupaea-Thomsen 4 cons)

Waiuku Brain James Contracting 3

(Christian Walker pen)

HT: 17-3

BYE Pukekohe Mitre 10 Mega Pukekohe

Bob Chandler Memorial (Premier 2)

Papakura defaulted to Patumahoe Dave Redshaw Electrical ; Ardmore Marist 33 Karaka 29; Pukekohe PPG Distributors 36 Weymouth 17

Sid Marshall Shield (Premier 3)

Maramarua 20 Patumahoe Village Bar & Kitchen 26; Drury 18 Te Kauwhata 26; Puni 5 Ardmore Marist 24

Article added: Monday 03 August 2020