Ardmore lose game but win round

By ADAM NEWMAN

Ardmore Marist have taken out the first round honours in the Counties Manukau competition after securing a bonus point in their 18-15 loss to Pukekohe.

They finished on equal points with Onewhero, but it was the previous weekend's victory over Onewhero that secured them the title.

In a scrappy game, Pukekohe scored two tries, by Gread Titii and Niva Tuuaso, in the first 10 minutes to take a 12-0 lead.

They dominated the scrums and looked well organised. But the loss of captain Ted Carew allowed Ardmore Marist to fight back. Pukekohe clinched the game with a try three minutes from fulltime.

Onewhero scored an unconvincing 19-0 win over bottom-placed Karaka. In a messy game, Onewhero had plenty of opportunities but failed to finish them off.

Prop Jamie Chapman had a strong game for Onewhero, scrimmaging well. For Karaka, Des Wellington and Kevin Busby were the best performers.

Bombay dominated Manurewa 63-10. Koiatu Koiatu had an outstanding game, scoring four tries and kicking nine conversions for a total of 38 points. In the other match, Waiuku downed struggling Papakura 19-15.