Rugby: Papakura made to work

By DAVE LOCKWOOD

Ardmore Marist and Papakura have confirmed that they will be the top two qualifiers for the Counties Manukau club rugby semifinals with wins over Bombay and Manurewa.

Papakura had to work hard for their 23-20 win over Manurewa in which Papakura winger Patrick Petelo scored the winning try on fulltime.

Manurewa had the better of the first half and went to the break 13-3 up. Phil Lewis used the wind effectively in the second half to lift Papakura back into the game. Three tries finally put an end to Manurewa's challenge.

Colts Robert Afoa, Wyn September and Mark Lawson were key performers in Ardmore Marist's 32-15 win over Bombay.

No 8 Afoa was a handful for the Bombay defence in close, while midfielders September and Lawson set up some nice tries.

Bombay fullback Clark McRobbie was their best performer.

The Waiuku forward pack was a little too strong for their Onewhero opponents in their 27-19 victory. No 8 Maaka Tatafa again impressed, as did Steelers hooker Grant Henson.

Onewhero showed a lot of character, coming back from 0-17 at halftime, only to see Waiuku pull away with a last-minute pushover try.

Patumahoe put up their best performance of the season in their 7-34 loss to neighbours Pukekohe.