Rugby: Tumble from top perch

Ardmore Marist knocked Papakura off the top of the Counties Manukau rugby perch with a hard-earned 23-18 win.

Ardmore Marist started the better through an early Rory Jackson try. The sending-off of Papakura prop Peter Charlton saw their chances sink and ex-Papakura centre Wyn September finished them off with an excellent individual touchdown.

Waiuku defeated Manurewa for the second time this season with a 33-20 victory at home. Waiuku trailed 15-17 at halftime, but finished stronger than Manurewa, with tidy performances coming from flanker Colin Marriner and front-rower Paul Urlich.

Manurewa's loss sees them drop out of the top four.

Pukekohe moved into fourth place with a polished 40-3 win over Onewhero.

NZ Colt trialist George Stowers and Koli Latailikepa had Pukekohe going forward, and fullback Rob Dennison timed in nicely from the back to spark the Pukekohe backline in their best display of the season.

Bombay fulfilled the promise they have shown all year with a 35-3 victory over Patumahoe.

Bombay prop Tai Vailala was more than a handful at scrum-time and open play, while wing Clark McRobbie scored two tries against his old club to keep Patumahoe winless this season.