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The Manukau Magpies scored a close 24-22 win over fellow South Auckland outfit the Otara Scorpions in SAS Fox Memorial action on Saturday.

The Magpies picked up a crucial Section 1 win on the road at Ngati Otara Park that sees them move up to third on the table.

Howick Hornets continued their strong start to the season as they defeated the Manurewa Marlins 38-18 to hold down second on the table.

In Section 2 play, the Pakuranga Jaguars picked up their second win of the season with a 28-22 victory over the Ponsonby Ponies.

The Otahuhu Leopards won for the fourth time in five games as they beat the Mangere East Hawks 44-16 while it wasn’t such great news for either the Papakura Sea Eagles or Papatoetoe Panthers.

The Sea Eagles fell to the Richmond Bulldogs 56-0 while the Panthers were hammered 94-1 by the Te Atatu Roosters.