By Dale Budge
The McNamara Cup reaches the knock-out phase this week and while the season to this point has given us some idea of what to expect, the season essentially comes down to the next two Saturdays.
Pukekohe topped the round robin standings and have beaten Manurewa twice during pool play this season while Patumahoe have bettered Karaka on both occasions as well.
But none of that will have any impact when teams take to the field this weekend – a spot in the McNamara Cup final will be determined by how the four sides play across 80 minutes this Saturday.
At the start of the season, I felt Patumahoe had the most depth and were the likely to be the most consistent side, but I liked the firepower Karaka and Manurewa brought to the table. I thought both teams were well-suited to a big occasion and could have the ability to score in quick patches that would cause a team like Patumahoe some problems as we saw in last year’s decider.
Pukekohe have been the surprise packed for me – not in terms of earning a semi-final berth – but more in the style in which they have played.
They have been arguably more consistent than Patumahoe and have beaten their neighbours twice during pool play. That is no fluke.
Michael Porter has a forward pack that can match any in the competition and he has some talented backs that continue to do the job for him.
If I had to lean in one direction at this point, I think Pukekohe is my tip to win it all.
I apologise to Pukekohe and their supporters if that puts the kiss of death on them, but they deserve to be referred to as favourites after the season they have put together.
What is clear to me is that any of the four remaining sides can win it all from here and these next two weeks are set up for individual players to step up and be the heroes for their respective clubs.
I look forward to covering the games on the live stream and seeing how it all plays out.
Finally, I want to mention the three clubs that are no longer playing in the McNamara Cup. All three have had successful seasons in my opinion and are taking steps towards having even better 2024 seasons.
Papakura are building a really good core with two impressive coaches. I can see them becoming an annual force for a long time with what they are putting together there and maybe 2024 is the realisation of that promise.
I recall a conversation with Bombay coach Mike Tuiloma just after he was appointed. He told me he was the coach the club should go with if they wanted to build something sustainable as opposed to looking for a quick re-build. Having seen him and his side operate for a season, I think the club made the right choice and Bombay are on track for much more success next season and beyond.
Let’s not forget Ardmore Marist in all of this. It would be easy to right off a winless season as a failure but the work the club and coach Felipo Levi have put in is invaluable to their ongoing success. It is not easy to start again and without a whole lot of building blocks in place. The fact they got through the season, had their Premier Reserves side winning games late in the season and successfully operated an U21s team will give them natural growth.
I applaud those that have stuck through a challenging time and I am sure the club will be in a much better place next season.
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