The top four teams in the McNamara Cup standings square-off against each other this weekend in what shapes as a defining round of play in the latter part of the first round.
Top-of-the-table Karaka hosts third-placed Pukekohe at Karaka Sports Complex in what looks to be a tight battle.
Karaka hasn’t lost so far this season but are yet to come up against either Pukekohe or Patumahoe.
Pukekohe’s only blemish so far is a hard-fought draw with Bombay a fortnight ago.
Meanwhile second-placed Patumahoe hosts fourth-placed Bombay in a similar battle at Patumahoe Domain.
Patumahoe have won three from three while Bombay have a win, a loss to Karaka and a draw from their three matches so far.
Brad Healy’s side is yet to face a top four opponent and that comes this weekend for the first time.
Manurewa and Ardmore Marist will look for their first wins of the McNamara Cup season when they do battle at Mountfort Park.
It has been a tough season, with little reward, for both sides so far.
Manurewa had narrow losses to top sides Karaka and Patumahoe before a draw with Papakura last week while Ardmore Marist have shown glimpses of success in four tough losses so far.
Papakura has a bye.
The Bob Chandler Cup Premier Reserves draw pits the same contenders against each other, with a similarly influential round on how the ladder with look at the midway point.
Two in-form Sid Marshall Shield Championship contenders will run into each other in week three of the competition with Te Kauwhata hosting Drury at Te Kauwhata Domain.
Both sides are 2-0 and top the standings after the opening fortnight.
Onewhero will head to neighbours Te Kohanga while Weymouth travels down the road to meet their neighbours Manurewa at Mountfort Park.
Tuakau hosts Waiuku, who are fresh off their first win of the season, while defending champions Puni meet Maramarua at Puni.
Patumahoe has the bye.
It is a battle of the neighbouring clubs in the Massey Cup U21 competition with Papakura hosting reigning champions Karaka, Patumahoe traveling to Colin Lawrie Fields to meet neighbours Pukekohe and Manurewa hosting Ardmore Marist at Mountfort Park.
Beachlands Maraetai will look to make it three from three when they head to Patumahoe in U85kg Cup action.
Karaka hosts Waiuku in what should be a close game while Pukekohe travels to Drury.
Ardmore Marist hosts defending champions Onewhero, who will be desperate for their first win of the season.
The Presidents grade also gets underway on Saturday with two local sides competing in the Auckland competition. Pukekohe travels to Waitakere Stadium to play Waitakere while Ardmore Marist faces Pakuranga at Lloyd Elsmore Park.
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