Bombay claim the cup for a third time
Bombay are the champions of Counties Manukau club rugby for the third year in a row.
The defending champions, under coach Jeff Marr and captain Finau Maka, came from 14-8 down at halftime to beat a spirited Ardmore Marist 24-21 in the final for the McNamara Cup at ECOLight Stadium in Pukekohe on Saturday. The victory was salt in the wound for Ardmore Marist.
The club played in four finals last weekend and lost each one: the premier men; the premier reserves who were beaten 41-12 by defending champions Karaka; the 85kg final where they lost 35-5 to Patumahoe; and the premier women who lost 7-0 to Rifles Thunderbirds in the final of the Coleman Cup last week.
Marr says the three-peat was an unbelievable achievement.
‘‘It was always something we were trying to chase from the start of the year. But to actually get there, particularly after the last month with a few hiccups along the way, is tremendous.
‘‘Our team never gives up. I said before the game that quitters never win and winners never quit and I think that showed out there, that we always play for 80 minutes.’’
Marr acknowledged Ardmore Marist’s contribution to the final.
‘‘They brought more to the game than we probably expected. They played some really good finals football. We were very lucky on a couple of occasions, they nearly caught us out. We always knew that with the return of that wind and only just being behind on the scoreboard we could chase them home.’’
Ardmore Marist outscored the champions by three tries to two but four penalties kicked by Ki Anufe cost them dearly. The final proved a bridge too far for Ardmore Marist who had to win Ardmore Marist 41-12.
Patumahoe also won the premier reserve plate beating Manurewa 27-8 for the Bill March Cup. Pukekohe beat Patumahoe 36-0 for the under-21 (Massey Cup) title.
Patumahoe captured the under-85kg crown beating Ardmore Marist 35-5.