PURC premiers move to second, face toughest challenge yet  

Just under halfway through the 2023 Goodyear Auckland Club Rugby season, the Pakuranga United Rugby Club (PURC) are taking charge of their respective competitions. 

The club’s premier men’s side recorded their fifth consecutive victory on Saturday after making the trek to Sturges Park to face Otahuhu. 

They dominated from start to finish, never letting up on their physical opposition, and reaped the rewards, prevailing 80-13. 

After five weeks of solid performances, the premier men have consecutively knocked off Marist, Suburbs, Waitakere City, Eden and Otahuhu to take second spot on the table. 

There were several standout performances in the prem’s domination of Otahuhu, but once again the coaches selected Paula Maama as Player of the Day. Maama opened the scoring and was impressive playing in the midfield. 

The PURC premier reserve men and U21 sides also continued their winning ways, both now making it six victories from six games. 

The reserves also sit in second place on their leaderboard, equal points with competition leader Waitemata. The U21s remain in top position of their competition after a strong 38-point victory over University, who they held scoreless. 

The PURC Women’s 10s (Belles) had a tough weekend at the Lloyd, going down to a strong rural Auckland Patumahoe side 42-5.  

The women still sit in second place on the table after their historic first win over College Rifles last week. 

Paint the club Green and Orange this weekend  

With home games few and far between this season for the Pakuranga premiers, the team is putting the call out this weekend to the local community to come down to the club for one of the biggest games of the season. 

Hosting the reigning Gallaher Shield champions, and current competition leaders, it is a top of the table clash against the Manukau Rovers. And if that isn’t enticing enough, there will be face painting, a bouncy castle and prizes for best dressed on offer for the PURC ‘Green and Orange Day’. 

The premiers are on a five-game winning streak with Saturday set to be their biggest challenge to date. 

“The brand of rugby the team is playing is exciting to watch,” says premier coach Grant ‘Boof’ Henson. 

“We don’t play at home much this year, so we want Bell Park to be chocka this weekend. The field itself is one of the best in Auckland and it’s such a good vibe with Jimmy’s BBQ in the background, the grandstand overlooking the ground. Where else would you want to be?” says Boof. 

Not only is the game against Manukau a top-of-the-table clash, but it also pits the best attack (Manukau, with 344 points for) against the best defence (PURC, with only 75 points against). 

“If you are a staunch rugby fan and like that nitty-gritty defensive stuff, you would like what the boys are doing. On attack they are giving the ball width and showing some good skills as well,” Boof says. 

Juggling a number of injuries and illnesses so far this season, the coaches have blooded a number of new players in the opening weeks. 

“We have some tough selections this week – for the first time in a while – we have close to a full squad to choose from,” says Boof. 

Pakuranga Rugby Results  

PURC Premier Men vs Otahuhu  

Full Time: Otahuhu 13 – Pakuranga 80 

PURC Women’s 10s (Belles) vs Patumahoe Women’s 10s  

Full Time: Pakuranga 5 – Patumahoe 42 

PURC Premier Reserve Men vs Otahuhu Premier Reserve Men  

Full Time: Otahuhu 16 – Pakuranga 29 

PURC U21 Men vs University Blue U21 Men  

Full Time: University 0 – Pakuranga 38 

PURC U85s vs Ponsonby U85s- Under 85kg National Cup  

Full Time: Pakuranga 15 – Ponsonby 19 

Other Premier Men Results:  

Ponsonby 17 – Manukau Rovers 47 

Waitakere City 7 – Waitemata 97 

Papatoetoe 19 – College Rifles 20 

Eden 7 – University 67 

Suburbs 14 – Grammar TEC 71