A spectacular display of rugby unfolded this Saturday, April 20th, as Coromandel clashed with Thames in an electrifying encounter. The game kicked off with an early penalty in front of the Thames team's goal posts, effortlessly converted by Jordan Olliff, granting Coromandel an early lead with the score 3-0.

After the restart, Coro seized control of the ball and penetrated their opponent's 30-meter line. However, they lost possession due to a penalty, allowing Thames to gain ground with a kick. Despite Coro's impressive defense on their 5-meter line, Thames managed to break through and score next to the posts, converting their kick to take the lead at 3-7.

Max Wirihana's kickoff to the right side initiated play, resulting in a lineout just outside Thames' 22, which Coro managed to steal. After some exceptional passing down the left-hand side, Jordan Olliff broke through and scored a try on the left side of the field, leaving the score at 8-7 in Coromandel's favor.

Thames restarted with the kick, and Coromandel sent the ball back with their own kick. Coromandel's strong defense drilled Thames, forcing two handling errors before finally a knock-on. Coromandel was awarded a scrum on the left side of the field in Thames territory. Tukawhena Pere sent the ball down the right side of the field to Max Wirihana, who drew in two Thames players and offloaded to Jamie Stevenson, scoring another try. The score extended to 18-7 in Coromandel's favor.

The game continued with Coro catching the ball and, after some excellent passing and running, Sahn Povey pulled in three Thames players to hand off to Te Kapua McLean, who ran the ball down the line back into the middle of the field for a try under the posts. Jordan Olliff converted, making the score 23-7 to Coromandel.

Thames kicked off again, and some great running and defense from both sides ensued. A knock-on from Thames gave Coromandel a scrum around the 50 meters. Coromandel went left down the short end, with some great passes from Jordan Oliff, Max Wirihana, and Tukawhena Pere, resulting in Tukawhena scoring in the left-side corner. An incredible kick from skipper Jordan Olliff converted from the sideline, extending Coromandel's lead to 30-7.

After halftime, Thames kicked off to start the second half. Coromandel began well, with another good catch and run by Whatu Angus. The ball made its way to the left wing into the hands of Te Kapua McLean, who beat his man with a dummy and then kicked over the Thames players and regained control for a try on the left side of the field. Jordan Olliff converted, making it 37-7 in Coromandel's favor.

Thames was fired up after this, and there was a lot of back and forth. Coro rolled on some new subs, where Dyllan Morunga got on the field and had a great run, being brought down just short of the try line. But the ex-Taniwha Tukawhena Pere was there to pick and run the ball over the try line for his second try of the game, increasing the score to 44-7 in Coromandel's favor.

Thames fought hard, with some great work being done by their forwards, pushing their way to the Coromandel tryline. With some excellent passing and running, they pushed through to score a try, which they converted, making the score 44-12 in Coromandel's favor.

But Coromandel still had some gas in the tank. After some back and forth, they regained control of the ball. As the ball made its way into Dyllan Morunga's hands again, he broke through and, as he was being brought down before the try line, stretched his arm out for a try, finishing the game.

Despite the score, it was a hard-fought game, with Thames giving Coromandel a tough challenge. However, it was a well-earned victory for Coromandel, with the final score standing at 49-12.