In a highly anticipated matchup between Coromandel and Waihou, the stage was set for a thrilling encounter at the Coromandel Rugby Club. With Old Boys Day festivities in full swing and ANZAC commemorations still fresh in mind, a moment of silence set the tone before Max McLean ignited the game by running onto the field with the ball to start play.

Waihou wasted no time asserting their dominance, charging ahead as Coro struggled to find their footing. The visitors broke through to score the first points of the game, though they faltered on the conversion, leaving the score at 0-5 in Waihou's favor.

Coromandel rallied, capitalizing on a penalty opportunity to narrow the gap, courtesy of a successful kick from skipper Jordan Olliff, bringing the score to 3-5.

With halftime looming, Coromandel were down, heading into the break with a score of 3-5, buoyed by a powerful halftime speech from coach Hone Manuel, invoking the legacy of old boys and war veterans who had donned the Coromandel jersey before them.

Reenergized and refocused, Coromandel emerged for the second half with renewed vigor.

Despite being down in the first half, Coromandel found their rhythm when Max Wirihana broke through with a brilliant try, converted by Jordan Olliff, catapulting them into the lead at 10-5.

When play resumed Coromandel pushed hard after the kick, Whakaaria Lawrence wasting no time pushed his way through putting his body on the line to reach out and score between the posts, scoring the second try of the second-half, extending Coro's lead to 17-5 after Jordan Olliff's successful conversion. Whakaaria Lawrence then had to come off due to injury.

The momentum swung in Coromandel's favor as they capitalized on another penalty, widening the gap to 20-5 with Jordan Olliff's precision kicking.

Te Kapua McLean showcased individual brilliance, followed by Jordan Olliff's own try and conversion, solidifying Coromandel's dominance with a commanding lead of 32-5.

Despite a valiant effort from Waihou, who managed to notch a try in the 60th minute, Coromandel maintained their composure. Joshua Wirihana's clever play sealed the deal with another try, converted by Jordan Olliff, sealing Coromandel's victory with a final score of 39-10.

In a fitting tribute to Old Boys Day, Coromandel displayed resilience, unity, and skill, honoring those who paved the way before them while securing a memorable win on home turf.