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.
13th Of August 1949
In a good Rugby game at Coromandel on Saturday last Kennedy Bay was successful in its challenge for the Ngapo shield and outclassed Coromandel to win by 17 to 0.
The game was marred by injuries to Coromandel players. Neil Strongman suffered slight concussion, K. Notman received an injured elbow, L. Quest a twisted knee while R. Fuller split his lip necessitating three stitches being inserted.
At half-time the score was 3 - 0 in Bay’s favour but after the change over with Coromandel two men short Kennedy Bay threw the ball around and gave an excellent exhibition of open football, overwhelming the lighter opposition.
Points were made up of five tries, one of which was converted by Pickering. Outstanding for the Bay was Leggan at first five-eighths and D. Mareroa, the Bay skipper, but the entire team excelled itself and fully deserved its victory. Mr Rivers was the referee.
In a gathering after the match Mr C. M. J. Caliagher, in presenting the shield, congratulated Kennedy Bay team on its victory and on once more taking the shield over the hill.
HAURAKI PLAINS GAZETTE, VOLUME 58, ISSUE 4174, 17 AUGUST 1949, PAGE 8
Although these might not be from the same year there should be a few names from the same two teams that played. If you have any photographs from this period please get in contact with us.
From the opening whistle, Coro asserted their authority, wasting no time in applying pressure on Hauraki Norths, setting the tempo for a one-sided affair.
The early stages saw Coro capitalizing on their dominance, as a quick penalty taken by Jakyal Misikini led to the first try of the match, setting the tone for their relentless onslaught.
With Hauraki Norths forced onto the defensive, Coro continued to control possession, enjoying the lion's share of the ball in the first 15 minutes of play.
The second try came swiftly for Coro, with Luke McGrath crossing the line in the 13th minute, although the conversion attempt by Jordan Olliff fell short.
Despite Norths' efforts to stem the tide, Coro's relentless pressure paid off again as Sahn Povey's break and offload to Jordan Olliff resulted in another try, expertly converted in the 22nd minute.
The onslaught continued, with Billy Keyworth adding another try in the 25th minute through precise execution of numbers and passing, followed by Jordan Oliff's clever grubber through the line for another try and successful conversion in the 28th minute.
As halftime approached, Norths found themselves trailing 29-0, unable to capitalize on opportunities due to handling errors, which Coro ruthlessly exploited.
The second half saw no let-up from Coro, as they continued to exploit gaps in the Norths' defense, with Peter Curry and Haere Renata adding tries early on, albeit unconverted.
A temporary stoppage for a Norths' player's injury did little to disrupt Coro's momentum, as they capitalized on a mid-scrum set-piece, with Keanu Manuel finishing off a well-worked move, converted by Christian Brown.
With substitutes injected into the game, Coro maintained their dominance, though conceding some penalties in the process, while Norths struggled to make any headway due to handling errors and solid Coro defense.
The match reached its conclusion with Jordan Olliff intercepting a pass and scoring under the posts for his hat-trick, sealing Coro's comprehensive victory with a final score of 53-0.
In a commanding performance, Coro demonstrated their superiority in both attack and defense, leaving Hauraki Norths unable to mount any significant challenge throughout the match.
This game was played in honour of Peter Peke of the Whangamata Club who passed away not too long before this game. We send our love to his family and friends, and wish the club all the best this season.
In an exciting display of skill and determination, Coromandel and Whangamata clashed on the rugby field this Saturday gone, delivering an intense match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle blew.
Coromandel burst out of the gates with an impressive series of runs, when Max Wirihana, whose agility and footwork set the stage for Harry Blyth to power through defenders and secure the game's first try in the corner of the field. Coromandel missed the conversion, leaving the score at 5-0.
However, Whangamata swiftly retaliated with dynamic ball movement, allowing them to level the score with their own unconverted try, making it 5 all.
As the game progressed, an error by Whangamata presented Coromandel with a penalty opportunity, which Jordan Olliff capitalised on, extending their lead to 8-5.
Both teams showcased moments of brilliance and lapses in the following minutes, but it was Whangamata who seized the momentum, scoring another try and conversion to take a 12-8 lead.
Despite Whangamata's control in the latter part of the first half, Coromandel managed to hold them off, entering halftime with the score at 8-12.
The second half saw Whangamata dictating play for much of the duration until Max Wirihana's explosive run sparked a comeback for Coromandel, with Jared Little capitalizing on the opportunity to score, edging them ahead 13-12.
Yet, Whangamata responded swiftly, converting a penalty to reclaim the lead at 15-13.
With time running out, Coromandel's forwards exhibited sheer determination, allowing Keanu Manuel to crash over the line for a crucial try, which Jordan Olilff successfully converted, putting them in front at 20-15.
In a thrilling finale, Max Wirihana sealed Coromandel's victory with another spectacular try, Jordan Olliff converted it securing a well-deserved win with the final score standing at 27-15.
Both teams exhibited commendable skill and resilience throughout the match, with Whangamata pushing the defending champions to their limits until the closing stages. Ultimately, it was Coromandel's perseverance and teamwork that earned them the hard-fought victory, while Whangamata's spirited performance ensured a captivating contest until the very end.
Coromandel met West (Paeroa), in a rugby match at Coromandel on Saturday last. Coromandel kicking off soon made it apparent that the visitors would need to be on their mettle. However, the visitors were well able to defend themselves, the play being fast and clean with good team work and sporty play on both sides. Taking the ball from a succession of scrums in the visitors’ 25, Wiki Wikaira was successful in scoring for Coromandel and S. Fisher converted. Coromandel 5, Paeroa 0.
Soon after this, S. Hampton, taking a penalty kick for West brought the score to: Coromandel 5, Paeroa 3.
Drawing near to half-time, both teams were striving to take the lead, but S. Fisher, making a brilliant dash from near half-way, crossed West’s line to score for Coromandel. He was also responsible for converting his own try. The score at half-time was: Coromandel 10, Paeroa 3.
The second half opened with West forcing the play, and Harris made an attempt to score with a drop-kick, failing to reach the distance, but McMillan, following up on Harris’s play took the ball to score for West, making the score: Coromandel 10, Paeroa 6.
Soon after this, S. Fisher made a spectacular 'drop-kick to score again for Coromandel, making the score: Coromandel 14, Paeroa 6.
With time drawing short and a fair lead to catch, West started to force the play, the game getting fast and determined. R. Harris was successful in scoring for the visitors, bringing to a close a really good, clean and fast game. The final score was: Coromandel 14, Visitors 9.
The Paeroa West Rugby Football Club were entertained at a very enjoyable dance arranged by the Coromandel Rugby Union on Saturday in the St. George’s Hall, Coromandel. Miss C. McNeil provided; the music for the dancers, assisted by members of the Paeroa club, who, having their instruments with them, gave several extras.
On Sunday morning the Coromandel Rugby Union arranged a fishing excursion, the visitors being taken out in Mr S. Strongman’s launch the “Wee Pat,” but adverse weather conditions marred what would have been a very enjoyable day, although the visitors seemed not to be demurred from enjoying themselves.
The visitors’ leaving Coromandel on Sunday evening brought to a close a week-end much enjoyed and appreciated by all concerned.
HAURAKI PLAINS GAZETTE, VOLUME 48, ISSUE 2830, 25 AUGUST 1939, PAGE 8
A very popular and fully deserved victory was secured by the Colville Rugby team when at Coromandel last Saturday it succeeded in defeating Kennedy Bay by 11 points to 3 in the Denize Cup competition.
From the very start of the game the Colville forwards took charge and held the superiority throughout the match. Wishnowsky opened the score with a penalty goal which was followed by a try by McDonald. The try was converted and at half-time the score stood at Colville 8, Kennedy Bay 0.
Colville continued to press and a further try was secured. Kennedy Bay made every effort to penetrate the Colville defence but it was not until late in the game that B. Potae scored for the Bay.
The game ended Colville 11, Kennedy Bay 3.
Mr Rivers was the referee.
HAURAKI PLAINS GAZETTE, VOLUME 58, ISSUE 4162, 20 JULY 1949, PAGE 9
On Saturday last the Coromandel Rugby team suffered its second loss this season when it was defeated by Kennedy Bay to the tune of 6 points to 0.
The weather was not kind and heavy showers made the ball very greasy though the backs handled very well considering the conditions, and were always dangerous.
For the first fifteen minutes of the game the Bay team, ably led by Mareroa and Potae, hammered at the Coromandel goal line, scrum after scrum taking place within a few feet of the goal posts. Fuller temporarily relieved but Bay came back again and forwards and backs combined in a fine passing movement for Harrison to go through and score in a handy position.
Coromandel then went to the attack and Quist, securing possession, sent his backs away. Fuller side-stepped a man and sent the ball on to McIntosh to Gamble who dropped the pass a yard from the line. The Bay forwards again took charge and halftime found play again in Coromandel territory with the score Kennedy Bay 3, Coromandel 0.
Coromandel again attacked and the defence held until Quist secured possession and shot round the blind side to dive over in the corner. The referee, after consulting the line umpire ruled that Quist had been out and from the ensuing line out Bay cleared.
Pressure was maintained by Coromandel who had the misfortune to see the ball trickle over the dead ball line on three occasions when a score seemed likely.
Eventually Bay rallied and worked into Coromandel territory where an infringement gave Harrison a chance to kick a good penalty goal. Despite desperate efforts by Coromandel there was no change in the score when time was called. Bay 6, Coromandel 0.
Mr Rivers was the referee.
After the game, Mr R. Holmes, president of the Coromandel Rugby Union, presented the McGregor cup to the captain of the Bay team, D. Mareroa, and congratulated the team on its good win.
24th of September 1949
In a fast Rugby game played at Coromandel on Saturday, Coromandel defeated an Avondale R.S.A team by 11 points to 9.
Tries for Coromandel scored by E. Glogoski, E. Gamble and O. Glogoski and R. Fuller converted one try. Mr Rout was the referee.
This was the first occasion this season that the Avondale R.S.A. team has been defeated.
In the evening the Coromandel branch of the Labour Party staged a dance at which the visiting footballers were entertained and an enjoyable evening was spent.
HAURAKI PLAINS GAZETTE, VOLUME 58, ISSUE 4192, 28 SEPTEMBER 1949, PAGE 8