Starting off the day was out Year 5's who also played in Mercury Bay on Saturday, was a super cool game where our they showed they're stuff scoring a bunch of tries, and displaying some good passing amongst the team. Was a fun time for all.
The seinior game took place at the Lyons Den in Mercury Bay, a field well-known to the players of both teams. Coromandel and Mercury Bay have been rivals for years, making this rugby match highly anticipated.
Mercury Bay kicked off the game, and the first five minutes saw some intense back-and-forth action. Coromandel's halfback, Haven McLean, spotted an opening in the Mercury Bay defense and made a break, running the ball just outside their 10-meter line before being tackled. He quickly popped the ball up to Max Wirihana, who offloaded it to Te Kapua McLean. McLean scored the first try on the far right side, putting Coromandel ahead 5-0.
Coromandel kept the pressure on and moved the ball into Mercury Bay territory. After a penalty against Mercury Bay on their 5-meter line, Whakaaria Lawrence picked and drove the ball over the line for another try on the far left side. Jordan Olliff successfully converted, extending the lead to 12-0.
Following a failed offload from Mercury Bay, Coromandel seized the opportunity. A draw pass from Sahn Povey allowed Jordan Olliff to find a gap and gain significant yardage. He passed to Jared Little, who advanced to Mercury Bay’s 10-meter line. A quick pass off the tackle to Haven McLean resulted in a try under the posts, which Olliff easily converted, making it 19-0.
Coromandel capitalized on a failed penalty kick by Mercury Bay, regaining the ball and driving it down the middle. Jordan Olliff scored another try and converted it, bringing the score to 26-0.
Some great passing saw the ball sent wide to the right and then back to the left, with Max Wirihana scoring a try on the far left side. Olliff converted, bringing the halftime score to 33-0.
The second half started with Coromandel kicking off. They regained possession around the Mercury Bay 30-meter line and ran it down the right side. After a series of pop passes, Jordan Olliff scored in the corner, pushing the score to 38-0.
A nice offload from Olliff to Max Wirihana allowed Coromandel to break through Mercury Bay’s defense and reach their 22-meter line. Though tackled, Wirihana offloaded the ball to Te Kapua McLean, who scored another try in the corner. Olliff's conversion made it 45-0.
Coromandel's final try came from a penalty at Mercury Bay’s 10-meter line. A quick tap pass to Haerengarangi Renata saw him muscle his way over the line to score, making it 50-0.
Despite the scoreline, Mercury Bay didn't give up. In the 62nd minute, they broke through Coromandel’s defense to score a try, which they converted, bringing the score to 50-7.
In the final 20 minutes, Mercury Bay played their best rugby of the match. While Coromandel couldn't score during this period, their defense remained strong, leading to a back-and-forth game until the final whistle.
Final Score: Coromandel 50, Mercury Bay 7.
It was a dominant performance by Coromandel, securing a decisive victory in this long-standing rivalry.
We had an awesome day of rugby today, starting with our young teams in the morning. The Year 3 team played against Katikati, and the Year 5 team faced Te Aroha. Both games were fantastic, and the parents and grandparents probably enjoyed them even more than the kids. It was a lot of fun and a great warm-up for our seniors' game.
At 2 PM, Coromandel took on Ngatea in a hard-fought match. The game kicked off with Ngatea moving quickly into Coromandel's 20-meter area and converting a penalty, giving them an early lead of 3-0.
Once play resumed, Coromandel's defense pushed Ngatea out. After a well-placed kick to the corner by Hamish Stewart and a clever line-out trick between Luke McGrath and Haerengarangi Renata, Haerengarangi Renata managed to score a try in the corner, putting Coromandel ahead 5-3.
The Coromandel boys were fired up. After kickoff, they pushed back into Ngatea’s half. Despite losing the ball near Ngatea’s 5-meter line, they turned it around by stealing the line-out ball, and Harry Blyth drove it over for a try, making the score 10-3.
Coromandel continued to dominate, breaking through Ngatea’s defense and earning several penalties. Eventually, Te Kapua McLean scored another try, extending the lead to 15-3.
Ngatea started to push hard after their kickoff, almost scoring a try, but Coromandel's defense held strong. Ngatea missed a penalty goal, and the game turned into a back-and-forth battle. The first half ended with Coromandel leading 15-3.
In the second half, Ngatea broke through Coromandel's defense to score in the corner, closing the gap to 15-8. However, Coromandel responded quickly. Sahn Povey powered through Ngatea's defense to score, and Tukawhena Pere converted, extending the lead to 22-8.
After another strong play, Tukawhena Pere broke through, and Sahn Povey was able to set up Te Kapua McLean for another try. Tukawhena Pere's conversion made it 29-8.
Ngatea fought back, driving down to Coromandel’s 5-meter line and scoring a try, but it wasn't enough. The final score was Coromandel 29, Ngatea 13.
Overall, it was an amazing day of rugby, with both our juniors and seniors putting on a great show. Hats off to everyone involved for making it a memorable day in Coromandel rugby.
In a fast Rugby game played at Colville on Saturday between Manaia and Colville, Manaia won by 19 points to nine.
The outstanding players for Manaia were Winkie and Sombo Mikaere, while G. Thwaites, R. Bright and Bridle played well for Colville.
Mr V. Keefe was the referee.
The Coromandel football team maintained its unbeaten record, on Saturday last when at Coromandel it defeated Whangapoua in a Rugby match by 11 points to six.
Coromandel's points came from three tries of which one was converted again stone try and a penalty goal by Whangapoua. After only 10 minutes of play E. Gamble put Coromandel in the lead with a nice run, scoring in a handy position. D. Beach converted, mating the score Coromandel 5, Whangapoua 0.
Whangapoua made determined bids for the Coromandel line and from a line out McDonald secured the ball and dived over. Hale failed with the kick taking the score to Coromandel 5, Whangapoua 3.
Shortly before half-time from a set scrum Coromandel hooked to Notman who fed his backs, M. Gamble breaking through to go over for a try. Beach failed with the kick. Coromandel 8, Whangapoua 3.
Lack of support spoiled Whangapoua's attempts to score and a penalty brought Whangapoua three more points. In a good passing movement the ball travelled right out to the wing, E. Gamble going over for a nice try. Beach failed with the kick, making score Coromandel 11, Whangapoua 6.
Mr V. Rivers Was referee.
In a good exhibition of fast open football Kennedy Bay and P.T., a team from Thames, drew six all in a Rugby match at Coromandel on Saturday last.
Both tides threw the ball about and some good back movements were seen. Good cover play by the Thames forwards saved their side in many tight corners. Leggan, Thwaites and P. Potae played great football through-out the game and-came close to scoring on many occasions.
Points for Kennedy Bay came from a penalty by McKeddie and a try by Bridle. For the visiting Thames team one try was scored by Hoffman and McKleish kicked a penalty goal.
It was a sensational start to the junior rugby season as Coromandel welcomed all our young players and seniors for a day filled with exhilarating rugby action.
The day kicked off with exciting matches across different age groups:
Coromandel Vs Waihi (Year 3)
Coromandel Vs Whangamata (Year 5)
Coromandel Vs Whangamata (Year 8)
The youngest players in Year 3 displayed boundless energy and enthusiasm, running up and down the field, scoring tries, and making tackles that had the crowd cheering with delight. It was heartwarming to see parents and grandparents enthusiastically supporting their little ones.
The Year 5 game against Whangamata, officiated by Waylon Brown, was a thrilling contest characterized by spirited back-and-forth action, with both teams showcasing their skills and scoring some fantastic tries.
Following the exciting Year 5 and Year 3 matches, attention turned to the Year 8 players who took to the field for their moment in the spotlight. While the game may have seemed one-sided, with Coromandel dominating, there were some remarkable tries that left an impression. Some of the young players even remarked on the impressive kicking prowess of a Coromandel player, jokingly suggesting they might be needed in the senior game. Additionally, it was inspiring to see a significant number of young women in the Year 8 team, signaling a bright future for club rugby in Coromandel.
Overall, it was a fantastic day of rugby for players and spectators alike, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead and instilling hope for the continued growth and success of rugby in Coromandel.
In the highly anticipated showdown between Coromandel and the Waihi Bullets, the atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stands, eager for a thrilling match. Before the game began, a moment of silence honored the memory of Koro Renata, adding a touch of solemnity to the proceedings.
As the game kicked off, Waihi seized an early opportunity, but a swift interception by Coromandel's Max Wirihana turned the tide. Wirihana's lightning-fast 90-meter run resulted in a try, bolstering Coromandel's lead to 7-0 after Jordan Olliff's successful conversion.
Building on their momentum, Coromandel capitalized on a penalty to extend their lead to 10-0. Despite Waihi's efforts, Coromandel's solid defense and strategic play kept them at bay.
Throughout the game, standout performances from players like Max Wirihana, who scored a hat-trick, and Jamie Stevenson, with a memorable solo try, helped Coromandel dominate. Te Kapua McLean, Haerengarangi Renata, and Christian Brown also made significant contributions, contributing to Coromandel's commanding 56-0 victory.
In the end, it was a day of celebration for Coromandel, both on and off the field, as they emerged victorious in a thrilling display of skill and teamwork.
Coromandel kicked off with the sun behind them, and were soon on the defensive with the heavier Colville pack rucking well and winning most of the set scrums. Bright and Wishnowsky broke through but a good kick by fullback Lang eased the position for Coromandel. Play continued around mid-field for most of the first spell with neither side doing much with the ball, except dropping it or taking it back into the forwards. Wishnowsky missed a penalty for Colville and Fuller missed one for Coromandel just before half-time, and the teams changed over without scoring.
The second spell was only a repetition of the first with both sides being penalized frequently for lineout and scrum infringements. Finally, after a series of penalties for holding the ball on the ground, McKeddie raised the flags with one for Colville.
Colville 3, Coromandel 0.
The reverse seemed to spur the Coromandel forwards to life and they carried play into Colville twenty-five with a good rush. Play stayed on the Colville line for nearly 15 minutes but the defense held. Colville was penalized for offside play and Fuller evened the score with a very good kick against the wind.
Coromandel 3, Colville 3.
Shortly after the kickoff, Coromandel again attacked and a short kick over the fullback’s head bounced right for Coromandel, for Fuller, with Gamble in support to score wide out. The extra points were added, making the score Coromandel 8, Colville 3.
Coromandel forwards were now playing much better and the ball was coming out much cleaner but bad handling spoiled many promising movements. The game ended without any addition to the score.
Coromandel 8, Colville 3.
Mr. Rivers was the referee.
Coromandel will now meet Kennedy Bay in the final.
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.
Two Rugby football matches were played on the Coromandel domain on Saturday last when the two visiting teams were well and truly beaten by the footballers of the peninsula.
In the first match a combined team from Whangapoua and Kennedy Bay defeated the Martha club’s senior team from Waihi by 22 points to 0.
Mr V. T. Rout was referee.
In the second game the Coromandel club defeated Te Aroha by 20 points to 5.
Mr N. Rivers refereed the game.
HAURAKI PLAINS GAZETTE, VOLUME 60, ISSUE 4324, 30 AUGUST 1950, PAGE 12
The principal rugby attraction on the Coromandel Domain on Saturday was Coromandel versus Kennedy’s Bay in the knock-out challenge round for the Montgomery Shield.
Kennedy’s Bay fielded the strongest team this year and snatched a last minute victory from Coromandel by nine points to eight. G. Thwaites was playing for the first time for several weeks for the Bay and in the second half the spectators were treated to some fine back play and in and out passing by him and Colin Flavell who turned out for the first time this season.
The score at half time was Bay 3 Coromandel nil, made up of an unconverted try by Potae.
After the interval Syddalls and Ngapo scored for Coromandel and Ngapo converted his own try with a very fine kick from a difficult angle while Herring scored an unconverted try. On the call of time G. Thwaites kicked a penalty goal for Kennedy’s Bay.
Mr V. Keefe was the referee.
HAURAKI PLAINS GAZETTE, VOLUME 55, ISSUE 32742, 24 JULY 1946, PAGE 9
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.