It has been a season to remember for Te Teko Rugby Club.

For the first time in several seasons, the club won both the EBOP development grade trophy and the EBOP premier division crown.

Like past few seasons, all three finals – premier, senior reserves and development – took place at Rugby Park in Whakatāne, attracting a large turnout of supporters.

Te Teko claim the spoils 17-15 in the early development grade clash and then 35-27 in the main game, capping off the perfect day.

Te Teko coach Don Te Maipi said it was a good reward for the players.

“We’ve actually had great numbers, and I had to leave six players out of the final but they totally understood and knew they were still part of the season and helping get us there. It was a great day and made even better by the development team winning in the morning.”

Te Maipi said there were no nerves despite his team falling behind early.

“We knew if we played good rugby and got our systems right, we could defeat anybody. Fair play to Paroa, they’ve had a very good season and, unfortunately, in the finals, someone has to lose.”

He said it was a great victory for the club and community.

“We had about 250 come back to the club that Saturday night and help celebrate. We made sure to stop in at Paroa beforehand, but it was certainly a great night and a good way to thank everyone.

“We had a good season. The boys worked hard and wanted to be part of the team. After a few tough years it was great to see people back in the club.”

Te Teko last won the premier division in 2023, and Te Maipi said now it was a case of trying to keep a large chunk of the squad together.

There was little between the teams in the final until Gavin Causer broke it open with a scintillating run that saw Sasu Wihapi finish off and crash over in the corner.

Several players have stood out for Te Teko during the season but none more so than Te Anapu Burke, Bailey Williams and Causer, when available.

Paroa can be proud of their efforts as they scored some fantastic tries with Ethan Wharewera one of the best attacking backs in the competition, and Kurt Baker popping up all over the paddock.

Te Maipi said it was great to see their development team get the victory.

“The crowd was awesome all day. There was heaps of black and yellow but, for us, it was special seeing the development lads win their final.”

He said now they’d take a bit of time to decide what the next move was as a club.

In the senior reserve final, two extra time tries propelled Waimana to a 24-10 victory over Edgecumbe.

It was 10-all at fulltime thanks to a late Edgecumbe try, however two tries to Waimana secured them the victory.

Edgecumbe, who have been unbeaten all season, weren’t helped by a 28-day window between their last game and the final.

Waimana coach LB Boynton said they were stoked to come out victorious.

“Very stoked with the win in front of our supporters and family who have followed us all year. We, as a team, have a lot of young players still learning their trade, so it’s been a challenge with them and, to their credit, they turn up every game and give it their best, win or lose.

“We as coaches knew the effort was there to win a final. We knew a win against Edgecumbe, unbeaten all season, would take more than 100 percent effort.”

He said it was a cracking final to be part of.

“The boys have great respect for each other. It’s a strong bond of brotherhood so, for me to convince them that you have to be mentally tough and fight through any pain that may arise while playing, was tough.

“I also reminded them what happened last year, and that feeling … as a way to drive them and feel like winning. We hadn’t won in a while. I have just moved back from Australia, and it was great to be part of the coaching team.”

“It was a great finals day; credit to the EBOP Sub Union and everyone involved.”

Edgecumbe coach Craig Sinkinson was proud of his team, despite falling short at the final hurdle.

“Waimana just wanted it more than us. We had some chances, but errors let us down. It’s been a good season and it’s just a shame we couldn’t do it for our 100th year celebration. I think the four weeks between games really hurt us as the guys lost fitness and you can’t beat time in the middle.”