Katikati Stags supporters endured a tough watch in cold, wet weather on Saturday as Rangataua snatched 2026’s Western Bay of Plenty Senior Men’s title in front of the huge home crowd.

The Don Young Grandstand at Moore Park was full to the brim and the field’s perimeter dotted by umbrellas and gumboots as the Stags faced Rangataua in an anticipated finals match.

This season the sides had only met once, with Katikati securing a 33-24 win back in April.

With 11 wins from 12 games, the Stags were competition favourites at the final kick-off, but abysmal weather and Rangataua’s solid forward pack made it hard for them to make an impression.

Rangataua’s tempo was high from the start – they scored a try early on and converted, putting them in front 7-0.

The greasy ground conditions suited the visitors, and they dominated the first half, scoring a second try and converting it to flick the scoreboard to 14-0 at half-time.

As the second half got under way Rangataua snatched another try, this time with no conversion, bringing the tally to 19-0 as Stags supporters slumped in their seats but remained doggedly hopeful Katikati could claw their way back to victory within 80 minutes.

The Stags worked hard, gained more field possession and started making decent runs - finally speedy Katikati centre Sosetini Tautuaa got over the line to put Katikati on the scoreboard. With Gene Darvill’s conversion, the Stags began their comeback at 19-7.

With the ball to-ing and fro-ing between both sides, it was lock Quinton Landman who scored a second try for the home side. With Darvill’s conversion, the game tightened to 19-14 as Katikati fans roared the roof off the grandstand.

Katikati kept its momentum up but couldn’t transform their efforts into points – two penalties awarded to them weren’t utilised.

Rangataua dug deeper and scored another try, but didn’t convert, edging away 24-14.

Time melted away and Rangataua claimed a 24-14 victory and the 2026 WBOP Senior Men’s title as the full-time whistle blew.

Katikati coaches Gillies Kaka, Quinton Landman and James Dunlop thanked their team, saying they were “an awesome group of fine young men who put it all on the line”.

“They gave it everything for the club and town…The weather was hand-made for the bigger team from Raungataua and they played a game to suit and took the win. And well done to them.”