Collingwood has claimed bragging rights in what has been described as the State of Origin of Golden Bay.
The annual Battle of the Bay trophy is contested during the Division 2 round-robin competition when Tākaka meets Collingwood, and this year the prize has gone west with a 24-5 win to Collingwood.
‘It’s the biggest game for us as far as the round-robin goes, so there is a bit of extra pressure,’ co-coach Steve Strange says. “You could say it’s the State of Origin of Golden Bay.”
Collingwood did not field a team in last year’s competition due to low player numbers, and Steve says there was a determined push to return in 2026.
“About Christmas time we had a club meeting and wanted to make a big push to get a team back in the competition. Everyone made contact with people they know who play.
“Anyone in town that could play rugby is playing rugby,’ Steve says.
The squad spans a wide age range, from a handful of 16- and 17-year-olds through to a player aged 52.
Steve, who has played for the club since 2007, has stepped into a coaching role for the first time this season alongside Shawn Begg.
‘[Tākaka are] not sitting that high on the table, but they’ve played all the tough teams and come pretty close, so we knew it was going to be tough,” Steve says.
“We were really happy, especially defensively, and we took our opportunities.”
Tākaka has won the Battle of the Bay 17 times, and last weekend’s match at Collingwood Recreation Grounds pushed Collingwood ahead with its 18th claim to the trophy.
That milestone delivered extra bragging rights, Steve reckons, and the team made the most of it after the final whistle.
“There were three players of the day, but everyone played really well. There were no weak links. It was an awesome team performance,” Steve says.
