Two penalties to Matahaere put Mount Maunganui 16-8 up at halftime, which was soon extended by a rare piece of magic from fullback Mason Walker. He showed his full range of skills to out-pace the defence, and linked well with Andy Devoy and Matahaere, before he scored the try of the match near the posts.
The fact Walker was a star player for Rotorua Boys' First XV last year made it harder to take for Whakarewarewa, who were now 23-8 down with 30 minutes to play. But they responded in the best possible way to quickly get back in the game and set up a frantic finish.
Fraser showed off his deft left foot step to score a try he converted, then captain Doug Edwards inspired his team with the tackle of the match on his opposite Malakai Kisina, which led to another penalty kicked by Fraser.
Now down by just 23-18, Whakarewarewa began to dominate and after multiple phases attacking inside Mount Maunganui's 22, they freed the ball wide for fullback WhaiMoto Craft-Chemis to sprint through the defensive line for a fine try.
With 10 minutes to play and the game tied up 23-23, Mount Maunganui's dominant scrum turned over possession in a key moment. Four phases later they won a penalty from handy range which Matahaere kicked.
Whakarewarewa tried desperately to break out of their 22 in the closing stages but Mount Maunganui's staunch defence held to claim their first Bayfair Baywide title since 2005.
Mount Maunganui captain David Smart:
"Obviously it went down to the last play. Everything we got from Whaka we threw back. They are a great team and before coming into this we knew they would bring a physical game. They're a very mobile pack for the size they've got. I think our back three went real well and kicked for corners well.
"Defence is all about attitude. We know if you take someone low, you take them out. If you try and go high against a team like Whaka, they are going to bump you off because they are very strong lads.
"Big ups for a couple of senior heads Chris Elvin and Zar Lawrence, who helped me through the season. It wasn't talked about much before the game but a few of us were hurting from last year when we lost to Tauranga Sports. "It is the first championship the boys have won."
Whakarewarewa captain Doug Edwards:
"The Mount deserved to win today. They were the better side. I am more proud than I am disappointed today. I suppose I didn't expect that feeling. Just happy that the boys fought back and we put in a good, honest effort.
"It could have gone our way but that's finals' rugby. But in saying that, we did make a lot of mistakes and they made less than we did. Unfortunately it was mistakes that killed us in the end.
"Going by the final score, Mount defence was a factor. They had very strong D. We tried to crack them here, there and everywhere but in the end they came through.
"Hopefully the season has been a turning point. Not only for our club, but for the teams in the second division and also in the development teams.
"Hopefully it is a turn-around and we can get some up-and-coming players coming through."
Mount Maunganui Sports 26 (Matty Axtens, Mason Walker tries; Cayden Matahaere 2 cons, 3 pens, drop goal)
Whakarewarewa 23 (Chance Perham, Te Rangi Fraser, WhaiMoto Craft-Chemis tries; Fraser con, 2 pens). HT: 16-8.
