The match between Enterprise Cars OBM and Kevin Hollis Glass Pirates was deferred on agreement as there were not enough available referees. Officials were needed to cover the Gisborne Boys' High School first 15 match against New Plymouth Boys' High School at the Rectory.
East Coast Vet YMP came out of the gates with a plan and actioned it accordingly.
“It's very pleasing when you have a plan, your team follows it and it comes together,” YMP coach Kahu Tamatea said.
“Waikohu are well known for their hard-running forwards. We knew if we could combat that with good defence, it would help our cause, and if we used the ball we got efficiently, we would be ok.”
YMP struck as early as the second minute — a draw and pass from openside flanker Stuart Leach allowing space for second-five Taine Aupouri, who slipped two tackles on his way to the line but injured himself scoring the try and was replaced by former Poverty Bay and East Coast Whaimotu Craft-Chemis, who himself later went off injured.
The hosts were quick to reply, prop and captain Toru Noanoa and rake Geoff Pari playing vital roles to allow winger Jordan Christie to slide over for the first of his two tries.
It was tit for tat. YMP prop Nehe Papuni scored in the 30th minute and Waikohu answered that with a 38th-minute five-pointer to winger Tihone Hubbard.
Nearing halftime, YMP's perseverance was rewarded with a try to replacement forward Rocky Monika, and fullback Andrew Tauatevalu's conversion made it 21-14.
YMP took control in the second half, running in three tries (No.8 Jesse Kapene, centre Jayden Milner and Tauatevalu the scorers) to Waikohu's one (Christie's second).
Waikohu coach Kelvin Smith said missing key players had an impact on his team, but as much as a loss hurts, it was also a blessing in a way.
“We can take a good hard look at ourselves — players and coaches/management. We believed that we could win regardless of who we put out and that's the mindset we have to have.
“They had more passion than us and wanted it more than us on the day.” Smith said.
Morale remained high although there were a few sore bodies after Saturday's game, he said.
YMP captain Shayde Skudder said they were feeling it as well.
“A few of the boys are battered, for sure.”
YMP had a lot of respect for the strength of Waikohu and that made the win that much more satisfying, he said.
“It was definitely a game we wanted — just for ourselves to know we can beat them. It has been a few years since we have got one up on them.”
Waikohu 19 (Jordan Christie 2, Tione Hubbard tries; Moses Christie 2 con) YMP 38 (Nehe Papuni, Jesse Kapene, Taine Aupouri-Kaiwai, Jayden Milner, Rocky Monika, Andrew Tauatevalu tries; Tauatevalu 4 con)
