Whakarewarewa suffered their first loss of the Baywide Premier Two season during this weekend's final and now their coach has announced he will be leaving the side.
They hosted Paroa, who they've beaten twice before, at Puarenga Park and went down 21-10.
Whakarewarewa coach Kopae Irihei said Paroa played withmore "passion" and showed that they wanted the win more than his team.
SECOND BEST: Whaka lost their fist game of the Premier 2 competition and the final all at once. PHOTO/BEN FRASER
"We lacked a bit of something. It's about taking the opportunity and they took theirs a lot more, they played with a lot more integrity and passion.
Image 1 of 7: Whakarewarewa v Paroa baywide premier 2 final at Puarenga Park. Photo/Ben Fraser
Irihei said this would be his last year coaching the side and he wasn't sure what he had planned for next year.
"I'll just see what presents itself, I've been with them for three years and enjoyed every minute of it, but I just want to have a good break and to spend some time with my family."
Over the time he has been coached, the team had made the finals, semi finals and finals again this year.
"We can hold our heads high and be proud of what we have achieved."
He said he would help the club find a replacement coach.
Paroa coach George Harawira said they were more confident playing Whaka this time round.
"We have played finals football for a while now and it's all on the day.
"In the first half we attacked and that was about it really, we came out with the goods.
"We are not a very good pre-season team but we sort of come round at the end of the season."
