The Bay of Plenty Police (BOP) rugby team made their intentions obvious early in their 2025 Chiefs Cup match against Waikato Police in late September.

It took only two minutes before BOP hooker Anton Milnes crossed the try line, making it clear his team was keen to win the annual “Battle of the Kaimai” clash that this year preceded the BOP-Waikato National Provincial Championship (NPC) match at Tauranga Domain.

The blue-and-gold men then ran in a further three tries through Milnes and first five Maihi Bidois before a well earnt five-pointer was scored in the corner by Waikato midfielder Vilati Narbey-Nimeti to end the first half.

The brief respite refuelled the tank, allowing Waikato to win the second half. Two tries for Waikato – to JJ Havea and Charles Gemmell – narrowed the score but it wasn’t enough.

As the full time hooter sounded, BOP had secured the win, 24-15, and retained the Chiefs Cup for 2025.

It was perhaps a sign of things to come: the BOP Steamers powered to a mighty 41-5 win over the Waikato Mooloos in their round nine NPC match later in the day.