The boot of Mount Maunganui first five Cayden Matahaere has guided the Mount to its first Bayfair Baywide Premier Club Rugby title in nine years.

In a tense final at the Tauranga Domain the Mount edged past Whakarewarewa 26-23 after a strong second half comeback from the red and black's.

Mount Maunganui's Samisoni Fisilau charging down the field.

It is the side's first premier title since 2005, leaving Whakarewarewa without a title since 2006.

Leading 16-8 at the break thanks to a Matt Axtens try and the boot of Matahaere – a penalty, conversion and drop goal – the side were forced to withstand a passionate Whakarewarewa fightback.

Buoyed by a vocal group of supporters making the trip from Rotorua the side surged back into the game, levelling it at 23-all with 15 minutes to play.

But a Matahaere penalty at the 70minute mark sealed the victory for the Mount.

The Mount came to win it from fourth ranked finalist.