The South West Rocks Marlins were crowned the Hastings League champions on Saturday after they dominated the minor premiers the Laurieton Stingrays in a 39-12 rout.
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Marlins co-coach Sam Drew, who has led the side alongside co-coach Sam Howe the past two seasons, was overwhelmed by emotions after the final siren sounded.
"The feeling is hard to explain, we have all worked so hard over the last two years for this to come to fruition is amazing," Drew told the Argus.
"We just stuck to our game plan and structure. We knew if we played out style of footy then there's no team in the competition that can stick with us."
Drew claims the Marlins' mobile forward pack proved the difference, as they were able to roll through the middle of the field.
"We played straight through the middle and ran over the top of them before running around them," Drew said.
The co-coach credited his players, committee and everyone who had contributed to their successful season.
"We had 19 blokes take the field but it took all 30 of the players in our squad, our committee, staff and volunteers to get the victory," Drew said.
"We have the best committee and they have supported us immensely."
The Stingrays drew first blood as Zak Aylward scored out wide and Keiren Ford nailed the conversion to give his side a 6-0 lead.
It took until the midway through the first half for the Marlins to hit back, as they levelled the scores.
The Stingrays continued to apply pressure to the Marlins line but their defence held firm.
The Marlins were rewarded with their tireless defence when centre Peter Bula crossed out wide to give them a 10-6 lead.
South West Rocks extended their advantage when Jamhl Toby crossed in the final minutes before half-time.
The Marlins' momentum continued after the break as Mick McPhillips crossed to give the side a 20-6 victory.
But, the Stingrays bounced back in the 47th minute to reduce the deficit to 20-12.
With the game hanging on a knife edge, 18-year-old Marlins star Josh Trindall scored a length of the field try from a Stingrays mistake.
The Marlins crowd cheered the Marlins flyer all the way to the try line.
With the flood gates of the Stingrays opening, Jesse Meehan hit the hole and broke through the Stingrays defence. Meehan sold the best dummy to the Stingrays fullback and scored a brilliant try to take the score to 32-12.
To seal the match, Marlins skipper Mal Webster slotted a field goal before a fitting end to the season for Sam Drew, who crossed in the final minute to complete the white wash.
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