MATT Marsh produced three tries to lead Wollongong’s senior mixed team to State Cup glory.
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The Devils’ over 30s marched through the tournament unbeaten, before delivering in the grand final with a thumping 8-4 win over Balmain.
It’s the second straight year the mixed team has left Port Macquarie with a perfect record.
However, the men’s Premier League and Division One outfits were disappointed after missing the grand finals.
The Premier League team failed to qualify, with two wins from seven games, while the Division One squad made it through unbeaten, only to crash out in the finals.
“Very proud of the efforts from all teams,” Wollongong touch vice-president Tim Robinson said.
“It was played in challenging conditions, with 30 degree temperatures.
“The senior mixed team battled on hard despite some early injury concerns.
“The leadership from coach Mark Lancaster was key to their success.”
The Division One Wollongong team had three wins and a draw, but were stunned Ryde Eastwood Hawks in the finals series. Trailing 4-nil, the Devils fought back before being eliminated 5-4.
“For the Division One boys it was probably the one that got away,” Robinson said.
“Unfortunately their only loss of the tournament was the one which eliminated them.”
The women’s Premier League team also qualified for the finals, bowing out with a 5-1 loss to eventual grand finalists Canterbury.
Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
