THE Mount Warrigal Kooris have clinched their third consecutive Group Seven third grade premiership crown, thanks to a hard fought 28-12 grand final victory over a tough Sussex Inlet Panthers side at Collegians Sporting Complex on Sunday.
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In a fiery and hard-hitting match, the Panthers started the match on better terms.
Dale Hammond scored the first try on the back of enterprising 60 metre attacking play from his fellow teammates.
Lachlan Hannagan landed his conversion from right in front as they led 6-nil.
The defending premiers improved as the match went on and raced to a 16-6 lead at half-time.
Trevor Bell was too hard to stop from close range for his effort.
Jared Stewart and Dylan Riggs benefited from great composition and top-notch execution in attack from the Kooris.
Riggs slotted two more conversions.
Five minutes into the second half, the Kooris extended their lead to 22-6 as Nathan Austin was on the receiving end of great lead up work from Luke McKay and Ronald Gatt against the run of play.
Sussex Inlet earned themselves back-to-back penalties as interchange forward Ryan Mamo crashed over from dummy-half.
Hannagan converted as they trailed by 22-12.
Despite Sean Findlay being sent-off, the Kooris held their nerve in defence as Ben Hahn claimed the converted try that sealed a 28-12 victory.
Man of the match Dylan Riggs, Matthew Fuller, Nathan Austin, Shane Butler and Trevor Bell played their hearts out for the Kooris while Dale Hammond, Lachlan Hannagan, Joel Blayden, Jack McDonald and Tom Payne were the Panthers best.