ON THE back of a rampaging Nathanael Mooney, Mater Dei sealed a tight win over South Wagga in the Mortimer Shield final at Equex.
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The hulking front rower starred for his team, scoring two tries and setting up another, as Mater Dei claimed a 16-10 victory.
His performance in the nailbiting grand final earnt him the Rick Keast Medal.
Towering over rivals, Mooney was already the chief destroyer in Mater Dei's comfortable win over St Josephs Leeton in the semi-final earlier in the day.
In the second all Wagga final in as many years South Wagga earnt its way through to the decider after scoring a last minute try over St Marys Young, but couldn't quite match Mater Dei is the see-sawing final.
St Mary's won the play-off for third place, defeating St Joseph's Leeton 12-4.
A strong second half performance from Sacred Heart saw them run away with the league tag final.
With scores locked at 8-all between Sacred Heart and Young Public, it was the Wagga side that had too much fire in the second half, claiming a 20-8 win.
Ella McFarlane was awarded with the Rick Keast Medal
Beelbangra Public defeated Mater Dei 32-16 in the third-placed playoff.
Played in perfect conditions, NRL game development manager Adam Perry was thrilled with the success of the competition.
The culmination of the schools competition is a perfect lead into the Riverina Schoolboys Carnival at Junee on Saturday.
More than 120 teams are expected to compete in the famous tournament better known as the Junee Knockout.
Laurie Daley and the State of Origin shield will with NRL ambassadors Andrew Ryan and Joe Guluvou also to make an appearance.
