ALBURY celebrated a redemptive 41-7 victory over Waratahs to claim the Southern Inland Rugby Union crown at Conolly Rugby Complex on Saturday.
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One year on from its heartbreaking one-point loss to Ag College, Steamers exacted premiership revenge with the suffocating 34-point victory.
Leading 13-0 at the break, Steamers copped an inspirational halftime spray and stormed back onto the field at its domineering best to over-run the gallant Tahs with a commanding performance.
Although Tahs had some early opportunities to score, they never looked a chance in the second half of the contest as Steamers rolled on to complete its undefeated season.
Steamers captain Nathan Bright was proud and succinct when accepting the premiership trophy, declaring the inspiration to claim the title was to be bigger and better than last season.
"If you want something bad enough, and you work hard enough for it, you can get it," he said.
"I know what it feels like to lose a grand final because we were there last year, but you go back and work harder and come back even better for it."
Chanting "we did it" with his teammates, Bright paid homage to the hundreds of supporters that painted the sidelines blue and yellow at Conolly Rugby Complex.
While Steamers erupted into unbridled celebrations, Tahs felt the sting of the grand final loss but took solace in making the decider opposite the competition juggernauts.
Despite holding Steamers 13-0 at halftime, Tahs crumbled under the pressure in the second half and only ventured within try-scoring territory twice in the final 40 minutes.
However, Tahs kick-started the game firing on all cylinders and threatened the Steamers line, with big busts from centre Dan Selmes and Sam Hobbs keeping the contest close.
Solid line defence shut the Steamers out until the end of the second half when a beautiful flick pass from Richard Manion to Ash Lefevre put the premier on the board to lead 13-0.
With the weight of possession and slowly building it's power, Steamers polished off its second half with the absolute dominance that has carried it through the season, with tries to Manion, Scott Meakins, James Olds and Mick Alexander rounding off the effort.
Steamers were in total control of the game and leading 41-0 before Tahs got a sniff of the try line for winger John Andrews to score a consolation try on the wing on the full time whistle.
Although disappointed in the loss, Tahs captain Jock Munro said Steamers deserved the win.
"To where we started and where we finished up, it's been an absolute pleasure and I'm really proud," he said.
"Albury have been the standouts of the comp this year and as much as I'd like to be lifting the trophy (they) deserved it."
Albury breakaway Liam Krautz received the Rivcoll Old Boys Medal for best performance in the final.