The Steamers were pushed all the way by Waratahs before clinging on for a 30-24 win to cap off an almost perfect season at Conolly Rugby Complex on Saturday.

Albury lost only one game throughout the year, to Leeton without five representative stars, but had their biggest test in the decider.

Waratahs pushed the Steamers all day but they just had enough fire power to come out on top.

Captain Richard Manion ended the game with his nose smeared across his face, following a collision with Matt Binks, but was thrilled to come away with the win.

“We always knew it was going to be tough,” Manion said. “All the media and all the talk was that they would need 20 points to be with us but we knew it wasn’t going to be true.

“It was like last year – grand finals are always tight and it was good we could grind it out and be on the right side of the ledger.”

Waratahs flew out of the blocks and it wasn’t until they let in the first two tries did Albury click into action.

After trailing 12-0, James Olds slotted a penalty goal before the Steamers pounced on a ‘Tahs mistake, spreading the ball wide for Hugh Erwin to score in the corner.

Eight minutes later Sam Allen put on a dazzling show of speed to put the Steamers in front, running through the heart of the Waratahs defence off a kick return.

After leading 18-12 at the break, Hugh Erwin scored an easy try to start the second half before ‘Tahs charged back into the contest.

Matt Meggison lifted his team when he scored off a short side play and three minutes later Waratahs reduced the margin to one point following a slick move.

Electing to take a quick throw, the Wagga team spread the ball wide before Meggison put Guy McAlister in for his second try.

Waratahs had a number of opportunities to score but it was Albury who marched down to their end and when Dan Cottrell dived over the margin was out to six.

‘Tahs continued to push for the match winner but the Steamers forced a number of turnovers at the breakdown to seal the win.

After being in the last four Southern Inland grand finals, Manion thought another premiership was just desserts for a dominant year. 

“I think we’ve been the most dominant first grade side in the comp to have four years in the grand final and it’s great to have a second one,” Manion said. “Especially this year when we were so dominant, but it takes a bit to get over the line.”

Full-time

ALBURY 30 (H Erwin 2, S Allen, D Cottrell tries; J Olds 2 cons, 2 pens) d WARATAHS 24 (G McAlister 2, S Palmer, M Meggison tries; E Bonner 2 cons)