The Saints turned the tide in the second half to take an 11.11 (77) to 9.10 (64) win over Marrar.

It proved to be the perfect send off for retiring coach Matt Howarth.

He was thrilled by how his team turned things around.

“We spoke at half-time that it was going to take something special,” Howarth said.

“We had to be prepared to do things they weren’t prepared to do in previous games, put their heads in places they aren’t supposed to go and did that to their credit.”

Marrar were all over North Wagga in the first quarter, but missed opportunities proved costly.

Playing into the breeze the Bombers took a 2.5 (17) to 0.2 (2) lead and North Wagga still trailed by 14 points at half-time, before turning it on in the third quarter.

Two quick goals had the Saints within one point before goals to Dave Kahlburg and Matt Harmer shot them in front with 20 minutes into the term.

North Wagga kept hammering Marrar and three minutes later Chris Rothnie converted before Josh May slotted one after the siren to hand the Saints a 9.9 (63) to 5.6 (36) lead heading into the final quarter.

Young gun Rhys Mooney tried to inspire his team with two crucial goals in the final term, before Howarth responded to seal the win.

Mooney booted his fifth but it wasn’t enough for the Bombers.

Matt Ross, who kicked a goals in the win, was named best in the grand final.