THE attacking brilliance of Wests Tigers star Benji Marshall was not enough to lift his side to glory in the men’s open final of the NSW Touch State Cup.
In front of a large crowd at Port Macquarie’s Regional Sports Stadium yesterday, the Hornsby Lions secured back-to-back titles following a nail-biting 4-3 win over the Wests Magpies.
Marshall had an opportunity to tie the match up in the dying seconds, however, the referee disallowed the try.
The victory caps off an outstanding season for the Lions, who also captured the NSW Vawdon Cup men’s Premier League crown in November.
Australian representative Dylan Hennessey was another to star on the day.
The Lions accounted for the Canterbury Bulldogs 5-2 in the semi-final, while the Magpies accounted for the Penrith Panthers 6-4.
It was better news for Canterbury in the women’s open showdown, grabbing a slice of history in the process.
The Bulldogs snuck past the Wollongong Devils 5-4 in a drop-off to snare their fifth consecutive State Cup title.
With national squad members Louise and Claire Winchester leading the way, Canterbury trumped the Manly Sea Eagles 5-1 in the semi-final.
The Devils booked their berth with a narrow 4-3 win over Easts Roosters 1.
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