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PORT Macquarie Sharks ground out a 20-8 Group 3 grand final victory which won’t go down as champagne footy, but will be just as special.
The Sharks were too good at Regional Stadium in the local derby decider against Port City Breakers as they put their foot down towards the end of the match.
The Sharks were forced to do plenty of defence, especially in the second half, but they were still able to get on the right end of the ledger.
Zak Aylward, Ben Cudmore, Luke Sprague and Tom Maguire scored tries for the Sharks.
Richie Roberts and Kurt Lewis crossed the stripe for the Breakers.
Breakers had plenty of repeat sets in the second half. They were gutsy and gallant, but made wrong choices at times.
Aylward’s try sealed the win for Sharks, and Dave Geary’s conversion added icing to the victory cake.
Earlier, the first half was riddled with interruptions as the teams were, at times, more interested with getting into biffs than playing league.
There was more than 10 minutes of stoppages.
The teams went into the break at 8-4. Daley lined up a penalty from about 35 metres out, but it hit the post.
Roberts went over when Sharks spilled a bomb.
Ben Cudmore and Sprague scored the Sharks’ two tries in the first 40.
Sprague showed nice footwork to step past Ethan Hyde and find the line.