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IT had to happen eventually, but Hastings Valley Vikings suffered the ultimate grand final heartbreak in Saturday’s season decider at Oxley Oval.
Southern Cross University Marlins’ goalkicker Lachlan Miller landed a 45-metre penalty goal in the 78th minute to guide his side to a 36-35 victory.
It brought to an end the Vikings quest of claiming four-straight first grade premierships.
Just 90 seconds earlier, Hastings Valley appeared to have snatched the grand final when they were awarded a penalty try which put them back in front.
But it wasn’t to be.
An empty Vikings coach, Mark Howard, was gracious in defeat.
“We just fell short at the last hurdle and it’s painful, but we’ve had a hell of a four years,” he said.
“To turn up every week as defending premiers and then two-time and three-time premiers, everyone’s trying to match you.
“These teams have been building to knock us over and it’s taken a real gutsy effort from them to knock us over so I can’t be any prouder of our boys.”
Hastings Valley appeared in control and led 28-12 midway through the second half after Adam McCormack burrowed over.
We just fell short at the last hurdle and it’s painful, but we’ve had a hell of a four years.
- Hastings Valley Vikings coach Mark Howard
But the unpredictable Marlins climbed back into the contest and scored three tries in 10 minutes to set up a grandstand finish.
Howard admitted he never felt comfortable despite the 16-point lead.
“The style of footy that Southern Cross played, no lead was ever enough,” he said.
“We couldn’t shut the ball down, we couldn’t retain possession and we turned over too much ball.”
The Vikings coach was hopeful Miller would not convert the penalty as the clock wound down.
It was a case of déjà vu after Miller also kicked a penalty goal earlier in the season after full-time to break the Vikings hearts in Coffs Harbour.
You pretty much expect those blokes to make those kicks and some players enjoy the big moments and obviously he does and he stepped up and knocked it over.
- Mark Howard
“You pretty much expect those blokes to make those kicks,” Howard said.
“Some players enjoy the big moments and obviously he does and he stepped up and knocked it over.”
Howard said it was too early to say if it was the end of the Vikings dynasty of success.
“We’ve had a hell of a ride and we’ve all ridden the wave,” he said.
“There will be a few crocodile tears with the boys no doubt, but it’s a game of footy in the end and we’ll be back and ready to go again next year.
“We’ll have to start again obviously.
“To get a chance at four in a row is pretty special, but one in a row is still a good feeling.
“You can’t win them all.”