IT was an 18-touch passage of play that proved pivotal as Hornsby claimed their second NSW State Cup men's open title in three years with a 4-2 win over Bankstown on Sunday in Port Macquarie.
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With scores locked at 2-all, the Lions' Simon Lang was sent for a period of time (or sin bin) meaning his teammates had to defend with five on six.
Their defence worked hard for that time to keep Bankstown tryless, leaving coach Terry Cooper in no doubt that was where the match was won.
"Our boys defended that period unbelievably," he said.
"If you can defend that and no one scores, you know you've just about demoralised the opposition and we went straight down and scored after that which really broke their hearts."
Dylan Hennessey was again instrumental in the victory, laying on three of his side's four tries to maintain his perfect record in grand finals with the Lions.
Australia's best touch football player has now been in four NSW State Cup grand finals with Hornsby and won all four.
He was also awarded as the man of the match.
"Dylan is a superstar, but the boys around him match him and play the game that suits his and the team style," Cooper said.
"Our discipline overall was unbelievable and without him, do we win, it's a question mark.
"We've been there (in the grand final) four times and he's been with us four times so I can't tell you we can't win without him."
While every player contributed to the win in the final, the coach saved special mention for youngster Tyla Love.
"He was playing pretty ordinary on Friday and Saturday and absolutely stood up in the final and played out of his skin," he said.
"I couldn't pick out anyone to say who was better than the other, but the fact his improvement was mind-blowing, I'd have to say he was the standout."
In 20 years of coaching, Cooper admitted his success with the Lions in 2019 gave him arguably the most satisfaction.
"We've probably been in the top four sides for the last 10 years, but winning the State Cup at any time is very, very difficult," he said.
"Seeing as the boys are all getting older and a bit longer in the tooth - we've got seven over-30 players ranging from 39 to 32 - that one on Sunday meant more than anything."
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