"I don't know what the words are, it is absolutely fantastic to be on the right side of the scoreboard this time."
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That was how Walcha Rams' skipper Sandy Cameron summed up the feeling of finally getting to lift a trophy after three years of grand final heartbreak.
After missing out on the wins in the 2017-19 Central North deciders, the Rams' relief was evident when the final whistle blew in Saturday's New England Rugby Union grand final.
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Joining the New England competition this year after Central North cancelled theirs, the Rams capped off a spectacular, unbeaten season with a 24-19 grand final triumph over fellow newcomers to the Zone, the Harbour Knights.
Much of the Walcha squad, including Cameron, were part of the consecutive grand final losses.
"It is very, very special," Cameron said post-match.
"We have been on the wrong side of it the three years previous to this, and that is not a great feeling, so it is complete 180."
Co-coaches Hyde Thomson and Barry Hoy have been at the helm for the years of anguish and Thomson said it was "absolutely fantastic" to finally get over the line.
"I just didn't know what we were going to do if we lost another one," Thomson said.
"The boys keep bouncing back but there's only so much you can cope with.
"That was what I think pulled us through at the end there, just that grit and didn't want that hurt again."
Although the Rams led for the entirety of the clash, they didn't completely dominate.
It was a tight contest throughout with the Knights coming within one and two points at various points in the game.
"Heart skipped a couple of beats there for a bit but it is terrific," Thomson said.
"We did a lot of things well but we just get a bit overexcited sometimes and that is when we fall apart.
"But when we slow it down and play our game, it really works and works well.
"A bit of exuberance sometimes."
Wally Davidson was a constant threat to the Knights.
Thomson labelled the rangy Number 8 "a standout."
"He is going to be an unbelievable talent in a year or two," he said.
"For a fella so slight, he gets across that ad-line all the time, he is not a solid person yet."
Thomson was also complimentary of a Harbour Knights side, classy in defeat.
"Thanks to Coffs Harbour, they played a great game as well," he said.
"It was a good game of footy and two very good sides playing good football.
"Nothing grubby, just good footy."
Thomson's comments reflected the camaraderie across the New England competition.
Both first grade grand final clubs joined the Zone this year and, in their post match address, both Harbour Knights skipper AJ Gilbert and Cameron praised the competition.