But the mighty Reds were forced to work hard and repel wave after wave of attack by the Sawtell Scorpions before holding the trophy in triumph with a 1-nil win at C.ex Stadium, Coffs Harbour.

The game exceeded the hype - with the Strikers going into the game on the back of an undefeated season against a Sawtell side keen to avenge last year’s grand final against Nambucca.

The Strikers had the perfect start, scoring in the third minute. Clay Urquhart found space down the left and with pace, found his way to the by-line. His cut-back pass was deflected into the path of strike partner, Ryan Flack, whose volley found its way into the corner of the net right in front of the vocal Strikers’ crowd. 

Christian Penny was at his pacey best down the left and constantly troubled the Sawtell defence. But shots for the Strikers were few and far between as their well-drilled opponents were desperate not to let in another goal.

Trevor Sparks added patience and strength up front for Nambucca and when he put James Lane through on goal with a deft reverse pass, it seemed the Strikers would double their lead. But his shot was tame and the Scorpions’ keeper comfortably saved.

Jack Mitchell shared the right midfield role with Lane and saw plenty of ball down the right thanks to midfield toil by Brendan Goswell and Andy Jackson. But the Strikers couldn’t find that second goal. Sawtell’s attacks were mainly limited to free kicks. Any threat that did result from open play was met with resolute defence led by Ricky Forbes and Stu Dyer. Matthew Brighton, Dan Flack, Garry Bournes and Joel Mason all shared the wider defensive duties with aplomb, determined to protect the lead at all costs.

The second half saw the Strikers under attack from a relentless Scorpions outfit desperate to get themselves back in the game. The majority of the ball was with the Sawtell side and the Strikers went back into their shells somewhat. But for all the pressure, not to mention the lop-sided free kick count, the Strikers held firm.

The Reds did find ways through to goal, including a rocket left foot from Jack Mitchell, saved well by the Sawtell custodian. Jason Forbes organised midfield well as legs started to tire. With the game coming to a close the tackles were flying in thick and fast. Andy Jackson and Ryan Flack were injured late and played no further part in the match.

The early goal will be credited as the difference on the scoreline but what happened in the final minute of the match will live long in the memories of all those who witnessed it. With the Scorpions camped in the Strikers’ half, the leaders were well in defence mode. A corner from Sawtell found the head of their tall striker and it looked destined to sneak inside the left upright. But keeper Nick Mitchell pulled of the save of the decade to palm the ball out for another corner. His horizontal leap and stretch was superhuman and his finger-tip save was met with rapturous cheers. After dispelling the resulting corner the ball was heaved up field and the referee blew full-time on a tense, tight grand final.

So it was back-to-back premierships for the Strikers and they would party well into the night. The Sawtell side must be commended for their graciousness in defeat.

Thank you to all the Nambucca supporters who got up early to cheer the lads on.