Aldridge and his squad, which featured Bomaderry’s Scott Fagerlund, Dale Russell, Brad Bailey, Cam Nelson, Daniel Frew, James Eldred, Brendan Kellett, Dane Tasker and David Hampton, , Huskisson-Vincentia trio Lewis Archibald, Alex Boardman and Zac Hawker, Shoalhaven United pair Tim Bagnall and Shane Button and Milton-Ulladulla Kevin Castle, won all four games, across the two days, to take out the title.

“Going into the tournament, we had three training sessions, just so all the boys from different clubs could get a little cohesion playing with one another,” Aldridge said.

“I was confident we had the squad to go all the way at the titles but in these kind of tournaments, you never know exactly who each team is going to bring until you’re there.”

Shoalhaven opened their campaign with a solid 3-1 win against Far South Coast on Saturday, before backing it up later in the day against Highlands, winning 3-1.

“I felt that we were in control of both of the games on Saturday,” Aldridge said.

“They were both physical opposition but we were just quicker and smarter with and without the ball.

“All the players gelled really quickly, which was great to see.”

Alrdidge’s side continued their strong play on Sunday, by defeating Eurobodalla 4-nil in the final pool game – booking them a spot in the grand final against Far South Coast.

“On day two, you could see things were starting to build with the boys, as the combinations were becoming quite sharp,” Aldridge said.

In the decider, Shoalhaven showed no mercy, running away with a comfortable 5-1 win, to secure their historic first Southern NSW Branch Championship.

“The final was probably as best performance as a team and the scoreline showed that, by us managing to score five goals and only concede one,” Aldridge said.

“Standouts were Alex Boardman and Dale Russell but in saying that, I couldn’t fault the play of any of our players.”

Making the win even more special is the fact that it marks the first time Shoalhaven has taken out the branch crown – after only entering a team once before.

“It’s a great achievement to win and it’s a good way to finish off the big year we’ve had,” Aldridge said.

“I know Shoalhaven District Football Association president Ian Cockburn was chuffed with the win, as it demonstrates the talent we have in our region.

“Hopefully this success motivates more players to be involved in the future.”