AFTER breaking through for their first ever Ella Sevens title last year, the Southern Kings have successfully defended their crown in Coffs Harbour.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The side, headlined by Nowra brothers Steven, Mark and Kieran Brandon as well as Shoalhaven's dua-international Andrew Walker, the Kings won all four of their pool games, before reaching the finals.
This was the first year our team has been on field one for our pool games, so we were very excited," Steven Brandon said.
"Our first game was against La Perouse, which we knew with their recent rugby league efforts, would be a very tough game.
"With most of our players having family ties with their team, it was a very good test to start the tournament.
"It was five-all at half-time and we knew we had to muscle up in the second half - coming out on top 17-5."
This opening win was followed by defeats of Pokolbin Reds (61-nil), Mehi Warriors (29-5) and Chegi Boom (29-10) - setting up a semi-final clash with Le Perouse, who they defeated 29-7.
These five wins pitted the Kings, coach by Dillan Walker, against Bourke - the side they defeated in last year's decider.
"Going into the final, I was nervous but also excited as well, knowing our team would do everything we could for each other - there was a quiet confidence about it," Brandon said.
"We started really well and scored first but Bourke hit back and we even had a player yellow carded, so for two minutes, we had to dig deep defensively.
"As the final minutes ticked down, Mark Brandon got tackled out five metres from their line.
"They threw a short five metre line-out, which was read well by Greg Davis, grabbing the ball and scoring to put us in front - setting up the 10-7 win."
Once the final whistle blew, Brandon's side was over the moon.
"The reaction [at full-time] was one of great joy and excitement because we all worked so hard for that win," he said.
"Not only on the day but throughout the year getting the sponsorship and jersey design ready - most of the funding we got was from the players, so made it all the more special."
By going back-to-back, the side, which also contained Greg Davis, Elliot Stewart, Allan McGrath, Joel Tubbs, Scott Webb, Jake Webb, Darcy Trindall and George Kepa Morseu, proved all their doubters wrong.
"It means the world to me to be able to go back-to-back with the family," Brandon said.
"It really puts us on the map, proving the it wasn’t a fluke the first year.
"I think they [both premierships] are both very surreal - winning it the first time was to prove it to ourselves and the second one was to prove it to everyone else that we aren’t going to give up our title to just anyone."
Allan Webb, Jyi Lawton and Jordan Lawton were also part of the Kings staff during the tournament.