AARON Hertsch and his Illawarra South Coast Dragons gave their all in Saturday's Andrew Johns Cup grand final but went down to the Central Coast Roosters 14-2.
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At Blacktown's HE Laybutt Field, the Dragons opened the scoring in the fifth minute when five-eighth Caleb Hall slotted a penalty goal.
Following this, the Dragons built momentum after gaining repeat sets and generating quick play-the-balls through the middle for their electric dummy-half Dextar Grant.
Although the Dragons' defence was inspirational during the early exchanges, their last play options in attack let them down on numerous occasions.
With points at a premium, the Dragons tried their hand down the short side but Roosters winger Amyn Hamilton intervened and scooped up an intercept.
Hamilton looked certain to score until Dragons lock Kaide Pratt pulled off an incredible try-saving tackle to keep his side in front at the break 2-nil.
The Dragons looked to continue their dominance in the second half as their halves piled the pressure on, thanks to sharp kicking displays which pinned their opponents in their own end.
Not resting on their laurels, the Roosters attacked from their own end, which saw winger Jarrod Dun find space on the edge - only for him to be bundled into touch by Dragons' Isaac Laughton with the try-line beckoning.
This proved to swing the momentum to the Roosters, as Hertsch's side continued to make unforced errors.
The game well and truly swung in favour of the Roosters in the 43rd minute.
Just when it appeared the Dragons were destined to score their first try for the match, a Clay Baldock kick was deflected by Jake Elliott, who picked up the ball and ran 95 metres to score - giving the Roosters their first lead (4-2).
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With their tails up, the Roosters halves stayed composed and slowly started to build pressure on the opposition after a repeat set gave them ascendancy.
Points followed after a brilliant long ball from Roosters Malachi Smith sent Tyrone Durrell crashing over, as the Rooster led 8-2 with less than 10 minutes to go.
The Dragons chased the game in the final exchanges but in doing so, handed the Roosters strong field position, which they gladly took advantage of in scoring their third try.
In the final minute, Roosters half Zac Gillett scored a well-deserved try and Malachi Smith converted giving the Roosters a hard-fought 14-2 victory.