The Maitland Pickers were unable to seal a title double yesterday going down 16-8 to Western Suburbs in the Newcastle Rugby League under 18s decider at No.1 Sportsground.
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The minor premiers were outplayed by Wests for the second time in as many meetings and Maitland coach Noel Dent praised the performance of the Pickers opponents.
"We simply weren't good enough," Dent said.
"We made too many errors and to be honest for the last few weeks we have looked pretty ordinary.
"In the second half we played some good footy for about half a dozen sets and threw a fair bit at them but Wests defended really well and on big games you need to do that because there aren't that many opportunities to score.
"In the end they were just too good."
Wests beat Maitland on the major semi-final a fortnight ago and once again the Rosellas started on the front foot.
Two tries in the first half, including a leaping effort from centre Kiah Cooper gave Wests a 10-0 advantage at the main break.
The Pickers, with a southerly at their back, then tried to get back into the contest and with 19 minutes remaining winger Zac Pursehouse crossed in the north-eastern corner and reduced the margin to a converted try.
Maitland's momentum was then delivered a telling blow 10 minutes later when a try was disallowed for a knock-on over the line.
Wests regained composure and sealed victory when second-rower Bobby Tracey went over in the south-western corner.
Fullback Jarrom Haines kicked his second conversion of the day for a 12/point lead with four minutes left on the clock ticking down on the old scoreboard located on the hill.
Pickers halfback and skipper Jayden Wright crossed for a consolation try in the final 60 seconds but it was all too late.
During the official post-match presentation Wright thanked his teammates, coaches and supporters for their assistance throughout the season.
Wests' hooker Matthew Calder was named player of the final.
Dent said lock Bailey Jenkins and fullback Matt Soper-Lawler were the best in a beaten Pickers side.
It was the second time in as many seasons Maitland have lost the under 18s grand final after going in as minor premiers.
Last year Maitland were beaten by Lakes in the decider.
