Western Suburbs have won the 2019 Business Plaza Cup Grand Final in emphatic style with a 36-0 victory over Cessnock Goannas at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday.
It was a fitting farewell for coach Matt Lantry, who is departing the club at season's end, as Wests put in a relentless attacking performance which saw back-rower Ryan Walker cross for three tries.
Wests had only lost two games heading into the Grand Final while Cessnock were brimming with confidence after four consecutive victories in do-or-die fixtures.
Former NRL star Luke Walsh played a key role in the victory, along with brother and halves partner, Ryan, who kept a perfect record with the boot kicking 6/6 conversions.
Wests had raced out to an early lead with tries to Benjamin Stone and Walker in the opening 20 minutes before holding onto a comfortable 18-0 advantage at the break.
Malu Fiu and Fuaimamao Uta put the result beyond doubt with tries in the 48th minute and 56th minute respectively, shortly after Ryan Walker had completed his hat-trick just moments following half-time.
Their resounding efforts in attack was matched with a strong defensive effort to completely shutout the Goannas, ensuring their undefeated streak against their counterparts in first-grade deciders continued to cap off a remarkable 2019 season.
Photo: Newcastle Herald
