FOR the first time in 20 years the Moree Boomerangs are back-to-back Group 19 A-grade premiers after a 56-18 belting of Inverell.
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The red-hot favourites, however, didn't have it all their own way as the plucky Hawks took a surprise 8-6 lead halfway through the first half.
After completing at about 50 per cent in the opening 40 the Boomies took a 16-8 lead to the break before clicking into gear in the second half to run away 38-point winners.
Tries to Wayne Swan, Will Fernando and a 70-metre individual effort from Jason Saunders provided the spark to an otherwise frustrating opening half punctuated by errors.
Coach, Chris Binge, said the enormity of the occasion may have played a role in his side's slow start.
"I'm only one piece of the puzzle but I think for us to do what we did today and create the biggest piece of history the club's ever had and go back-to-back means a lot and I think the players knew that and probably let it get to them a bit early," he said.
Binge's half-time message to be more direct paid dividends as they ran in a further seven second-half tries.
Full report in Tuesday's Champion.