Weston waited 31 years for another NPL title. Their departing coach delivered it

Weston Bears’ 31-year wait to be crowned champions of Northern NSW came to an end thanks to their 2-0 win over Maitland FC.

Two goals in eight second-half minutes powered the Bears to victory against Coalfields rivals Maitland in the NPL NNSW Grand Final, delivering the club their first Championship since 1995.

In front of 2,350 fans at Darling Street Oval, little separated the sides during a tense opening half.

Maitland had an early effort ruled out for offside through Angus Muddle, while Weston enjoyed plenty of possession and territory without finding a way past goalkeeper Taylor Pate.

That changed almost immediately after the break. Weston emerged with an aggressive press and struck in the 47th minute, with English attacker Luke McCormick heading home to break the deadlock.

Eight minutes later, the Bears had another through Max Wettig.

Maitland pushed for a way back into the contest, but goalkeeper Gerard Roebuck produced a number of important saves as the Bears protected their advantage.

McCormick was awarded the D.G. Williams Medal as player of the match before the final whistle sparked celebrations 31 years in the making.

For departing Weston coach Damian Zane, there was something particularly special about delivering this one.

Zane was in the stands when the Bears last won the Championship in 1995. More than three decades later, he was the man in the dugout responsible for delivering the next.

“I remember the last one in 1995, I remember going to it,” Zane said. “It was pretty special to help the club achieve something really special.

“I really wanted it for the club. Not myself. It's nice winning, but this was different.”

The decisive period was no accident either. Zane revealed Weston had spoken at half-time about attacking the opening stages of the second half and adjusting their press.

“The opening 15 minutes couldn't have gone better,” he said.

It proved the defining passage of the Grand Final and of a Championship three decades in the making.

Zane now departs Weston with another Grand Final victory on his coaching record, but for the Bears, this one will be remembered for much longer.