In what was described by some spectators as the greatest game of rugby league in years, the Devils won the grand final in the 104th minute of extra time through winger Mathew Toby.

The Lions came back from a 20-12 deficit at half-time to level the scores 32-all at the completion of 80 minutes.

But even 10 minutes of extra time each way that followed after could not separate the two powerhouses of the Lewie Fire premiership.

A costly knock-on from Town in the opening stages of the first period of golden point handed Wanderers ball possession inside the attacking half with a great opportunity beckoning.

The minor premiers took full advantage of the Lions misfortune with one last effort at the try line lead by the Wanderers standout halves Ryan Cassady and Clargie Saltmere.

Toby was the end product of a great move on the left-hand side edge of the Wanderers that ultimately gave coach Anton Saltmere his first premiership as a coach.

“I’m just stunned,” Saltmere said.

“It will take a little while to set in. It’s unbelievable and still surreal.”

Saltmere admitted it was one of, if not the best, match of football he has ever been involved in.

“To play against Townies is even better. It could have gone either way but credit to our boys. They kept turning up in defence and rolling over when we had the ball. ”

The Devils lock highlighted the halves pairing of Cassady and Saltmere as a massive influence on the game.

“Sometimes with the forwards, they just needed that bit of extra help and got it from Ryan and Clargie.”

Wanderers captain Corey Carlson was gracious in victory acknowledging the brave battle with the opposition.

“I think it was the toughest game out here for a while,” Carlson said.

“It was a good 105 minutes too long.”

Town Lions skipper Marty Paulson congratulated his rival coach but said his players had nothing to be ashamed about the result.

“That was a fantastic game,” Paulson said.

“I couldn’t be more proud of you (Lions players). To the Wanderers, enjoy a good night. You (Wanderers) have been the benchmark for years for a reason. We aim to be like you (Wanderers) fellas and compete like this every year hopefully.”

Wanderers second rowers Mark Bull and Adam Kleier were presented joint winners of the Player of the Match award by former Canterbury Bulldogs player Billy Johnstone.

WANDERERS DEVILS 40*

Corey Carlson – 2 tries

Cody Saltmere – 1 try

Daniel Simmons – 1 try

Mathew Toby – 1 try

Ryan Cassady – 1 try

Brenton Stonier – 1 try

Mark Bull – 1 try

Anton Saltmere – 4 goals

TOWN LIONS 36

Tyler Donald – 1 try

Bronson Smith – 1 try

Daniel Dunne – 1 try

Ronald Francis – 1 try

Nicholas Cooke – 1 try

Jack Wilson – 1 try

Marty Paulson – 6 goals

*After first half of golden point extra time.