Warrior title: Monash Warriors celebrate their 2012 VicBowl division 1 title last Sunday week. Picture: Barend Photography
IT took a miracle last-second play for Monash Warriors to claim the Gridiron Victoria division 1 VicBowl title last Sunday week.
With scores tied 14-all with just two seconds remaining, Bay City Buccaneers lined up an easy field goal attempt which would have won them the game.
But Warriors special-teamer Iric Bressler managed to find a hole in the Buccaneers' offensive line and blocked the field goal attempt, sending the game into overtime.
In the extra period the Warriors scored in their second offensive drive via a running touchdown from Heath Decker to take a 22-14 lead.
Then the Warriors kept the Buccaneers from scoring, with Scott Truesdale sacking the Buccaneers quarterback on fourth down to confirm the win.
Warriors coach Mark Levin was in his first year as Warriors coach after moving back to Melbourne from New South Wales.
He said his side achieved a win when the game appeared over.
"I thought we were done," Levin said.
"I don't think the Buccaneers had missed a field goal all year, and that block was the only one we have done in any game this season.
"Once that happened I knew we would win."
Levin praised the efforts of first-year running back Decker during the season.
"At our club and at league level he will be in the discussion for most valuable player," Levin said.
"In our first game he was the third-choice running back and by week three he was our starter. I don't think he has gone under 100 yards in any match this season.
"He has the ability to make people miss [their tackles] and that is rare."
Both the Warriors and their division 2 side, known as the Barbarians, made their respective grand finals, although the Barbarians lost to the highly fancied Melbourne Uni Royals 16-6 in the division 2 grand final.
Levin said the inclusion of the Barbarians had given the club a much-needed pathway for new players.
The Warriors' junior teams are already in training ahead of their season which starts in October.
The Warriors have teams from under-14s to under-18s and would welcome any new players.
For more information visit the club website warriorsgridiron.com.au.