THE South wrestled the trophy back from the North in Walney’s State of Origin contests at a sun-baked Central Drive.

The biggest attendance for this yearly Cents fixture turned out in memory of the North’s late Dean Zaccarini – the local musician who tragically lost his life in Manchester three years ago.

This year event saw the trophy decided over three games and it was the North v South main encounter that saw the South triumph, after the two previous games were drawn.

The under-16s were on first and the game ended up eight tries each while the Masters game was all square at two tries each, which set up the decider.

In the Masters match Ryan Corbett and Matty Wlodazack crossed for the South, while Harry Gee and Stu Tippett touched down for the North.

In the main event Souths went in front with a Dave Nicholson try. And it was Nicholson who, shortly afterwards, raced back to prevent what could have been a long-distance try from Liam Wright following an interception.

It was the other Nicholson, Adam (no relation) who set the game alight minutes later when he intercepted to cover eighty yards before falling to a cover tackle from Adam Ford.

The North counter-attacked with good attacking play which saw Matty Holmes romp in from 20 yards out after taking the pass from John McMullen. Their joy was short-lived as Adam Nicholson went in from close range for 2-1.

No prisoners were taken as both teams went for broke, and it was the South who increased their lead.

Adam Nicholson stole the ball on halfway before kicking ahead. Jordan Staffieri gave chase but when about to touch down he was impeded and a penalty try was the decision of match official Bob Huitson.

Danny Lockhart was then halted yards from the line by five defenders. But from the play the ball Dave Nicholson was on hand to score out wide, making it 4-1.

Not to be outdone the North hit back when Holmes went in from close range but time was not on their side.

Gary Broadbent extended the Souths lead after some smart passing from right to left. And to round off the scoring, Elliott Bibby went in at the corner for 6-2.

Chairman Shaun Morrow thanked all for their attendance in memory of Dean Zaccarini, and those who helped put on a good day for Dean’s family and for Walney Central as a club.

Morrow handed over to Dean’s father Paul who presented the trophy and man of the match awards – Jason Zaccarini (North) and Dave Nicholson (South).