WITH an unprecedented haul of trophies sealed, West Hull wrote their names into amateur rugby history to crown a campaign which will live long in the memory.
Securing their fourth trophy of 2014 by lifting the NCL Grand Final winners' trophy for the second year running, the all-conquering Green and Golds completed a clean sweep of the entire silverware on offer.
The past 11 months have not been without their struggles along the way, but coach Mark Hewitt praised his side's "character" as they beat Wath Brow Hornets 20-8 at the Select Security Stadium, the home of Widnes.
Crucial goal-line defence kept the Cumbrian outfit at bay as a misty and miserable afternoon in Cheshire was lit up by the gleeful joy of the Green and Golds at the final whistle as the significance of the victory began to hit home.
Make no mistake, this is a side that has thoroughly deserved all its accolades after leading the way for the large majority of the campaign.
Picking themselves back up from a play-off semi-final defeat to the Hornets at the start of November, the tables were turned in a repeat of the 2013 showpiece. Wath Brow had the majority of possession, but it was Wests who took their chances when presented with them.
Hewitt's side strived to be full of vigour from the off, but a mistake from Tom Radley on the right edge gifted Wath Brow valuable position in the opening minute, and they converted their opportunity.
A sublime kick to the corner was patted back by Adam Ramsden, with the ball working its way towards winger Luke Davison and he crashed over in the corner as the crowd had barely had time to find their seats.
However, the Hornets winger was full of regret just minutes later as his error handed Wests vital territory for their equalising try.
Kicks were proving pivotal as Ian Kerman's astute chip was duly collected by James Garmston who, after missing last year's Grand Final because of a holiday, crossed the whitewash this time around. Josh Hart converted to hand Wests a slender lead after ten minutes.
Worryingly, Kerman was chauffeured from the field after taking a heavy knock down the left flank. Ryan Steen, playing at loose-forward at the start, was shifted to stand-off as Wests did it tough.
Without the man who created the first score, Radley went from zero to hero as he adopted the leadership duties.
His positive kick-return under pressure saw him sprint 40m in the process to kick-start the move. Just a few tackles later, he crashed over and Hart made it 12-4 with the boot.
For all of their early dominance, things were not quite clicking for Wath Brow as the half went on and their once testing kicks were falling straight into touch as chances were squandered.
Wests, on the other hand, weren't hanging around and extended their lead to 12 points as the half-time hooter sounded.
With Kerman not appearing back on the field, the go-to-guy who pulled the strings was scrum-half Scott Partis. His perfect kick to the corner was gathered by Dan Parker for a simple touch-down. Hart missed the extras, but at half-time Wests were on their way with a 16-4 lead.
A similar position was held by the Green and Golds last year when they led the Hornets 16-0 at the break, before the Cumbrian outfit fought back gallantly only to lose 16-12.
Those memories threatened to return when Peter Caddy crashed over with inches to spare in the corner after 53 minutes.
In truth, Wath Brow had more than enough chances to get back into the game, but with play-maker Francis King having a rare off-day with the boot and in possession, the moment belonged to Wests as Hart had the final say on proceedings.
After Parker kicked a cracker of a 40/20, winger Hart added to his personal haul with the boot as he dived over on the left flank.
Seeing the game out for the final quarter was the best game management Wests had arguably shown all season, and as the referee's whistle sounded, the win began to sink in.
Record books re-written, the season was over but what a climax it had conjured up.
In little over six weeks, West Hull begin their pre-season for 2015, but this achievement will last long in the memory as the 2014 squad secured their place in amateur rugby league folklore.
