The higher the pressure, the better Warrnambool Seahawks' under 16 team plays.
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That's the assessment from proud coach Shane Smith after his squad claimed the mantle as Vic Country's number one team on Sunday.
The Seahawks crushed Geelong United 70-42 in the division one grand final in Bendigo.
It came as no surprise to Smith.
"They have a remarkable grand final presence," he said.
"They have another level. They destroyed Geelong.
"It was close early as you would expect but the boys teamed well and took over the game.
"It's something they have. They are a well-oiled group."
Dynamic George Stevens top-scored in the decider with 26 points and Harry McGorm chipped in with 17.
Smith said Stevens was "an outstanding player" who knew how to work with his teammates for the best result.
"He doesn't have to score 40 points, he gets everyone in the game," he said.
"He needs a lot of help too because they (the opposition) target him and try and wear him down.
"The last two games (of the tournament) there was a real team element."
Warrnambool won its six games but Smith said it was challenged.
"Ballarat looked a tough pool game but we managed to handle them really well and the finals were all cut-throat - quarter, semi and grand final," he said.
"Hamilton had a good tournament and shot the lights out and put us under pressure and Traralgon led for most of the game and we had a remarkable last couple of minutes.
"We were eight down with two-and-a-half minutes to go and we were four up within a minute."
It was the group's third at Vic Country level, having also won the under 12 and under 14 titles.
Warrnambool will now compete at the National Junior Classic on the June long weekend in Melbourne.
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