IT took every one of 14 rounds, but Eaglehawk has managed to overtake Epsom to clinch the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League men's championship crown.
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A 1-0 win over the Scorpions at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve on Sunday was enough for the Hawks to secure 31 championship points, two more than Epsom.
The Scorpions spent all but two of the season's 14 weeks at the top-of-the -ladder.
They fell to second after week 10 when they had the bye, but quickly regained the lead the following week when Eaglehawk had the week off.
Little separated the teams all season, so it was fitting the championship was decided in the final week.
Eaglehawk coach Greg Thomas, who slotted the game's only goal, said both the two combatants had put on a great spectacle in a "winner takes all" battle.
"It was a beautiful advertisement for the game oo soccer locally," he said.
"Hats go off to Epsom, they have been the team to beat all year.
"We knew they were going to keep win during the season, so we had to keep winning oursleves, which put the pressure on us to get through to today.
"We knew anything could happen in this last game of the season."
Thomas revealed several members of Sunday's line-up had been struck down by a virus during the week, which had made preparing for the Scorpions difficult.
He said the win was a "true team effort".
"There were no standout performances, everybody did their bit," he said.
"We were under a lot of pressure with that virus going through the club.
"I would hate to single out any one player, everyone dug deep for each other."
Thomas crossed to Eaglehawk after coaching National Premier Leagues Victoria club Bendigo City FC in 2015.
The former Brisbane Strikers star, who has also played professionally in Hong Kong, rated the year as one of his most satisfying in the game.
"It's the first year of my career I have played at amateur level - I am really enoying it," he said.
"It's shown me another side of the game and how you can just enjoy it with a good bunch of guys.
"I've had a ball. I take my hat off to all the Eaglehawk guys, they're a good bunch of guys and we have a good time together and a good laugh."
Focus for Eaglehawk and Epsom now turns to the premiership.
Strathdale ended its championship season commitments with a 5-0 win over Moama-Echuca.
Dean Vlaeminck and Lukas Blom scored two goals each for the Blues, who finished in third position.