Manilla's inspired return to Group 4 this year has turned into a fairy tale after they beat Kootingal-Moonbi 22-18 in a hard-fought reserve-grade grand final at Jack Woolaston Oval on Saturday.
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After sitting out 2018 due to a lack of players, the Tigers lost one game en route to capturing the title against a Roosters side who were formed this season.
Kooty booted an early penalty goal, before Manilla scored the first try of the match via No.1 Abel Carney, who also added the extras: 6-2.
The Tigers added another converted try when No.18 Ashley Swan muscled his way over the line with just over 15 minutes remaining in the first half.
But it was the Roosters who dominated before the break, crossing twice via winger Tom Gould and rake Brodie Cummins.
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The stage was set for an epic second half with the score locked at 12-12 at half-time.
Manilla struck early in the second when their captain-coach and playmaker, Mitchell Doring, stormed over the line: 16-12.
With the Tigers a man down after winger Michael Bevitt was sin-binned, Doring scored one of the tries of the season - running nearly the full length of the field.
Carney converted and the Tigers led 22-12 with 19 minutes left on the clock.
Kootingal-Moonbi wasted no time in replying, when No.6 Leroy Livermore scored a beauty of his own as he broke several tackles. Dustin Munn converted: 22-18.
