It was a thrill-a-minute grand final. But when the dust settled, Robb College had won a second-straight premiership after edging St Albert's College 46-43.
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Throughout the year Robb battled against a reborn Tamworth Magpies for table supremacy. But, again, it was Robb who prevailed - crowned minor premiers.
The two sides had a series of intense battles.
In their first encounter, Tamworth won 24-21 at Bellevue Oval.
The next time they clashed, Robb won 34-30 at Rugby Park.
About month later, the Magpies travelled to Armidale and won 37-31.
Robb College and Tamworth next met in the major semi-final in Armidale - the reigning premiers triumphing 42-33.
With Robb straight through to the grand final, Tamworth and third-placed St Albert's clashed in the preliminary final at Rugby Park. Albies won 26-25.
In the grand final, Ellen Dunger, sports journalist at the Leader's sister paper the Armidale Express, covered the showpiece clash.
She described how the full house at Bellevue Oval was treated to a back-and-forth clash that never waned in intensity.
She wrote: "To say the match between college rivals St Albert's and Robb was a thriller would be an understatement with the lead changing several times throughout the game.
"Albies scored first through Sam Brandon before Robb hit back with tries to Max Manson and Angus Cudmore.
"Tries to Hagan Size and Ted Stuart saw Albies claw their way to a 19-15 lead at half-time. If possible, the second-half was more intense than the first [half] with both teams trading blows throughout.
"Charlie Steele-Park made his way over for the first try of the second stanza to put Robb back in front but then Albies' forward Jack Mullaney crossed.
"The lead continued to chop and change with a brace of tries for Tom Condon, followed by Mullaney scoring his second while for Robb, Liam Salmon, Ben Spencer and Charlie Steele-Park, who crossed twice, all made their way over for tries.
"Robb's Jack Mann also slotted two penalty goals to push their team out to the 46-43 lead. With hearts racing in the final minute, Robb managed to hold on and clinch their second premiership in a row."
Tamworth were the feelgood story of season, after having a problematic debut New England season in 2018.
Their strong showing across the grades in 2019 was a great development for New England rugby.
The Blues and Barbarians finished in fourth and fifth place, respectively.
