Nelson Bay’s Mitch Wilton alongside siblings Bobbi and Andi Law helped raise the flag for their respective teams with outstanding performances in the coveted cup carnival held in Port Macquarie from December 6-8.

All three players are junior products of the Nelson Bay Touch Football Association and continue to be involved in a coaching capacity by passing on their experience to the Bay’s younger elite.

Twenty-two-year-old Wilton, playing with Doyalson Dragons open men’s team for the third successive year, said that lifting the state cup for the first time was “an unbelievable feeling”.

“We have had pretty much the same players over the past three seasons and made the finals each year, but have been knocked out in either the quarters or semis,” said Wilton, who was earlier this year also selected as part of the NSW Mavericks squad.

“So to go all the way this year was just a hugely incredible effort. It certainly proved to me that a lot of hard work does pay off.”

Ironically, the Dragons grand final victory was the easiest in the final series, accounting for Parramatta 10-3.

The quarter final win over Canterbury came in a drop-off and the semi-final was a tough affair against Hornsby decided in the final minute.

Over at the Law household, it was a double celebration as the sisters combined to help create history in the open women’s competition for their adopted club, Canterbury Bulldogs.

“It was pretty exciting to win, especially sharing the honour with my younger sister. Andi is only 16 and there are not many women playing in the open grade at such a young age,” said 21-year-old Bobbi, who has in recent months also tasted rep footy in both rugby league and rugby union.

“The hard work we put into training and traveling to and from Sydney twice a week makes winning the State Cup all worthwhile.”

The multi-talented Bobbi Law is well aware that one day down the track she may have to make a decision on which code to pursue, but for now she’s quite content to enjoy all three.

“I have been playing touch for a while but I am also enjoying tackle league and union and having fun learning these games. I am grateful that I have the opportunity to represent in a couple of different sports.”

The Bulldogs did not have things go all their way at the carnival, and in fact lost a round match to Manly by two tries before storming home to defeat Central Coast in the semi-final and Easts Roosters 6-0 in the grand final decider.

All three Bay athletes are already looking ahead and the possibility of a spot in a future Australian squad is clearly a within reach.

“Australian selection is definitely an ambition of mine but it’s still probably a couple of years away. I just need to keep working and improving my game,” said Wilton.