Tasman Griffins openside flanker Dan Hytongue looks for a gap in the Red Devils defence at Trafalgar Park on Saturday. Photo: Evan Barnes/Shuttersport.

Griffins Unbeaten

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The Tasman Griffins has retained the Seddon Shield and completed an unbeaten season after a shaky win 18-15 over the Tasman Red Devils at Trafalgar Park on Saturday.

Two individual tries, from Griffins winger Tomas Aoake and replacement halfback Chris Kerslake, dug the hosts out of trouble after the Red Devils dominated possession, especially in the second half.

Griffins coach Dan Perrin says half a dozen of his players battled illness for the game.

“The guys were pretty crook and some pulled out just before kick off, but we managed to just scrape by.”

The win means the Griffins went through the season unbeaten, holding onto the Seddon Shield and winning the South Island Invitational competition.

Dan says a great team spirit helped.

“We were over the moon with the season. We set a few goals right from the start. Right from the first couple of trainings it was a good culture.”

He says the second half against Buller and first half against Canterbury Metro were the highlights for him and he enjoyed his role coaching after a long playing career.

“I loved it. I have a pretty full- on life with family and business but coaching is something I’m pretty passionate about.”