The junior Cannons dominated possession in the early stages and were supported by a strong breeze in the first half at Advocate Rugby Park, Coffs Harbour.

Captain Braden Farrawell registered first points for Kempsey courtesy of a penalty goal after the 10th minute, 3-nil.

Good lead-up play by Cannons forwards Joe Witchard, Blake Giddy and Jacob Mainey allowed the outside backs good field position.

In the 24th minute winger Jarrod Saul crashed over for a try.

Farrawell missed the conversion and Cannons led 8-nil.

Cannons pushed hard for another try before half-time but were unable to score partly due to desperate goal line defence by the Pirates.

The second stanza got underway with Farrawell leading his team from the front thanks to some devastating runs.

Farrawell broke the line on one occasion and linked up with five-eighth Jarrod Barnett who then found Saul in support for his second try.

The conversion was missed and Cannons had a handy 13-nil lead with only 25 minutes remaining.

However, it was the Pirates who found another gear and rallied late in the game to score two second half tries.

With only a point separating both teams at 13-12, the game was there for the taking.

The Cannonballs stood tall and defended their line courageously, which resulted in the grand final premiership, must to the delight of the large group of Cannons supporters.

Farrawell was reward for his great game by being named player of the final.

The Kempsey Cannonballs will would their awards presentation night later next month.

The South West Rocks Gaolers went down in the reserve grade grand final against Coffs Harbour. First grade also went Coffs way with Hastings Vikings finishing runners-up.