A DESIRE to erase the memory of last year's grand final defeat against Goulburn inspired Thirlmere/Tahmoor to emerge triumphant with a 19-16 win over Oakdale in this year's Group 6 Country Rugby League first grade grand final.

Deserved victors, the Roosters went through the season undefeated but almost faltered at the final hurdle against a tough Oakdale Workers outfit on Sunday at Community Oval, Moss Vale.

Playing in blustery, wintry conditions the slippery paddock in the Southern Highlands had its effect on both teams.

Leading 12-6 at the break, Roosters coach Jamie Horner told the Advertiser just seconds after the siren had sounded that he had delivered some words of wisdom to his team during the half-time team talk to help spur them on to victory.

''We were throwing passes about will-nilly in the first half so I told the boys to stick to our structure that has worked for us all season,'' Horner said.

''But credit to Oakdale, they came here to play and to win here today and they frustrated us.

''It's good to get the bitter taste of losing last year's grand final out of our mouths.

''We worked hard for the premiership all season and worked hard for the win today so I think we deserved it.

''It's a good way to finish off an undefeated season.''

Despite the loss, Oakdale captain-coach Geoff Thomson could not point the finger of blame at anyone in his team and he was the first to agree.

Missing some of the game through an injury to his neck and shoulder area, Thomson was instrumental even from the sideline, shouting encouraging words to the Workers who lived up to their name with workmanlike performances with their never-say-die attitude on Sunday.

''I'm just so proud of every one of those boys out there,'' Thomson said.

''We really took the game to them.

''Everyone gave us no chance of winning today and thought we'd get dusted by 20 points today but we've proved them wrong.

''We played with spirit today, never gave up and just got beat by the odd try.

''But that's what this club is all about - it's a club with heart.

''We'll just need to come back next year bigger and better.''

Outgoing Group 6 secretary John Dayball, who had a say in naming Matt Carlyon as man of the match, summed the big day up.

''We had five excellent games,'' Dayball said.

''It's a fitting way for me to see out my time here today.''

Thirlmere 19 Matt Carlyon (2), Chris Heap, tries; Adam Rae 3 goals; Leo Dynevor field goal. Oakdale 16 Tod Pes, Ben Fryer, Jamie Blewitt tries; Bart Masters 2 goals..