'Sheer joy and relief' were the overriding emotions for James Patrick after his Kiama Cows' thrilling Illawarra District Rugby Union grand final win over Shoalhaven on Saturday.

The 37-36 win at Collegians Sporting Complex marked the Cows' first title in 22 years.

It also denied Shoalhaven a record-breaking fourth straight premiership win.

Shoals almost snatched victory from the jaws of defeat on the game's last play, but Mark Brandon sprayed his conversion wide, much to the pleasure of Kiama's players, fans and head coach Patrick.

The win was 22 years in the making for Patrick, who captained the last Kiama team to be crowned champions in 2003.

"This one means a lot, not only to me, but to the players and the town," Patrick said.

"We played the best for the last four years, so to g

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