On Saturday afternoon after an epic 27-24 victory over Orange Emus in the Blowes Clothing Cup final at Ashwood Park, Fitzsimmons could not wipe the smile off his face.

He embraced team-mates, family and friends, he was announced as the best player in the competition for his tireless work in the Bulldogs' pack and he hoisted the premiership trophies.

"How good is rugby? How good is footy? You live for moments like this," Fitzsimmons said.

Twelve months ago Fitzsimmons, who played hooker in this year's Country Championships winning Central West Blue Bulls outfit, felt the sting of losing a grand final.

He and his Bulldogs surrendered a half-time lead as they went down to Orange Emus. But Saturday was a different tale.

Bulldogs scored the first 15 points of the match then managed to hold off an Emus outfit which fought hard until the final whistle.

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It made it 23 consecutive wins at Ashwood Park for the Bulldogs' first XV and ended a nine-year premiership drought in the top grade for the Bathurst club.

"Beating Emus, it's a bit of redemption. They've had a lot of years at the helm, they've been the mark to beat," Fitzsimmons said.

"They were at the start of the year, they were coming into this game and we had to lift for that and get the job done.

"They were always in it so we had to stick to our guns. Huge effort by Aaron Booby, our prop played 80 minutes and makes a tackle on their centre down their end at the death and he knocks on the ball - it doesn't get any better.

"I've won a colts premiership, but this is seven years in first grade for me. For a few boys this is their first year and credit to them, they got it in their first year, but it's been a long time coming for me."

Bathurst Bulldogs number 8 Alex Weal - who was also a member of the 2010 premiership team - was named man of the match.