CHERRYVILLE — The wait is finally over.

Wayne County Post 11 defeated Wilmington Post 10 7-2 on Wednesday morning to capture its first North Carolina American Legion State tournament championship.

Wednesday’s finals were moved up several hours due to the threat of rain in the forecast for Cherryville later in the day.

Wednesday’s championship game was the fifth game in as many days for Wayne County, who went 5-0 during its stay in Cherryville. Post 11 outscored its state tournament opponents 38-12.

Post 11 (40-9) was making its fifth appearance in the tournament finals since 2002, which includes a loss to Fuquay Post 116 in last season’s finals.

Wayne County advances to the American Legion Southeast Regional which is being held Aug. 7 through Aug. 11 at McCrary Park in Asheboro. The regional champion advances to the American Legion World Series in Shelby.