PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Prior to the point Thomas Brown walked to the mat Sunday, he and Alex Bajoras of St. John’s Prep had already clashed many times.

The latest match was on the grandest stage of all, and Brown earned bragging rights this time.

The Chelmsford senior and Villanova football commit defeated Bajoras, 9-3, to become the heavyweight champion at the annual New England boys wrestling finals.

“I was both excited, and felt all the pressure,” Brown said. “This was the most nervous I have been for any of my matches. My last one at New England finals, and I was throwing up in the barrel before the match because of all my nerves… it was a great match. He’s a great competitor, and I’ve known him since I was like 6 years old. We’ve always had close matches. Luckily, he’s only got one on me, and I have 18 or 19 on him, but (in) every match? I don’t think I’ve only pinned him once. They’re all close matches like that one. Nothing but respect for him, his family, and his coaches.”

Among the stars before a large crowd at the Providence Career and Technical Academy were the Tildsley brothers of Shawsheen Tech. Senior Sidney Tildsley defeated Charles Phillips of East Providence (R.I.), 23-7 in a three-round bout to capture the 138-pound crown. It was the standout’s third career victory at the showcase, which automatically inducted him into the New England Wrestling Hall of Fame. It was also his 245th career win, the most by an individual in Bay State history.

“It’s my last match as a Shawsheen Ram,” said Tildsley. “Being able to go out, put on a show and leave it all out there like I did? When you leave it all out there, things are going to happen. Scores are going to be high, whether it’s close, or whether it’s a big margin like it was. But it was fun being out there for the last time. Had a smile on my face the whole time, and that’s what it’s all about. Having fun out there.”

Sidney’s brother James also won an entertaining bout at 150 pounds, defeating Antonio Arguello of Newtown (C.T.) via pin, sending the crowd into a frenzy while completing an epic day for the twins.

Among other impressive performances from the Bay State were from Franklin freshman John Woodall, who captured the title at 106 pounds with a slim 5-4 win over Antoine Jackman of Greater Lowell. Milford star Michael Boulanger took home the 157-pound crown, defeating Carnell Davis of Ponaganset (R.I.), 17-5.

“It’s cool, but I’ve got to get back to work after this,” said Woodall. “Keep wrestling, and it’s just fun.”