A stunning individual showing from India Draper of Parkes led the Wiradjuri Goannas 18s to a come-from-behind win in Sunday's action-packed Western Women's Rugby League (WWRL) grand final.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Draper scored four tries to help her side come from 16-0 down to win 26-22 at a stiflingly hot Ian Walsh Oval in Eugowra.
"We had to come from a few points down, we had to chase those points and we did," said a thrilled Goannas captain Cassandra Ward, also of Parkes.
"It was a good feeling to get them.
"It was really tough, they had really good defence and attack, and they were quick. So we just had to keep up, hold them down a bit more, get that extra breath.
"We had to work together as a team and we did. It was great to get the win with the girls, so proud."
Draper was equally delighted after capping a memorable first season in the tackle format with one of the best individual showings of the year.
A lightning fast fullback who has starred in the Group 11 league tag competition in recent years, Draper scored all of the Goannas' tries in what was a classic decider.
The Vipers, dragging in players from the Orange region, came out strong and shot to an early lead at Eugowra.
Oni Tuinakauvudra was first to score eight minutes in and shortly after captain Kiara Sullivan added her side struck again.
Libby Smith crossed under the posts to set-up a 12-0 lead and shortly after that the lead grew to 16-0.
But Draper gave her side some hope before half-time by grabbing her first try and then she raced in again in the first minute after the break to drag it back to 16-6.
I'm so proud of everyone.
- India Draper
The Parkes star did it again within five minutes, bustling through intense defence to see Goannas take the lead for the first time in the game, 18-16.
But again the Vipers answered the question and they looked to have it won when a try made it 22-18 with only 10 minutes to go.
But some late drama and a scuffle resulted in the Goannas earning a penalty in attacking range and while the Vipers produced a huge defensive effort, Draper found a way through to score and set off the celebrations.
A late penalty iced the win and Draper was delighted to have made such an impact in her first season.
"I was so nervous but you guys are lovely and I can't believe we've won it," she said at the presentation.
"I'm so proud of everyone."
Vipers co-captains Kiara Sullivan and Libby Smith thanked Goannas for a good game and said it was good to see the competition keep getting stronger.
The under 18s title was the lone success for the Goannas on Sunday.
Three of the club's four sides made the grand finals but the under 15s and opens both missed out.
The under 15s were beaten by Woodbridge Cup while the under-strength opens side was beaten for the first time this season when going down to the Vipers on the grand stage.
The under 13s game saw Mudgee beat the Vipers.
"It's been a great day of rugby league and I congratulate all the players and management on getting here today. It's been a great competition," Kathy Lang, the chair of Western Women's Rugby League, said at the end of the day.
"I'm very proud of these guys out here in this heat. It's not been an easy task."
ALSO MAKING SPORTING NEWS:
