THE Bathurst Water Polo grand final lived up to expectations with the match going into golden goal extra time on Tuesday.

Defending champions, the Orange-based Flames, came away with the 4-3 win after scored were tied up after regulation time and extra time.

Matt Forsyth scored the winning goal for the Flames after they had already weathered an attacking raid from the Pirates in the first stages of golden goal extra time.

"That was an unbelievable way to finish the season," Flames captain Michelle Cook said.

"My heart was pumping when Matt lined up to take that last shot. I'm just so relieved it went in."

Pirates dominated the first half of the decider and were leading 2-1 at the break.

Neither side could add to their total in the third quarter before Brett Wells scored the leveller in the fourth period to make it 2-2.

Harley Dengate drew first blood for the Flames in the first half of extra time with his great shot but with seconds remaining on the clock Pirates stand out Nathan Pearce levelled the scores at 3-all.

In golden goal extra time Pirates won the swim-off and had the first attack but Flames keeper Hamish Crawford saved the shot. After a battle in the centre-forward, the ball went to Forsyth who was unmarked and he rifled the ball into the back of the goal.

"Pirates were so good tonight," Cook said. "Their defence was so strong and they made it really hard for us to get shots away. As always in attack they were able to shoot from anywhere.

"I'm so proud of my guys and they way they just keep working. We were slow to start but we certainly had a big finish. That means we've got through the season undefeated which is something we never expected to do."

Pearce played an outstanding game for the Pirates and the team was well-served by Al Thompson in defence.

Wells was strong in attack for Flames along with Dengate and Steve Hoffman while Rhiannon Peoples played some excellent defence.