Locked at 4-all at half-time after Group 10 and Group 11 traded tries through Claire Woolmighton and India Draper, respectively, inside the final’s first 10 minutes, the defending champions managed the only four-pointer of the final term through speedy winger Amy Hewitt to edge ahead 8-4.

That remained the score until the final whistle, but Joe Spicer’s Group 11 outfit threw everything at the blue group in a bid to end one of the Rams’ region’s most impressive streaks.

Taneka Todhunter, Tarlee Roberts and Maddison Chapman each went close to scoring what would have been an equaliser in the final minutes.

But Group 10’s tagging proved up to the task.

Victorious Group 10 captain-coach Monique Christie-Johnston said Saturday’s win at Jack Arrow Sporting Complex was one of the tougher games she’s been part of at this level.

“It went right down to the wire,” she said.

“We made it hard for ourselves but the girls dug deep and we deserved the win.

“Group 11 has a lot of speed compared to last year. They’ve come a long way.”

That speed was on show from the outset when Draper sliced through to score Group 11’s opening, and only, try of the final.

The Parkes centre is lightning quick, a trait teams need an abundance of in league tag.

Draper’s slashing four-pointer drew Group 11 equal with its opposition after Woolmington crossed for the first try of the final, but her seventh four-pointer of the day. 

The Panthers gun scored six tries in Group 10’s earlier win over Woodbridge Cup.

Hewitt’s lone four-pointer in the second half proved the difference on the scoreboard, but the main difference was experience.

A host of the members in this Group 10 team have won multiple Western crowns, while eight of them were members of the Rams team that made the semi-finals in the league tag country championship in 2017.

Group 11 didn’t make last year’s decider.

“Group 10 held their composure a little better than we did in the final,” Spicer said.

“But they surprised themselves in that first game with how well they came together and grew some confidence.

“We were a bit unlucky to not level things up (in the final).

“What we lacked in experience we made up for with enthusiasm and that showed in the final against an experienced side.”

Chapman was easily Group 11’s best on the wing, while CYMS veteran Nic Groes justified her late call-up with a terrific outing in the decider.

For the victors, Lailee Phillips won player of the final honours after starting at hooker in the big dance.

Woolmington was also sensational across the day at Bathurst.