The Maroochydore Swans claimed their first-ever Sunshine Coast Women's premiership after defeating the Gympie Devils 16-12 in a golden-point cliff-hanger at Sunshine Coast Stadium yesterday.
More than 1000 spectators came through the gates to witness the Sunshine Cost Junior and Senior Leagues showcase of the female game in the region's Women in Rugby League weekend.
The Under 14 and Under 16 junior girls played the last fixtures of their competitions, whilst the Sunshine Coast Seniors staged their finale – both teams eyeing off the prestigious Maudsley Excavations Cup.
In total, six games were played, and only one was a blowout score-wise; the highest score difference being four points in the other five games.
The Senior Women’s game was a thriller and exactly what the crowd wanted to see to culminate a successful season.
Points came quickly in the match with a try to Gympie’s Sophia Fisher in the opening two minutes, and the conversion by Lucy Vella gave the Devils an early 6-0 lead.
Maroochydore scored with one minute to go before the break thanks to Codi Dalley, heading into the sheds trailing 6-4.
The Swans came back with vigour in the second half; taking the lead with two quick tries - the first to Demi Chizzotti, followed by Lily Bougoure, but Gympie rallied with the title on the line.
With 21 minutes into the second half, a converted try to Kym Waugh locked up the scores at 12-12 and with no further points scored, forced the game into golden-point.
Five minutes into the extra-time period, the Swans stole the win in their inaugural season with a try to Sarah Stahlhut, edging the minor premiers in an absolute nail-biting finish to the season.
Maroochydore's Cody Dalley was awarded the recently named Jaye Wales Medal as the player of the 2019 Maudsley Excavations Cup decider.
The thrilling decider now lays the platform for the SCGRL's three Men's grades to battle it out for the silverware on Saturday, August 24 at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Maroochydore Swans 16 (Lily Bougoure, Sarah Stahlhut, Demi Chizzotti, Codi Dalley tries) defeated Gympie Devils 12 (Sophia Fisher, Kym Waugh tries; Lucy Vella 2 goals) at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Junior Results
Under 14 Girls
Kawana / Caloundra / Beerwah 16 drew Caboolture 16
Gympie 26 defeated Stanley River 24
Nambour / Palmwoods 34 defeated Noosa 30
Under 16 Girls
Kawana / Caloundra / Beerwah 28 defeated Caboolture 24
Noosa / Nambour 48 defeated Beachmere 0
*Photos contributed by Richard Goldsworthy.
