The Western Rams have today made history by winning the inaugural Westpac Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup defeating the Northern Tigers 22-8 in the Grand Final at Woy Woy Oval.
The Rams were dominant throughout the game with standout performances from hooker Zakiah Jenkins and prop Alana O’Loughlin which helped seal the win.
O’Loughlin was named Player of the Match with the captain thanking her coach and team upon accepting the honours.
The opening 10 minutes of the game saw each team go set for set however a handful of unlikely errors resulted in a struggle to find momentum.
The Western Rams were first to open the scoring through lock Grace MacGregor who pushed past two defenders to find the line to the right of the posts (6-0).
A one-on-one strip from prop Alana O’loughlin on Tigers fullback Emily Dietrich gave the Rams great field position, placing them only 20 metres out from their line. Rams five eighth Millah Hutchins capitalised when she straightened up the defence before passing the ball to back-rower Na’shaeya Dickinson who crossed for a four pointer (10-0).
The Tigers found the line just before half-time, with the right edge combining down the short side for winger Marlee Stewart to cross in the corner (10-4).
The Rams started the second half as strong as the first, marching up the field before O’Loughlin spun past defenders to score. Centre Lara Edwards’ conversion attempt was successful, extending her team’s lead out to 12 points.
Two penalties to the Tigers saw them move into Rams territory. Despite strong defence from the Rams, quick footwork from Tigers fullback Dietrich, saw the young playmaker step through to score (16-8).
A Tigers knock-on near the goal-line gifted the Rams with a full set of six. Hooker Zakiah Jenkins added four points in the 53rd minute extending the score out to 22-8.
The Tigers fought hard in the final 10 minutes, however the Rams defence proved to be the difference.
