THE Moree Boars secured back-to-back titles in the Group 19 women’s league tag competition as they downed arch-rivals the Ashford Roosters 16-4 in the decider at Varley Oval on Sunday.
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Conversely, the Roosters were consigned to being the runner-up for three straight years.
After extra time was required for the Boars to edge out the Roosters in last year’s decider, this year's grand final was also tight for a long way.
Some individual brilliance from Shai-Lee Smith turned the match Moree's way following a scoreless first half.
The Boars were starved of possession in the opening minutes as they fumbled a Roosters kick before Ashford forced repeat sets.
Ashford looked more likely to score in the first half, as the Roosters repeatedly had possession in enemy territory without being able to break through.
The Roosters forced another repeat set as half-time loomed but an Ashford player crucially fielded the ball before it reached the 10-metre line, meaning the penalty went to Moree instead of Ashford which could have kicked for goal.
The Boars faltered early in the second half, and only desperate defence kept the Roosters out as Kirstie O'Brien came achingly close to scoring.
Ashford forced another repeat set, only for the pendulum to change as the Boars sent the goal-line drop-out bouncing over the sideline.
The first points came out of the blue as a midfield break set up a Moree try at the posts, with Ashleigh Walker doing the lead-up work before Shai-Lee Smith touched down.
The Boars failed to consolidate as they messed up from the restart, and soon a penalty was awarded to Ashford.
Moments later, a great pass from Anna Akhurst-Berger sent Eleanor Feeney across in the left corner, and Moree led 6-4 with 11 minutes left as the goal-kick was waved away.
Shai-Lee Smith's moment of glory occurred with a shade under six minutes left.
The soon-to-be player of the match showed dazzling footwork and evaded several defenders on a scintillating 70-metre journey to the tryline.
With the Boars clinging to a 10-4 lead, Shonna-Lea Smith made a break before linking with an unmarked Jordan McKenzie who raised her arm in salute just before touching down for the premiership-sealing try.
The win comes as fellow Boars were trounced by Boomerangs in the Group 19 rugby league reserve grade premiership for the third successive year also at Varley Oval on Sunday.
