The Armidale Rams sealed the first spot in the Group 19 first division league tag grand final with a triumph over minor premiers Moree Boars.
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Bleak and blustery conditions at Glen Innes' Mead Park did neither side any favours but the Rams managed to post 16 points to the Boars' eight and take the win and grand final spot.
Kantalli Quinlan, Hailee Grant and Taneika Landsborough all crossed for the Rams' in the victory.
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"The conditions in Glen were pretty awful to say the least," Rams coach Jess Smith said.
"We knew we had to tighten everything up and adjust to the weather.
"Once the girls settled in, and adjusted it was a matter of keeping things simple and safe.
"Defence was definitely what won the game in the end."
With the stakes high and weather not conducive to free flowing football, nerves could have played a huge part but Smith was impressed with her side's composure throughout the 50 minutes.
"The way they played together and their communication on the day was on point," she said.
"They remained calmed and focused and didn't let the pressure of the situation get to them even though emotions were high.
"We are ecstatic, and we enjoyed the moment as much as possible.
"We always believed we could get there, and for them to actually achieve it is amazing.
"However, we are well aware of the fact that we need to put it out of our minds for now and prepare for the next task at hand."
The Rams have this weekend off but won't be resting up.
Smith said her team will be working hard to bring home the trophy at the grand final in Glen Innes on August 25.
"We will stick to our routines between now and then," she said.
"We will continue to train and prepare as we have and make sure we are as prepared as possible both physically and mentally."
This Sunday will see their recent opponents in the Boars face last year's runners-up Glen Innes in the preliminary final in Moree for the last spot in the decider.
Smith isn't sure who will progress but expects either side would be a huge threat in the grand final.
"Hard to know who will be there," she said.
"Both the Magpies and Boars have made great progress through the season and will both be hungry for the final spot."
The grand final is set to be in Glen Innes after the Magpies first grade team triumphed over the Moree Boomerangs in Sunday's major semi-final.
Minor premiers, the Magpies, defended their way to a 28-12 victory after leading 10-8 at half-time.
In the other grades, the Moree Boars progressed through to the decider with a 26-16 win over Glen Innes while Narwan triumphed in reserve grade with a 50-22 victory over the Boomerangs.
In Saturday's minor semi-finals in Armidale, Glen Innes beat the Boomerangs 16-6 in the league tag.
Tingha's under-18 were too good for the Boomerangs, winning 44-18.
The A-grade match between Narwan and the Boars came down to the wire with the Eels triumphing 33-32, with an Allan Widders field goal the difference, which booked them a spot in the final this Sunday against the Boomerangs.
This Sunday's preliminary finals will be at Burt Jovanovich Oval, Moree.