QSST went into the final as favourite after taking out the previous three NYC titles, while NSWCCC went into the final after causing an upset over New South Wales Combined High Schools in the semi final.
The opening five minutes was tight, with both teams showing great talent and intensity. But it was the Queensland girls that impressed early and it didn’t take long for that to show on the scoreboard.
Captain Emily Reed led by example in the 8th minute, when she crossed for her team after a CCC error, to score the first touchdown of the match.
CCC was quick to hit back however, with Sinead Bailey scoring in the next set of six to level the game at one touchdown a piece.
Emilee Cherry scored over in the far corner after she was set up by Kate McCarthy following a penalty to take the lead for QSST again.
NSW captain Alicia Quirk was dangerous in attack throughout the first half but the team was unable to capitalize on their opportunities, to trail at the half-time break, 2-1.
Strong defence by CCC kept them in the game early in the second half, but it was QSST that made their mark on the scoreboard, when Kate McCarthy crossed to give her side some breathing space.
Anna Hicks was over for QSST not long after off the back of some great attacking play by QSST, to take their lead out to three touchdowns.
Lauren Rynehart hit back for CCC two minutes later, after a great run by Quirk, to bring the NSW side back within two.
It was short lived however, with Alysha Tupua scoring in the next set of six to take QSST’s lead out to 5-2.
The NSW girls didn’t give up, scoring with just under two minutes remaining to bring the deficit back to two touchdowns.
It was too little too late, however, with QSST taking back to back titles and going through the championships undefeated.
McCarthy was rewarded for her strong game, being named Player of the Match, while Quirk was named Player of the Series.
The two captains were full of praise for their respective team’s performances over the past week.
“I couldn’t be more proud you, you are a good bunch and you did amazing all carnival, to Peta (Rogerson – QSST coach) you’re a deadest inspiration to all of us, I couldn’t ask for a better coach,” Reed said.
“To my girls, I couldn’t be more proud of you, to make the grand final was such an awesome effort and you did yourselves so proud all week,” Quirk said.
