It's been a long time coming, but Gracie Aboriginal Pathways have finally won the Ella 7s crown.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Gracie side, featuring players from Dubbo all the way up to North Coast, ended the Highlanders' stranglehold on the competition when downing the two-time defending premiers 19-12 in Saturday evening's final at Apex Oval.
On the back of a fine showing from Dubbo Kangaroos' Alahna Ryan and Em Caton, a player of the final effort from livewire Courtney Currie and a gutsy defensive performance when they were down a player on two separate occasions, Gracie Aboriginal Pathways never trailed in the match.
Coach Eli Hedges was delighted with the effort after seeing his side fall short so many times in the past.
"We've been close for years. Last year we were third, the year before second, and the year before that second so to win it finally is good," he said.
"It was stressful with what was happening in the game, the two yellow cards, so the heart-rate was up.
"I'm just proud of the girls. It's more the girls, I just stand here and cheer. It's them that do them hard work."
READ ALSO:
Hedges might have been underplaying his role, but there was no doubt his players had to dig deep in Saturday's final.
The Highlanders side is one made up of players from Brisbane and after winning the last two titles and making their way to the decider at Apex, they were again the one to beat.
But the Gracie Aboriginal Pathways, also featuring former Westside star Litisha Boney, held off some early Highlanders pressure before shooting out to an early 14-0 lead.
Patience and ball retention was key to Gracie Aboriginal Pathways' early success, with Caton in particular getting involved a lot and playing a role in both tries.
But a yellow card allowed Highlanders back into the side and they took the opportunity, cutting the margin back to seven at half-time.
While the momentum seemed to be with the powerhouse Highlanders, Gracie Aboriginal Pathways wasn't rattled and came out firing again in the second half.
Another try took the lead out to 19-7 and then another huge period in defence ensured victory was secured.
Mia Hemsworth scored a consolation try for the Highlanders in the final seconds.
While delighted to see his players finally break through and claim the title, Hedges said the weekend wasn't all about the final result.
"We keep a pretty relaxed kind of vibe," he said.
"I try not to hammer the girls too much, the weekend is more about enjoying it and obviously a win is a bonus.
"But it meant a lot to the local girls."
Do you want more sport from the Dubbo region? Sign up to our newsletters here:
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
