The final few minutes of Saturday's Senior International League Tag grand final were an emotional roller-coaster for Demi Owens.
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But the final feeling was pure joy after the South Dubbo star scored the all-important try in golden point extra time to ensure a 24-20 win and premiership glory for the Raidettes.
The thrilling contest was one of the best during Dubbo District Junior Rugby League decider day at Apex Oval.
After trailing an impressive Nyngan Tigers outfit 14-6 at half-time the Raidettes produced a stirring effort in the second stanza to get back in the game.
And when Natayah Misiepo-Kelly went over to score her second in the final minute of regular time the potential match-winning conversion was left to Owens.
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She was unable to convert the chance and was visibly distraught in the Raidettes huddle afterwards.
But after some supportive and motivational words from coaches Hailey-May Ley-Andrews and Bindi Shaw she picked herself up again and scored a brilliant match-winner inside two minutes of golden point to spark wild celebrations among the South Dubbo team and supporters.
"There was some unfair supporters who cheered (when she missed the goal) and stuff but I told her to put it behind her," Ley-Andrews said after Owens' match-winner.
"I told her to go out there and have fun and play your game.
"She knew what she was doing and I would have liked to see some of them go out and have that kick.
"She was awesome though. I told her to keep her head up and this is a team sport so she didn't have to worry about anything."
Owens had been Macquarie's best on the day and was rightly awarded player of the game but at one point early in the match it appeared Nyngan was well on its way to victory.
The Tigers looked like they would stun the unbeaten Raidettes in the decider when they dominated the first half.
With the likes of Mia Taylor, Anastasia Walsh, and Ebony Martin all producing excellent performances the Tigers piled on three unanswered tries in the first half after Owens had opened the scoring for the minor premiers.
But the Raidettes soon worked their way into the game, with Ella Hutchison going over early in the second half to start the comeback.
Martin showed a neat dummy on her way to scoring to put the Tigers back up by eight but Misiepo-Kelly's late double made it a grandstand finish.
Into extra time it went and while Nyngan had first use of the ball some outstanding Raidettes defence meant the minor premiers began their set in the opposition half.
And Owens took the line on, threw the smallest of dummies, and then sprinted to the line before diving over in the corner.
"That was amazing," Ley-Andrews said of the win.
"We were fortunate enough to get the win and Nyngan put up a really hard fight, like they always do.
"They were the hardest team we played all year but our girls were better on the day."
Many of the Raidettes will now move up into the under 18s and their coach said it's "scary" to think how good they could become in the future.
"Everyone has improved so much this year, it's been a shock," she said.
It was part of a league tag double for South Dubbo on the day as the club's junior side also claimed a grand final win.
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.
