Newcastle-Maitland Region put on a dominant display to end Riverina's reign in the Country Championships.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After winning the inaugural title in 2019, the Bulls were out to defend their title on their home turf at Equex Centre on Saturday.
However after a nervy start it soon turned into a nightmare as the Knights ran out 38-0 winners.
Riverina coach Andrew Hinchcliffe admitted little went to plan for the Bulls.
"We come up against a really good opposition who started well and did everything we wanted to do to them," Hinchcliffe said.
"They were able to build pressure, march through the ruck and once that momentum was gained we couldn't turn them around."
READ MORE
The Knights were able to capitalise on a couple of early errors to lead 12-0 after 14 minutes.
They extended their lead through a Ashlee Harvey penalty goal before more from the Bulls proved costly late in the first half.
A spilled ball from NSW State Of Origin player Lele Katoa led to Emma Young barging over with four left in the half before Phoebe Desmond, who was named player of the final, scored right on half-time to make it 26-0.
The Knights continued their rout in the second half as Harmony Liddel scored off a Bulls mistake at the back six minutes after the interval.
Taylah Gray then sliced through after a Sophie Gaynor mistake.
Knights coach Russell Grigg was thrilled with the display from the visitors.
"It was unbelievable in the end and the girls definitely left their best performance until last," Grigg said.
"It's been a long time coming to get here as we had to wait about four weeks to play the semi and another four weeks for the grand final so I'm glad we're here and they could put in their best performance."
While the scoring slowed in the second half, Riverina had very few opportunities throughout the game.
The defensive pressure was something Grigg was most pleased with.
"To only let in 18 points in four games is pretty outstanding and our defence is what we pride ourselves on," he said. "I know we got to 38 points but it is more about keeping them to zero that we're really happy with."
With Riverina not having a women's league competition, Hinchcliffe thought it showed in the biggest game of the season.
"One of the differences probably is they've got an established rugby league comp for ladies and that toughness of playing week-in, week-out and controlling the ruck was really evident," he said.
FULL-TIME
NEWCASTLE-MAITLAND 38 (Margaret Watson, Rhianni Cipta, Emma Young, Phoebe Desmond, Harmony Liddel, Taylah Gray tries; Ashlee Harvey 7 goals) d RIVERINA 0