MUSWELLBROOK'S under-16 women's tackle team gained sweet revenge over rivals West Newcastle at the weekend to snare a berth in the grand final of the CRL Central Hunter competition.
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After suffering two losses to their opponents in 2019, the Ramettes finally turned the tables thanks to a nail-biting 32-28 triumph in the semi at Olympic Park.
Now, they'll meet either Wests or South Lakes - who defeated Kincumber 18-16 in the other fixture - in the decider at Newcastle's St John Oval on Saturday, August 24.
A premiership title would cap a superb season for the Dave Smith-coached squad.
Muswellbrook finished ahead of the pack on the ladder with 22 points, just in front of Wests (21) and Kincumber (19), with South Lakes (10) and Cessnock (8) rounding out the placings.
Along the way, the Ramettes registered 11 wins at the expense of Raymond Terrace (38-12, 46-28, 50-8 and 52-10), East Maitland (12-8), Wests (20-16), Cessnock (38-16 and 82-0), South Lakes (52-10 and 42-4) and Kincumber (54-20).
The side also enjoyed a healthy for and against record (511-196).
But, it was their performance against the highly-regarded Wests, which impressed Smith.
"It went right down to the wire," he said.
"However, that's always the case when you play West Newcastle.
"It was another tough game."
The Ramettes began brilliantly in the first half, with Lily Cubillo scoring in the opening minutes.
Both combatants then threw everything at each other, enjoying an end-to-end battle, before Tenahya Dennis touched down out wide.
Even though Cubillo managed to bag another four-pointer, Wests went to the break ahead 14-12.
The second period was just as robust as the first.
Matilda Jones, who led the charge superbly for Muswellbrook, picked up a fantastic double.
Ash Halliwell also chipped in with a well-deserved try.
With the encounter in the balance, Issy Wilton sealed the victory with a great four-pointer in the dying moments.
Georgia Smith kicked two conversions, too.
"It was terrific effort by all the girls," Smith said.
"Now, we'll wait to see who'll face us in the grand final - Wests or Souths."
Meanwhile, Muswellbrook's under-16 league tag and under-13 boys' sides will also play their competition's deciders, at Olympic Park and Scone Park respectively, on August 23 and August 24.
The club's under-14 league tag team faces Merriwa in the preliminary final at Singleton on Friday night, while the under-12 boys meet the Greta Branxton Colts at Greta on Saturday.
