By Tallon Smith

The Barellan Rams have capped off one of rugby league’s more remarkable fairytales, taking home the ProTen Community Cup Women’s Nines title courtesy of a 16-14 win over a gutsy Ivanhoe side.

On a day where the small community of Ivanhoe fielded sides in both grades, the Rams were forced to come from behind for the first time this season to beat the resilient Roosters, who improved vastly since the two teams met a fortnight earlier in the Major Semi Final.

Barellan Coach Sam Everett said it was “awesome” to get the win, particularly given it was the first time the side was forced to play from behind, and had to earn the title.

“It was the most physical game we’ve had all year,” he said.

“They [the Rams squad] showed how good of a football side they are, to come from behind and win.”

Everett said the community really got behind the team in 2023, a season in which their Men’s side finished with the wooden spoon despite being very competitive throughout the year.

“It’s awesome, especially coming from a club with no women’s team [the past few years], and putting one in this year for the first time,” he said.

“It’s unreal, even before the season started, the whole town was getting around the fact that we had a women’s rugby league team.

“Some of the girls hadn’t played footy before, maybe half of them.

“We put the work in though.”

Everett also spoke of the immense influence of the side’s skipper Monique Higgins, who was instrumental in guiding the squad through the campaign.

“Monique’s a great footballer,” Everett said.

“She’s got a good footy brain, she’s good to float ideas off.

“It was a pleasure to have her around this year.”

The win is Barellan’s first premiership in any grade since 2003, when they won the Group 17 First Grade title, and is their first in the Community Cup era.

Meanwhile, for Ivanhoe, the heartbreak was doubled just a few hours later with their men’s side falling to Narrandera 20-14 in their Grand Final.

Final Score

Barellan 16 (Amie Fazekas, Sharni Winter, Brittany Everett tries; Monique Higgins 2 goals) defeated Ivanhoe 14 (Niumai Serukabaivata, Bobbi Goolagong, Nanise Tale tries; Shailyn Williams goal) at Goolgowi Recreation Ground.

Cover Photo: Barellan’s Champion Women’s Nines team celebrate winning the ProTen Community Cup on Saturday in Goolgowi (Supplied: ProTen Community Cup Facebook)