Tallon Smith
The Hay Magpies have cemented their place as the dominant force in the Group 20 women’s tackle competition after outlasting Yenda 18-16 to claim their third straight title in the grand final at EW Moore Oval on Sunday.
Whilst ensuring the Magpies remain the only team to have held the Griffith Leagues Cup since the competition began in 2024, the victory also marks the first time a Group 20 club has won a hat-trick of consecutive premierships in any grade since West Wyalong tallied four straight reserve grade triumphs from 2012-15.
The two sides traded tries to open their accounts, with Nia Siale crossing first for Yenda before Ellie Darlow replied for Hay, only for a try to Beatrice Lilomaiava Nauer and a penalty goal to Soph Kelsey to reclaim the lead for the Blueheelers at 12-6 heading into the break.
The Magpies found a response again early in the second half when Wendy Gonevulavula crossed to level the scores at 12-all, only for the try-for-try theme to continue when Yenda again went ahead 16-12 through a Georgia West four-pointer.
In the end though, despite not holding a lead at all throughout most of the game, champion Hay side found a way to put itself in front when Elena Rokovata crossed, and despite a late challenge from the Blueheelers, held on from there to claim a thrilling two-point victory and extend its dominance of the competition.
After being one of three Magpies sides playing on the final day last season, Hay co-coach Jessie Carter said the victory this time around meant a lot to the town, with rugby union’s Cutters the only other Hay side to make a grand final in any football code in 2026.
“I think it was so great for Hay this year because overall in the finals we didn’t do very well this year, we were the only team [aside from the Cutters] to make a grand final even with our other codes and everything,” she said.
“I think it means a lot to Hay, and especially for women’s footy, promoting that as well, that you can play league tag and women’s tackle at the same time.”
With such an exciting and closely-fought decider rounding out the season in front of a huge crowd, women’s tackle football in Group 20 continues to go from strength to strength.
After five of the competition’s 10 clubs entered sides in 2026, Carter said she would like to see more teams involved next year, allowing for more frequent matches rather than a number of byes.
“I hope to see more numbers on the field, even if it’s 11-a-side next year or something, I think that would be fantastic,” she said.
“Every single year the competition gets stronger and more physical, it’s really good to see.”
HAY 18 (Ellie Darlow, Wendy Gonevulavula, Elena Rokovata tries; Gonevulavula 3 goals) DEFEATED YENDA 16 (Nia Siale, Beatrice Lilomaiava Nauer, Georgia West tries; Cathy Soligo, Soph Kelsey goals) at EW Moore Oval, Sunday September 20.
