After winning the last four Western League Tag Challenges, Bathurst St Pat's were overwhelming favourites stepping onto Canowindra's Tom Clyburn Oval for Sunday's final.
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But blue and white hearts were broken by a bunch of competition newcomers, led by the efforts of a former Canowindra girl.
The West Belconnen Warriors, who entered the tournament for the first time this year, took out the competition, defeating St Pat's 8-4 in the final.
St Pat's earned their way to the final with three comfortable pool wins before yet another hard fought clash with Group 10 rivals Orange Hawks.
West Belconnen were similarity dominant in their run to the final with pool wins over Orange Barbarians (18-0), Grenfell Goannas (34-0) and Cowra Magpies (12-0) before bringing down Orange CYMS 8-0 in the semis.
Belconnen continued that form in the final when they ran out to an early 8-0 lead over the Saints through a try and penalty goal.
Pat's were able to lift their game and find a reply through a Sarah Watterson try but the slow start came back to bite them.
Player of the Day, Krystal Coker, formerly of Canowindra, said the win was icing on the cake after the tournament proved to be a good pre-season hit out for the side.
"We haven't really had any trial matches or anything at the start the year and that's why we came out here, it was sort of a last minute decision," she said.
"It's different, it's a bit more physical out here I would say than back in Canberra but we've learnt lots as well, it's just good to play different teams."
Coker said her side knew it would be a tough challenge from St Pat's.
"We were a bit nervous because they are such a good team, they're so strong and they've been together for a few years as well and taken the comp out here a fair few times," she said.
Challenge organiser Andrew Pull said it was great to see newcomers join this year's tournament.
"Once again although fast and furious it was played in great carnival spirit," he said.
"We've had 30 different sides over the 10 years... we welcomed Orange United this year, West Belconnen and Wellington Cowboys for their first events."
Pull said the tournament was advised of Trundle not attending due to the loss of one of their young players in their club overnight.
"Both finalists, St Pat's and West Belconnen, have asked that their prize money go to the family involved," he said.
