Grattan Stadium played host to the national final, a repeat of last year’s event that saw Settle College take on Castleford High.

The early exchanges were even as both teams were strong and determined in their defensive efforts.  However the deadline was broken through Settle’s number three
Lauren Stallwood who crossed over the whitewash. Rushton converted the kick to make it 6-0.

Castleford continued their good defence until Stallwood crossed for her second. Again the conversion was successful.

Castleford reduced the deficit immediately through AJ O’Neil who finished well in the corner. O’Neil kicked the extras to reduce their deficit to six points.
Settle still had time to score one more before the break as Duxburry powered over from close range. The unsuccessful conversion attempt made it 16-6 to Settle
College at the break.

Within the first minute of the restart Stallwood continued her impressive performance to complete her hat-trick with a superb individual effort, extending the
score to 22-6.  Castleford pressure followed as they attempted to reduce the lead however it was Stallwood, scoring her fourth of the game, that further extended
the lead. Rushton again kicked the extras,Stallwood continued to stand out as she crossed two more times in the last 10 minutes, resulting in her scoring six of
the seven Settle tries. Both kicks were converted , putting Settle out of reach at 40-6.

There was time for Castleford to score a consolation try through O’Neil, who converted her own try to score all of her team’s 12 points.
The final score was 40-12 as Settle College were crowned national champions. Stallwood collected the player of the match award for her outstanding performance.