Some games are simply football matches.

However, this was not one of them.

On a sun-splashed Saturday at the Lakeside Sporting Complex, two clubs collided with everything on the line, chasing more than just a trophy.

They were seeking history, pride and the right to call themselves champions.

In a contest that will live on in rugby league folklore, Cessnock emerged victorious, holding off a fast-finishing Stockton 14-12 to be crowned 2025 Women’s Community Cup champions.

THE BATTLE BEGINS

From the opening whistle, it was clear this wouldn’t be a casual September afternoon.

The hits were harder, the runs hard-fought and every single play carried the weight of a season’s worth of sweat and sacrifice.

Cessnock struck first, showing the precision and hunger that has defined their campaign.

In the opening stages, Goannas winger Reece Robinson crashed over on a short-side play off a pass from Lupe Ngatuvai, who was able to stand in contact.

It left the Stockton players confused as it took the referee 30 seconds to award the try despite the ball being grounded.

The Goannas doubled up shortly after when captain Lena Cartwright busted through the attempted tackle of Bolton and Davies, beat the cover of Banks with speed, and put the afterburners on to run 60 metres untouched to score under the posts.

She then added the extras for a 10-0 lead.

The Sharks were able to peg one back before half-time through pivot Chelsea Bolton.

She grubbered through on a nice angle, ricocheting off a Cessnock player, as Indy Simpson dived over to claim their opening try in front of a large and loud contingent of the Stockton faithful gathered at the eastern side of the ground.

The successful conversion pegged back the Goannas’ lead 10-6.

With 20 minutes remaining, Ngatuvai combined with Cartwright to put Kilisitina Tuha through some poor Stockton defence as they were stripped for numbers on the edge to make it 14-6.

It seemed Cessnock was cruising.

But, the Sharks started to show a bit of fire with Ellie Anderson firing up in the in-goal area post-try with a bit of push and shove, indicating they weren’t prepared to be bullied.

Then came the turning point.

Emjay Walters never gave up on a play.

A routine kick downfield was fielded by Cartwright and Walters, leading the chase, wrapped her up in dual contact.

She stripped the ball and raced over to score next to the posts.

While the referee made several diabolical calls throughout the match against both sides, Walters played to the whistle and reaped the reward for her hard work.

She converted to make it a two-point game at 14-12.

THE FINAL STAND

As the clock wound down, the entire ground seemed to hold its collective breath.

Stockton surged forward set-after-set, throwing everything they had at the black-and-gold wall in front of them.

For a fleeting moment, it felt like destiny was about to smile on the underdogs.

However, all that changed without warning.

The Sharks received a penalty right in front to even it up.

Walters, who had it on a string the previous week after employing a kicking coach, was expected to make light work of this one.

But, in one of the huge grand final moments, time stood still as she stepped into the football — and pushed it wide of the mark.

Cessnock would not break again.

The Goannas’ line held firm under immense pressure, every tackle echoing like a war drum.

They played the rest of the half in Stockton’s end and, when the final siren sounded, they rejoiced — Cessnock in triumph.

Stockton went straight to the huddle and post-game seemed unaffected.

Their win was not on the scoreboard but in other areas.

HEARTBREAK AND LEGACY

For Cessnock, this was the culmination of a dream.

A community that has always stood tall in local rugby league now has another chapter to add to its storied history.

Their triumph was built on grit, unity and the unwavering belief that they were destined to be champions.

For Stockton, the pain was nowhere to be seen on their faces.

They had fought with attitude and heart, representing their town with pride and inspiring countless young girls watching from the sidelines.

Though the trophy slipped away by the narrowest of margins, their journey this season has been nothing short of remarkable — proof that a small club can rise and challenge the giants.

They start 2026 as premiership favourites.

Cessnock leaves as back-to-back champions.

Stockton leaves as blue-collar warriors.

And, the Women’s Community Cup leaves with a legacy forever written in black and gold — with a little shade of sky blue and pink stitched in there somewhere.

• CESSNOCK GOANNAS 14 (Reece Robinson, Lena Cartwright, Kilisitina Tuha tries; Cartwright goal) defeated STOCKTON SHARKS 12 (Indy Simpson, Emjay Walters tries; Walters 2 goals)
• Player of the Match: Lena Cartwright (Cessnock)

BANDITS STUN MALLABULA TO CLAIM COMMUNITY PLATE GLORY

Mallabula came into the grand final as the undisputed heavyweights of the competition.

They’d been the most consistent and dominant team all season — big, physical and feared.

Most pundits expected them to finish the job and lift the trophy.

But, the Nelson Bay Bandits had other ideas.

Playing with nothing to lose and everything to gain, they tore up the script and outplayed Mallabula in every area of the game.

Their defence was ruthless, their attack sharp and daring and their belief unshakeable.

As the game wore on, it was clear this wasn’t just an upset — it was a takeover.

Mallabula, who had spent all year dictating terms, suddenly looked rattled and out of answers.

The Bandits pounced, turning opportunities into points and their dream into reality.

When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read Nelson Bay 16 – Mallabula 4.

The so-called underdogs had conquered the competition’s best, leaving the favourites stunned and the crowd in disbelief.

For Mallabula, it was a bitter ending to a near-perfect season.

Injuries to key players before the grand final saw one of their stars limp through the contest and, within the opening stages, you could see the Panthers were in trouble.

For Nelson Bay, it was a moment of pure, unforgettable glory — proof that heart, belief and fight can topple even the mightiest of giants.

• NELSON BAY BANDITS 16 (Leila Kelly 2, Tash Harris tries; Harris 2 goals) defeated MALLABULA PANTHERS 4 (Angel Hodson try)

Newcastle Hunter Rugby League (NHRL) grand final results

• Men’s A grade: Waratah Mayfield d Dudley 24-8
• Men’s B grade: Newcastle University d Shortland 26-0
• Men’s C grade: Karuah Roos d Stockton 34-28
• Men’s D grade northern: Clarence Town d Mallabula 30-22
• Men’s D grade southern: Kearsley d West Wallsend 30-14
• Ladies league tag A grade: Waratah Mayfield d Central Newcastle 16-12
• Ladies league tag B grade: Waratah Mayfield d Aberglasslyn 7-6
• Ladies league tag C grade: Raymond Terrace d Swansea 12-8
• Women’s Community Cup: Cessnock d Stockton 14-12
• Women’s Community Plate: Nelson Bay d Mallabula 16-4

For more sports stories:

• Confirmed: Knights Old Boy Holbrook replaces O’Brien as new coach
• Knights in ‘good hands’ under Parr, says Pearce
• Red-letter day for Cheetahs after pouncing on three NHRL titles

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