The Group 10 lock scored the try that sealed his side the Western Rams representative cluster under 18s crown, the 18-12 scoreline also providing Ward, and a stack of his teammates, with their first triumph over Group 11.

Ward charged through a gaping hole late in the game to bump the hosts out from 14-12 up to an 18-12 advantage at Jack Arrow Sporting Complex.

It was a six-point lead they clung to as the traditionally tough boys from Group 11 tried valiantly to restore normal proceedings, for them, but Ward’s men held firm to secure a break-through victory.

Given the Laurie Daley Cup – the under 18s country championship - is over, both sides were missing their best players and some questioned the validity of such a contest when Rams jumpers aren’t on the line.

Those nay-sayers need to get a glimpse of Ward’s smile – these games mean plenty to the players.

“It’s intense out there,” Ward said.

“We’ve never beaten Group 11, until now, in my age group … it’s always a hard game.”

That’s a sentiment shared by Group 11 mentor Ben Bruce, who believes a better preparation could have swung things his side’s way in the decider.

“What do you expect when we have one training run and only 12 players there?” he said.

“There were a few calls that didn’t go our way but that’s footy.”

Jarrod Peachey and Haydn Raumati were brilliant in a beaten side while Blayney flier Lhiam Burrell bagged a first-half double.

McKenzie Atkins scored Group 10’s other try, while Tristtan Thompson and Brendan Shillingsworth both crossed for Group 11.

“It’s hard to single anyone out, I thought all of the boys out there did us proud,” Bruce added.