The Orange-based outfit didn't even field a side last season, going from non-existence to the competition's zenith in a few short months.

After trailing 8-nil early the Bec Ford-led Vipers stormed back to ultimately run out 20-12 victors at Eugowra's Ian Walsh Oval, taking advantage of the fact Goannas were missing their two biggest threats in Bec Smyth and Britt Naden.

"Today was one of the toughest footy matches I think I have played in. I'm so proud of the girls, that took a lot of effort, a lot of heart and that's why we won today," Vipers captain and Western Rams star Bec Ford said.

She praised the likes of Heidi Regan, Lailee Phillips and halves partner Em McDonald but saved a special mention for her side's forwards, who toughed it out in the heat to lay a solid platform for attack.

"We had Ebony Watson taking those tough hard runs with Jacky Lydon, Cass (Hopping) as well, just our front rowers pushing through and laying that platform for our halves," Ford said.

Goannas coach Gerry 'Chicka' Merritt agreed, hailing the efforts of all the players involved on grand final day, the encounter was a classy affair between two excellent sides.

"Under trying conditions, the heat, credit to both sides they never gave up," he said.

"Someone would gain an advantage and the other would fight back and then the roles would be reversed. It was an awesome effort."

With more than 1,100 people in attendance for the decider, Goannas did look likely to shrug off the loss of stars Smyth and Naden, opening the scoring early through livewire fullback Emily Caton.

Alahna Ryan, playing in the halves in the absence of Naden, added the extras and then a penalty from Tiffany Clarke extended the lead to 8-nil at half-time.

Watson, who went on to be named player of the match, led her side up front all game and her strong run resulted in the Vipers' first try for Jacky Lyden.

A penalty then saw things locked up but the Goannas wrestled back momentum and workhorse Kaitlyn Andrews crashed over to get her side back in front. The conversion attempt from wide out fell just short but the hosts kept that advantage heading into the final 10 minutes.

With just six minutes remaining Watson went on another charging run, making 30 metres and getting her side into attacking territory. The Vipers made the most of the chance, scoring to get back in front and then a try inside the final minute iced the win.

While disappointed, Goannas captain Cassie Toomey vowed her side would come back "bigger and stronger" next season after suffering defeat in the intense match.

Coach Merritt lamented the "vital lapses" the Goannas suffered at times but remained incredibly proud of the side's success.

"I thought Kayla Hasson really was strong in the middle for us. She really made some hard yard in that middle third," he said.

"Alahna Ryan and Emily Caton in the backs, those girls, Em was just feeding off the back of the forwards' momentum and Alahna always plays a lay or two ahead.

"She was really awesome after being over in Darwin last week playing rugby union sevens and taking woman of the match over there. It was an awesome effort for her to come over here.

"Overall I'm just proud of the whole lot and especially the 18s who back up each week."

The Goannas under-18 side managed to down the Vipers in Sunday's grand final though while Woodbridge Cup and Mudgee won their respective under-15 and under-13 crowns, the latter defeating Vipers.

Woodbridge Cup's Sarah Archer was named player of the tournament in the open division.