Fast, physical and ferocious.
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That's how Troy Wilson's under 14s Vipers went about their business during Sunday's Western Women's Rugby League grand final as the snakes flipped the script on the 2019 decider, securing an emphatic 18-8 win over Mid-west Brumbies at Pride Park.
It was a result that looked inevitable after the opening exchanges as the home side shot out to a 12-0 lead on the back of some massive runs from Wilson's player of the game, Angel Hopgood.
But as the contest wore on, the minor premiers began to work their way back into the game as tries to Matilda Uryszek and Charlee Barnes saw the margin reduced to four points in the shadows of three-quarter time.
When the ensuing Vipers' kickoff forced an error out of Brumbies, it was Lily Stubbs who scored what turned out to be the match-sealing meat pie.
Defence was the home side's MO for the duration of the final term as they played most of the footy down the right end of the field, whether they had the ball or not.
Wilson's bench erupted when the siren rang as the girls not only avenged a loss in the 2019 decider, but reversed the result of their only regular season defeat back in round three.
"This grand final really boosted the girls and they just play for each other every week," Wilson said.
"Once they get together and they're flying high, there's not a team that can get near them."
Five-eighth Georgie Barrett won player of the match, while second-rower Sadie Keegan was crowned player of the competition, but it was front rower Angel Hopgood who Wilson singled out after the game.
"Angel was the best today," he said.
"That's the best game she's ever played... she won it for us. She killed it today."
I'm so proud of all of them. I've coached for a long time and their skill level and mindset is really good.
- Vipers coach Troy Wilson
It took a big psychological effort for Vipers to take out a side they've struggled against in the last 12 months but Wilson said their preparation and approach was impeccable.
"A lot of them were a bit nervous," he said.
"I'm so proud of all of them. I've coached for a long time and their skill level and mindset is really good.
"They listened at training, they listened to their game plan and they go out there and execute."
ORANGE VIPERS 18 (tries; Isabella Hopping, Luella Maunder, Lily Stubbs, Sophie Gordman, conversions; George Barrett 1) def MIDWEST BRUMBIES 8 (tries; Matilda Uryszek, Charlee Barnes).
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