Last year Leeton’s quest for grand final glory was a tale of redemption but this time it was all in honour of teammate Jess Murphy.
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Murphy, 18, lost her life in a car accident in April and Leeton dedicated their unbeaten season to her.
The Dianas secured their second undefeated premiership in a row with an emphatic 21-12 over Wagga City at Conolly Rugby Complex on Saturday.
The red hot favourites fired early, going out to a 21-0 lead before Wagga City scored two late tries.
Aimee Spowart and Ua Ravu scored tries in the first half to set up a 14-point buffer at the break before Bulou Baravilala sealed the win.
After shocking the Dianas two years ago to win the premiership, Wagga City never gave up and scored two tries in the last five minutes.
April Sharp found just enough space to score in the corner before Georgia Simpson slammed the ball down right on the stroke of full-time.
Spowart was named as her team’s best as the Dianas secured their third premiership in the four years span of the competition.
She said it was an emotional win for the team.
"We could tell Wagga City came out wanting to fire and defended pretty hard but I think us girls swung it a bit and won it with our attack,” Spowart said.
“We stuck in out in the second half, persevered and came out on top.”
Spowart said Murphy was an inspiration throughout the season for the team, who handled any challenge thrown at them on and off the field.
“Ever since Jess passed we have been playing for her,” she said.
"We have play for Jess on our jerseys and it is real special to win for her and her family as well.”
The victory was Spowart’s second premiership after missing the inaugural premiership in 2013.
While pleased to receive the personal accolades, she was just glad her efforts contributed to a strong team performance.
“I tried to have a good crack and I was glad it wasn’t too hot,” Spowart said.
“Obviously you can’t do it with just one player, the bench came on and did their job as well.
“I think all year we have just done it for each other and for Jess as well.”
Coach Sam Loaloadravu stepped into the coaching role this season and thought the team’s defence was the key to the win.
“All year we have said defence will win games for us and that was our big thing,” Loaloadravu said.
“We held them to nil and just to let them score is a credit to the girls.
“Our defence is what got us over the line.”
Loaloadravu thought going through two seasons undefeated was a testament to the hard work put in by the team.
