Miss Piggies defeat Cooma Devils Angels in thriller rugby grand final

By Steve Cuff

Jindabyne’s Miss Piggies have won back-to-back rugby Women’s 10s premierships with a nail-biting 31-29 victory in Bungendore, relegating the Cooma Devils Angels to bridesmaids for the second consecutive year.

In what was an entertaining and very tough encounter throughout the game, the 2026 grand final ultimately came down to a try conversion, a two-point difference.

Eden Klemm started proceedings for the Miss Piggies, crossing for a try within the first minute and converting for Jindabyne to take a 7-0 lead. Not to be outdone, Cooma struck back in the 4th minute when Kim Wilson crossed close to the posts, but the try was not converted, and Jindabyne led 7-5.

When Felicity Tame crossed for the Angels' second try in the right corner, Cooma led 10-7 after the difficult conversion was unsuccessful.

Miss Piggies bounced straight back with Tilhaney Grainger scoring immediately after the kick off with a runaway try, and then with sustained pressure from Jindabyne, Grainger scored minutes later with her second try. Both were unconverted, and the Miss Piggies now had a 17-10 lead.

Cooma were soon on the attack as Brianna Rankin charged downfield and offloaded to Danielle Barron, who was tackled heavily by Sarah Farrell and coughed up possession. Miss Piggies swooped with Lily Godding quickly sending the ball wide to their left wing, where Andrea Marshall streaked down the touchline and outpaced the opposition to score. Eden Klemm converted and Miss Piggies were now holding a commanding 24-10 lead.

The game was far from over, and Cooma threatened with a run down their left side by Danielle Barron before passing to Emily Quodling who was tackled short of the line. In the ensuing play, Jessica Norris scored on the left side, which was converted for Cooma to trail at half-time at 24-17.

After half-time, Cooma reduced the deficit when Mischa Carnell scored in the 12th minute. The try was converted and the game was now level at 24-24. Both teams were giving their all with inspired tackling and defence, knowing the game was in the balance and up for grabs.

With Miss Piggies threatening the Cooma line, Eden Klemm took it upon herself to change the game and beat six defenders to dive over and score adjacent to the posts in the 3oth minute. She would convert with Jindabyne now leading 31-24.

The Cooma girls continued to run hard and make inroads, and in the 34th minute Kim Wilson crossed for her second try, but Kelly could not convert. Jindabyne were leading 31-29.

Jindabyne’s attack was continually thwarted by a desperate Cooma defence, who turned the tables in the dying minutes and looked likely to score. Cooma attacked the Miss Piggies line, throwing the ball around and running with purpose, but Jindabyne showed desperate defence, and the full-time whistle sounding with Cooma oh so close to the Jindabyne try line.

Presentation

Tilhaney Grainger was awarded player of the match for her strong running, defence and scoring two crucial tries. But only marginally in front of Eden Klemm, who had a standout game.

“It was very tough, they gave it to us but we held through and I think we played really well in the end. It was very close, but we held out in the last minute,” said Tilhaney after receiving her award.

 Montana Hawkins, speaking at the presentation, thanked all the Jindabyne supporters and congratulated Cooma on making it this far and on the energy of the game. “Every year you make it to a grand final is a really important year, to make it twice in a row is huge, so please hold your heads up high,” said Montana.

“To my wonderful Miss Piggies, two years in a row girls, we did it. I’m so proud of you,”

The Miss Piggies finished the season undefeated, with one draw against Cooma in May and several high-scoring games. They will start 2027 with a three-peat in mind.