“The club’s been going for 46 years and we’ve never won a premiership until Saturday,’’ a jubilant coach Dave Cox said.

Gloucester defeated Wallamba 26-10 to claim the title. Women’s sevens was introduced into the Lower North Coast competition this year.

Courtney Whitby was named player of the match after constantly menacing the Wallamba defence. She played rugby league for Gloucester High School the previous Thursday against Mt Druitt and had six stitches inserted into a wound on her chin.

“But that didn’t worry her,’’ coach Cox said.

“Courtney was outstanding.’’

She scored two tries and added two conversions. Other try scorers were Rhea Holstein and Jordyn Snape, who also kicked a conversion.

However, Gloucester didn’t have it all their own way. Wallamba dominated the early passages and came up with an unconverted try to lead 5-0.

“We went back to basics,’’ Cox said.

“We didn’t panic, got to the clean out and got the ball wide whenever we could.’’

The game had some willing moments, with a number of penalties for high shots while one Wallamba player was yellow carded.

Cox said he couldn’t fault his team’s commitment.

“We were training one night a week but the girls wanted to go to two nights – that’s how keen they were,’’ he said.

He said the introduction of women’s sevens to the competition was a great success. All five clubs fielded teams.

Some of the Gloucester players had experience in gala days last year while others played with Gloucester High.

“There’s talk of the competition going to 10s next year,’’ Cox said.

“That’ll be a good development.’’

It’s taken nearly half a century for the club to finally win a premiership.

“Now we’re hoping it won’t be the last,’’ Cox said.

Minor premiers Wallamba defeated Forster-Tuncurry in the first grade grand final. Gloucester bowed out in the elimination semi-final.