The Shamrocks accounted for a gallant Kendall 20-10 to win the first-ever Hastings League women’s rugby league premiership title.

Lock forward Nicole Pender was awarded player of the match honours in a strong performance where she crossed for a try and kicked two goals in a powerhouse performance.

Centre Larissa Ward scored a double.

Shamrocks coach Leith Costigan said it was an extremely satisfying result that saw him also enter the Hastings League history books.

“The most pleasure I got out of it is seeing the girls enjoy the feeling of winning a grand final,” Costigan said.

“I’ve always said there’s one thing better than playing a grand final and that’s winning one and the girls know that now.”

Costigan said Pender’s performance came as little surprise.

“Nic is a powerhouse workhorse; she’s all over the paddock, does anything you ask her to and she kicks goals,” he said.

“She deserves every bit of praise she gets.”

Things started poorly for the Blues when they knocked on from the kick-off and Ward made them pay to give her side an early 6-0 lead.

Blues fullback Shanene Matthews then hit straight back a few minutes later to close the gap to 6-4, but that would be as close as the minor premiers came to the lead.

Shamrocks halfback Whitney Smith extended her team’s lead before Pender won the race to the corner to hand her side a 16-4 advantage at the break.

“Whitney was good, Ange our reserve forward charged it up all day and Megan Fealy had a blinder as well,” Costigan said.

Jacana Ward gave the Blues a chance of a comeback when she scored next to the posts midway through the second half, but the Beechwood defence then held firm.

Larissa Ward rounded out the scoring in the shadows of full-time.

And will Costigan throw his hat in the ring again to coach the 2018 premiers in 2019?

“I’m keen to go again if they’ll have me,” he said.