The Gunnedah women's 7's sides journey from rugby novices has continued its upwards trajectory with two wins over Barraba on Saturday securing the Red Devils' the minor premiership.
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The Cinderella story of the inaugural competition, the Red Devils overpowered the Rams 30-nil in both games to wrap up top spot.
Coupled with Narrabri's loss and draw against Quirindi, it pushed them 18 points clear at the top with one round remaining and a maximum of 10 points available.
"That was the main goal of Saturday. We went in with the intention of getting two bonus points and sewing up the minor premiership," assistant coach Lincoln Stewart said.
One of their goals at the start of the season, they know the job is only half done.
Stewart said the excitement of learning they had secured the minor premiership was quickly replaced by a determination to finish off the job and claim the premiership that just eluded them last year.
In charge on Saturday, he couldn't have asked for anything more from them.
"They played exactly the way we planned to play," he said.
"We wanted to play very quickly and try and get over that four try threshold."
Their defence once again laid the foundation.
It has been the core of the Red Devils success this season. They boast the best defensive record in the competition by almost 100 points and have now on eight occasions held their opposition scoreless.
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"There is a lot of natural talent in attack and with a lot of new girls too we tried to focus on defending, and around the ruck as well," Stewart said.
"We focus a lot on second efforts and doing it for each other and helping each other with tackle assists."
Maddy Collison was dynamic in attack crossing for six tries for the day including four in one game.
With the bye this weekend and the minor semi-final the following weekend, Stewart said they are looking to try and organise a trial game "to keep the match experience going".
Their major semi-final opponents are still to be decided with only six points between the Blue Boars and third-placed Inverell.
The Blue Boars have Moree this weekend while the Highlanders tackle Quirindi.
The Red Devils' seconds meanwhile went down to Gwydir in their clash on Saturday 45-14 but are assured of playing finals. They currently sit third and are eight points clear of fourth-placed Walcha.
