Pirates, often the bridesmaid and seldom the bride, took centre stage in the women's club final on Saturday, beating University 22-8 on Saturday to win the title.
In an intense encounter at Hancock Park, Pirates used its big forwards and strong defence against a University team that never gave up and tried all game.
From the outset, it was apparent that victory would be hard-earned for the home team. University held its own in the set pieces with superior body position and a willingness to spread the ball wide and run at every opportunity, using the skills of mid-fielders Michaela Baker and captain Claire Richardson.
Pirates, with its powerful forward pack, a front row boasting the combined experience of 429 premier matches and a dangerous midfield trio of Sheree Hume, Kristina Moata'ane and Greer Muir, also had plenty of artillery.
For No8 Sisifa, it was a true captain's knock, her two tries just reward for what was a tireless all-round display. With the game in the balance midway through the second half, and Pirates unable to penetrate a resolute University defensive screen, it was her second try that proved a game-breaker.
It was scored in spectacular fashion after Elisara took one of her seven clean lineout takes of the match and set up a maul. Catching University off-guard, Sisifa burst off the back and broke through three tackles during a 30m burst to the line to score the try, carrying defenders with her.
Sisifa had earlier got Pirates away to a flying start with a well-worked try off the back of work put in by its front row trio, after just two minutes of play. But University clawed its way back into the game through a Megan Manson penalty, a Georgia Williams try and a willingness to run Pirates ragged.
With defence from each side nothing short of outstanding, only on the stroke of halftime was Pirates able to get back into the game and regain the lead though a try to Sullivan.
In the second half, the home side was on top. For the opening 30 minutes of the half, University was pinned deep inside its own half and starved of ball. Only committed defence held Pirates out and restricted it to just two tries.
A second wind saw University dominate the final 10 minutes, only to be denied scoring opportunities through a rock-solid Pirates defensive screen.
''When we needed to move it wide, I don't think we quite did. But that's experience. We'll rebuild and come back strong next year,'' University coach Jo Ammundsen said afterwards.
Sisifa was full of praise for her side and the challenge University brought to the park.
''We knew we had to bring it together for this one,'' she said.
''We showed a bit of courage. A bit of passion. That's the recipe.''
She said her two tries were team tries and that was the character of the team - that they all worked together to create opportunities.
She paid credit to the University side.
''They're a strong side. No doubt about it. And I'm glad we got to face them and it wasn't just a giveaway. We had to fight all the way to the end.''
Women's club final
The scores
Pirates 22
Angie Sisifa 2, Courtney Sullivan, Gemma Tuhega tries; Sheree Hume con
University 8
Georgia Williams try; Megan Manson pen
Halftime 10-8 Pirates
