''We had belief,'' co-coach Helen Littleworth said after University's thrilling 20-17 win over Alhambra-Union.
''Tony Brown's words in this morning's paper were pretty reflective on what we wanted to do. We knew we had to go for 80 minutes. And we knew it was only going to be done by a team effort.
''It's pretty special for the Otago University club. And the girls thoroughly deserve it.''
University yielded a decisive advantage to a well-drilled Alhambra-Union forward pack but the students worked like demons, securing a decisive territorial advantage for the majority of the match.
The tight five ground out the hard yards and the loose forwards put pressure on the Alhambra-Union inside backs, lessening some of the threat posed by game-breaking centre Kelly Brazier.
Brazier scored Alhambra-Union's first try and played a significant role in the second. But as the nerves settled, it was apparent University was a side brimming with self-belief.
Midfielders Michaela Baker and Lucy Anderson combined well, both defensively and on attack, while wingers Jess Doleman and Arna McLeod typified the University commitment on defence.
Halfback Jenna Aikman, playing perhaps her last game for University, was outstanding, and her service to first five-eighth Megan Manson was straight from the top shelf.
It was 12-12 at halftime, but the students turned up the tempo, scoring through McLeod in the second minute on the end of a superbly worked backline move from the set piece.
Despite remaining camped deep inside the Alhambra-Union half, University was only able to add to its score with a Manson penalty.
It proved enough to secure victory as ill-discipline let Alhambra-Union down. Replacement winger Angela Taylor was sin-binned midway through the second half and then red-carded in the final minute for a dangerous tackle on Anderson.
Alhambra-Union was well-served in the forwards by captain Kerry Stoddart from No 8 and vice-captain Megan Kane on the open side. Locks Jessica Hannah-Brennan and Michaela Smith were tireless workers in broken play and a force at the lineout.
''We made it hard for ourselves,'' Stoddart said.
''The discipline and the way we played made it very hard to get on the front foot and go forward.''
Battle-scarred University captain Ele Lilo was full of praise for her team-mates, whom she said had worked and trained hard since February.
''Full credit to Alhambra - they're a good side,'' Lilo said''They kept us on our toes. But we fought through it.''
The win gave University its first premier women's banner since 2006.
Women's club final
The scores
University 20
Rebecca Todd, Lucy Emery, Arna McLeod tries; Megan Manson con, pen
Alhambra-Union 17
Kelly Brazier, Halie Hurring, Olivia Waldron tries; Kelly Brazier con
Halftime: 12-12
