Wests Warriors crowned 2026 National Conference South Grand Final Champions

The National Conference South Grand Final took place at Wasps FC on Saturday 12th September, between Hammersmith Hills Hoists and Wests Warriors. 

It's a fixture that is always highly anticipated, with a historic rivalry over the years.

This season saw a battle at the top of the table for the top spot, with Bedford Tigers pushing Hammersmith Hills Hoists and Wests Warriors all the way to the final.

Hammersmith Hills Hoists were crowned League Leaders at the end of the regular season, after an impressive run of results, winning 13 of their 14 games. The contest for second place went all the way to the final fixture, where Wests Warriors clinched the points off Bedford Tigers to secure a home Semi-Final tie.

The top four competed for their place in the Final, with Hammersmith Hills Hoists taking on London Chargers and coming out victorious with a 46-6 win.

Wests Warriors and Bedford Tigers could barely be split in their Semi-Final, showing how tight some of the fixtures have been this season. Two points were the difference in their Semi-Final, with the Warriors edging out Tigers 28-26.

The Grand Final was therefore set for another re-match between the long-term rivals Hammersmith Hills Hoists and West Warriors. The Grand Final has featured the two teams for the past three seasons. 

On all three occasions, Hammersmith have come out victorious, so Wests were determined to make this year their year. The two sides have recorded one win a piece during the league season, with Wests the only team to beat Hills Hoists, so the Grand Final was set up to be another thriller.

Hills Hoists started the game strong, racking up a 12-0 lead, but Wests Warriors then shifted into another gear to respond, and showcased their determination to make 2026 their year.

Wests Warriors came through to be crowned the National Conference South Grand Final Winners, beating Hammersmith Hills Hoists 32-12.

This season has once again showcased the talent within both sides, while strong competition from the other teams has highlighted the strength of the league. The NCS continues to be an exciting competition to follow.

Grand Final Scorers:

Hammersmith Hills Hoists

Try Scorers:

Will Simmonds, Ryan O'Connor

Goals:

Benji Mckay x2

Wests Warriors

Try Scorers:

Judd Greenhalgh (2), Jack Payne, Tamati Gribble, Ilies Macani, Jarome Yates

Goals:

Bailey Simpson 4/5, Paul McCullagh 0/1