Tries to Charli Wanstall, Harper Cooke and player of the match Zoe Wilson handed the Butchers a 16-12 lead, before they defended valiantly throughout the final minutes of the match to hold out a fast-finishing Wests.

Thirroul coach Melissa Cooke said it was a fantastic effort by her girls to maintain their nerve and claim the trophy.

"There was nothing in it," Cooke said. "It just came down to the last try. They were the most nervous 40 minutes of my life.

"The last five minutes were very tense. There was only a try in it and they were attacking that whole time. They were unlucky not to get through, but our girls defended really well.

"All the work the girls did at training during the week paid off."

With the 10s being the first year of organised Illawarra league tag competition, this season was many of the girls first year of play.

Cooke said the girls were a great group to coach and they showed a desire to learn and improve throughout the season. It's that dedication, she feels, that's what ultimately helped the team achieve so much success and eventually take out the grand final.

Read more: Thirroul claim club championship after Wests stripped

"The improvement through the year was amazing. We played Wests in the first round and watching those two teams play in the grand final was incredible, the difference in both teams, they had improved beyond all expectations.

"We train twice a week and it paid off. We had a couple of girls down at the oval two to three times a week practicing goal kicking and that was the difference, the girls were very committed which was great."

The Thirroul victory came on a busy day at Sid Parrish Park, with nine grand finals taking place.

The Butchers also claimed the 12 years first division title, Thirroul White defeating Corrimal 18-10.

Collegians secured an 18-4 victory over Wests in the 14 years division one grand final, while the club also achieved success in the 16s age group, Collegians Red defeating Thirroul 24-4 in the division one decider.

10.2sLT Corrimal 32 def Thirroul 20

10.1sLT Thirroul Butchers 16 def Wests 12

12.3sLT Corrimal 18 def Woonona 16

12.2sLT Wests 22 def Dapto Blue 4

12.1sLT Thirroul White 18 def Corrimal 10

14.2sLT Helensburgh 18 def Collegians 6

14.1sLT Collegians 18 def Wests 4

16.2sLT Helensburgh 18 def Thirroul 0

16.1sLT Collegians Red 24 def Thirroul 4

While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3.00 a week. Terms and conditions apply.