The smallest town in the elite Peter McDonald Premiership Nyngan came out in big numbers to take the powerful Dubbo Macquarie Raiders chasing a second title and fan numbers appeared to favour the Tigers in its quest for a second trophy .

Nyngan won the Under 18s in 2022 but Reserve Grade would be harder.

In a true display of Western Plains love and community half the Apex Oval's grandstand was full of Nyngan, Bourke and Cobar fans, out numbering Macquarie fans.

Children painted their faces black and yellow as the Nyngan Tigers ran out , fans told the Western Plains they had faith in their side who had been running hot.

''Go Tigers you can do it.'' they cheered.

Once on ground the Tigers showed they were up for the biggest dance.

Running strongly and with a big head wind, on 6 minutes tall timber Cale Dunn broke the Raiders defence and powered to the line.

It was a major advance stunning the opposition.

He was over the line soon after again sending Nyngan fans into raptures , Macquarie did hit back but it was 10–4 Tigers at half time.

Nyngan, through man of the match, Keenan Ellwood scored again after the Raiders had moved closer but from there on in the Tigers held on valiantly and the 2025 trophy was theirs.

Fans and supporters swamped Apex Oval the 16-8 win was built on a strong attack and robust defence.

Captain Coach Troy Evans who had just returned to play 2 weeks ago came back to add strength to the forwards but took no credit instead awarding his home with all the glory.

He told the Western Plains App, "Our team played wonderfully but this was about the community, our supporters got us here.''

Captain Coach Troy Evans takes his side to honour fans. [PHOTOS: Farren Hotham]

Dual try scorer Cale Dunn said his team was inspiring .

''I got some luck and took that and just grabbed the chances, this about all those fans and the sponsors, our players whole of community.''

Five eighth Matthew Sheather the Reserve Grade Best and Fairest of the Year of all teams said ''I don't care about that award I would give that back to win for our community."

"I said that we had one more trophy to win and we did that.''

The cheering and adoration continued as Troy Evans took his team to the section of the grandstand where his fans stood to acknowledge the champions.

Tears of joy flowed and this was one for the small town heroes.

Goannas' turn

Off the back of high emotions the Wiradjuri Goannas met the unbeaten Mudgee but like Nyngan the Womens Tackle Premiership was about to take a major turn.

Mudgee were shocked by the strength of a side made up of players from Narromine, Nyngan, Forbes, Walgett and Dubbo.

Sienna Sullivan snared a double and Mai Waike also surged over but the Dragons fired back to level.

Nyngan's Alanah Hall played 2 matches on the day both ending in losses but she tried hard but couldn't score for Mudgee.

In the last few seconds the Goannas scored to win Sullivan reached over and the referee had trouble deciding to award it and checked with other officials but returned to give the touchdown.

Goanna players jumped for joy this another big victory against the odds and 2025 premiership to boot.

Captain Rebecca Threthowan said her side had produced a win for the ages beating unbeaten Mudgee under tough circumstances.

''These women travel long distances and have really stepped up today they are amazing.''