Heading into the final cluster in Cairns, both the Claws and United sat level on top of the standings and the situation was unchanged after Saturday's round of matches with both teams winning their two fixtures against the Mackay Monarchs and Far North Flames.
That meant Sunday's clash between the two title challengers effectively became a winner-takes-all contest and it was the Claws who emerged with the title after a 53-50 success.
The final result reflected a campaign where very little separated both clubs and it wasn't until the Claws went on a match-winning 9-1 run in the fourth quarter that the championship was decided.
Claws' goal attack Annie Lawrie was named Ruby North MVP after the match to cap off a great season for the Rockhampton-based club while
The three-point win meant the Claws finished top of the Ruby North standings with 38 points from their 12 matches, just four points ahead of United who came second with an eight-win, three-loss and one-draw record from their campaign.
Weekend hosts the Flames ended their campaign on a high note having pushed both the Claws and United in their Saturday fixtures, defeating the Mackay Monarchs in Sunday's final game 82-29.
It was a disappointing end to a tough season for defending premiers Mackay, who finished fourth on the ladder having secured just one win in 2026.
