The Western Force have ended a 13-game losing streak after grinding out a 13-5 win over the Rebels in their Super W clash in Melbourne.
The Force's last victory in the competition came back in 2019, also against the Rebels at AAMI Park, and skipper Trilleen Pomare said it was a relief to break the drought.
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"It's good to finally get a W on the board," the centre told Stan Sport.
"We made it hard for ourselves but a win's a win.
"It's a feeling we don't know so we've got to learn to win and string together some consistent performances, so this is the start of it."
In greasy conditions with intermittent showers, tries proved tough to come by for both teams.
After a penalty gave the visitors a 3-0 lead, Force winger Martha Mataele extended it by five when she bumped off several Rebels defenders to cross in the 33rd minute.
Hunting their first win of the season, Melbourne kept toiling away in the second half but looked to have blown a golden opportunity when No.8 Utumalefata To'omalatai Eli knocked on at the back of a five metre scrum.
They were rewarded soon after when five-eighth Chanelle Kohika-Skipper put a kick through into the in-goal and winger Kerri Johnson won the race to the ball.
The No.10 was unable to convert from out wide, leaving her side trailing 5-8 with 15 minutes remaining.
The fierce battle continued but the Force put the result out of doubt when they mauled the ball over the line.
Reserve hooker Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke came up with the match-winner, allowing her side to enjoy long-awaited celebrations.
Melbourne captain Ash Marsters said her team were unable to make the most of their chances.
"I think we left a few crucial points on the field," the Wallaroos hooker said.
"We have to rebuild from that one."
