It has been 13 years in the making and a group of local juniors delivered the Raymond Terrace Magpies the club’s first senior major premiership since 2001.
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The Magpies, who had lost previous grand finals between 2010 and 2012, finally became champions when they defeated minor premiers Waratah Mayfield 18-12 in the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby
League C-grade decider at Kurri Sportsground on Saturday.
It was a fitting reward for the committed group of Terrace clubman based on their loyalty and grand final performance, according to Magpies president Jamie Douglas.
“It was a fantastic day for the club and good for the boys to get a grand final win under their belts,” he said.
“They played exceptionally well in a hard game of football, both sides put their bodies on the line.”
The Magpies led from start to finish and two first-half tries gave them an 8-6 lead at the main break, which was extended after a neck injury to Raymond Terrace reserve Ben Sharkey.
Sharkey was taken to hospital but later cleared of any major damage and released that afternoon in a neck brace.
Early in the second half the Magpies increased their advantage to 14-6, but the Cheetahs scored a converted try and reduced the margin back to two, setting up a thrilling finale.
Raymond Terrace skipper and player of the final Josh Urquhart then sealed the win when the hooker crossed for the match-winning four-pointer.
“We have been waiting a couple of years for this after a couple of grand final losses,” Urquhart said.
“It was good to finally have that winning feeling.”
Other scorers for Raymond Terrace included a double to winger Pat Maloney, a single for centre Hayden McFadden and a conversion to second-rower Barry Kennewell.
The Cheetahs points went mainly to five-eighth Warren Towers with a try and two goals while No.9 Lucas Gordon also crossed.
In the other all age grand finals played at Kurri Sportsground on Saturday the Cessnock Cutters claimed the title in B-grade with a 34-26 victory against Tea Gardens, Cardiff overcame Windale 24-20 in a tight A-grade contest while Karuah were upstaged 25-18 by Williamtown.
RAYMOND TERRACE 18 (Pat Maloney 2, Hayden McFadden, Josh Urquhart tries; Barry Kennewell goal) defeated WARATAH MAYFIELD 12 (Warren Towers, Lucas Gordon tries; Towers 2 goals).
