RAYMOND Terrace Roosters Junior Rugby League Club have achieved a unique premiership “three-peat” in the Hunter Junior League.
Daryn Pirini’s talented Under 16 Roosters outfit were crowned Division One Boys champions for 2025 after thumping Aberdeen Tigers 40-8 in a rescheduled Grand Final tussle last Saturday at Keith Barry Oval.
In doing so, the Raymond Terrace young guns chalked up a third consecutive title after previous premiership triumphs in the Under 14 and Under 15 age divisions these past three seasons.
After knocking out undefeated minor premiers and championship favourites Valentine Red Devils in a classic preliminary final back on August 16, the Roosters timed their title charge to perfection with a powerhouse display in the trophy decider.
It was a premiership three-peat to savour for the strong-finishing Roosters as they unleashed a superb team performance to outclass the Tigers in a seven try romp.
Emerging centre Johnathon-Lee Doyle and impact second rower Oliver Lawrence bagged try doubles for Raymond Terrace, who jumped to a 22-4 lead following first half four pointers by smart hooker Kayde Handsaker, promising five eighth Charlie Burey and the sharp-running Doyle.
The Roosters’ mobile forward pack laid the foundations for victory with strong performances from props Charlie McFadyen and Darren Vaggs, back rowers Lawrence and Joseph Pfeifer, tireless lock Jesse Sepos and interchange players Zac O’Neill, Xzavier Charlie, Latrell Aranas, Declan Halliday and Bailey Harrison.
Just as impressive were the slick Raymond Terrace back division spearheaded by the elusive Doyle, skilful halves Burey and Ryan Piatraszek, dashing fullback Rhyder Pirini, centre Talon McLennan and capable wingers Brock Bailey and Nathaniel Curry.
Pirini booted five conversions and McFadyen a token goal to ice a resounding title triumph.
For coach Pirini and his charges the premiership three-peat is the culmination of three years of hard work and commitment and honing natural skills after finishing the regular season in third spot on the competition table.
While the Under 16 Boys were celebrating glory there was no joy for the Roosters’ Under 16 women’s tackle and Under 15 Division Three Boys teams after tasting defeat in their respective Grand Finals.
The all conquering South Newcastle Lions edged out the Roosters 26-22 in a crackerjack contest to remain undefeated and clinch the Under 16 Division One women’s tackle premiership.
Boom centre Zali Paton scored a try and three goals to cap a stand out performance for the Lions with fullback Molly Fitzhenry, centre Zoe Figallo, lock Jarrah Young and five-eighth Layla Collins also crossing for the well-drilled Souths lineup.
Talented Roosters second rower Sienna Brumby notched two of her side’s four tries with classy five-eighth Indiana Scully and hooker Ella Johnson also posting four pointers and half-back Sybella Pike booting three conversions.
Dudley Redhead downed Raymond Terrace 16-10 to snare the Under 15 Division Three Boys trophy.
By Chris KARAS
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