Easts upset favourites Medowie Marauders 18-17 at Newcastle’s No 2 Sportsground. Photo: Supplied by Medowie Rugby.

MEDOWIE Marauders Rugby Club were the sentimental favourites to bring home this year’s Hunter Suburban Rugby B Grade Patrons Shield trophy.

After wrapping up the minor title and storming into the premiership decider with their enterprising brand, Hayden Thompson’s spirited Marauders looked bang on track for a championship double.

But underdogs Easts spoilt the party when they pulled off an upset 18-17 victory over Medowie in a grand-final classic at Newcastle’s No 2 Sportsground.

A late try by winger Tommy Ingram sealed the deal for Easts after the Marauders looked poised to lift the Shield with a 17-13 advantage in the dying moments.

Earlier the Medowie team established a 10-0 lead with a converted try by fullback Jacob Montgomery and penalty goal by fearless forward Eric Tolhurst.

Easts hit back with a try by winger Ben Saunders that was converted by fly half Jack Duffield before the number 10 levelled the scores with a penalty goal after 27 minutes.

The valuable Duffield edged Easts ahead 13-10 with a second penalty goal in the 59th minute but the lead was short-lived after strong-running forward Adam Beehag crossed for a converted try soon after to give the Marauders a four-point lead.

But Ingram’s match-winning try ripped the heart out of the Marauders in a dramatic finish.

With nine wins from 14 fixtures in 2026 the Medowie club can be proud of a wonderful achievement in Hunter Suburban Rugby.

The Marauders’ hard-working forward pack led by Tolhurst, props Beehag, Mitch Powell, Daniel Collins and Mitchell Goodman, hooker Jake Lightbody, second rowers Stephen Smith, Jonathon Abel, flankers Dwayne Fleming, Ned Twelvetree and Shannon Goodman, skipper Tom Mildren, number 8 James Foster and utility Carl Newson provided the spadework up front with strong performances in the ‘engine room’ this season.

This enabled the Marauders’ sharp backline to create havoc out wide with slick service from talented halves Daniel Murphy, Brayden Braley and Jayden Newson, allowing fullbacks Montgomery and Nick Morgan, wingers Brody Morley, Jack Fleming, Oliver Stokes, centres Thompson, Bryan Lutelu and Harley Stevenson to stamp their mark.

Other players that bolstered the Medowie squad this season include Luke Hogarth, Alex Holbert, Tim Crowther, Qwayde Cole and Will Brown.

By Chris KARAS