The Maitland Pickers earned itself a place in the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (NEWRL) history books at the weekend.

The Matt Lantry-coached outfit not only claimed its third consecutive Denton Engineering Cup, via its 24-4 victory over the Central Newcastle Butcher Boys at McDonald Jones Stadium, the side became just the seventh team to secure a hat-trick of titles in the competition’s 115 years.

The Western Suburbs Rosellas achieved the feat three times – from 1980 to 1982, 1997-1999 and 2012-2014.

Maitland (1956-1958), Lakes United Seagulls (1985-87) and Kurri Kurri Bulldogs (1993-1995) each attained that accomplishment, too.

But, unlike their previous two deciders in 2022 and 2023, against the Macquarie Scorpions and South Newcastle Lions, the Pickers were made to work hard for the honours.

Central Newcastle, contesting its first grand final in 61 years, only trailed 6-4 at the break.

However, the Pickers lifted the intensity in the second period to run away with the match.

It was also a fitting way to send off a handful of stalwarts at the club, with skipper Alex Langbridge, prop James Taylor, second-rower Reid Alchin and centre Gary Anderson announcing their departures from the organisation.

After a dour opening stanza, with plenty of big hits, Maitland hit the front in the 20^th minute.

Langbridge and brother Daniel combined for winger Will Nieuwenhuise to cross in the corner. Chad O’Donnell made it 6-0.

The Butcher Boys responded late when Travhon Lemalama plucked the ball out of the air. Logan Radzievic failed to convert, leaving the score 6-4 as they headed into the sheds.

The Pickers struck early when Daniel Langbridge, broke the line and found a rampaging Mitch Cullen in support. He then fired out a pass to Matt Soper-Lawler, who crossed out wide. It remained 10-4 when O’Donnell sent the conversion astray.

Powerhouse forward Jayden Butterfield crashed his way over, with O’Donnell adding the extras for 16-4.

A high shot on Butterfield allowed Maitland to extend the margin to 18-4.

Five-eighth Connor O’Beirne put the icing on the cake with a well-deserved try. O’Donnell raised the flags for 24-4, much to the delight of the defending premiers’ supporters.

In fact, it was a red-letter day for the Pickers on Sunday 29 September, with Maitland knocking over the Lakes United Seagulls in a thrilling 24-22 extra-time reserve grade battle.

The club also picked up the inaugural Oporto Women’s Premiership, accounting for the Seagulls 16-10.

Lakes United had better luck in the under-19s, defeating the Western Suburbs Rosellas 32-12, in a replay of last season’s decider.

• MAITLAND PICKERS 24 (Will Nieuwenhuise, Matt Soper-Lawler, Jayden Butterfield, Connor O’Beirne tries; Chad O’Donnell 4 goals) defeated CENTRAL NEWCASTLE BUTCHER BOYS 4 (Travhon Lemalama try)

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