If ever there was a time for the Raymond Terrace Bowling Club to claim its inaugural TAB Platinum Pennant, it’s now.
The local outfit, known as the Jets, will contest the finals of the prestigious “best of the best” series on their home turf this weekend.
In fact, Raymond Terrace – skipped by three highly-regarded Australian champions in Lee Schraner, Jay Bye-Norris and Matt Baus – is the only undefeated side after 11 rounds of the state competition.
The minor premiers finished 14.5 points clear of the second-placed Warilla Gorillas with the St Johns Park Saints in third.
Wrapping up the final two spots were the Cabramatta Bullants and Wenty Leagues Magpies.
Other local participants – Charlestown Tigers, Soldiers Point Soldiers and East Maitland Griffins – ended their respective campaigns in seventh, ninth and 11th.
However, the Jets are in good hands, according to Baus, a national rep and multi-titleholder.
“We’ve assembled a strong squad,” he said.
“Lee’s a two-time winner of the World Champion of Champions Singles.
“And, it’s something he may soon share with Jay.
“He’s on the same path to success after capturing the NSW Champion of Champions Singles just last week.
“But, everyone who’s represented Raymond Terrace deserves credit for putting us in this position.
“The Jets have been one of the Platinum Pennant’s top contenders for the previous two years.
“Cabramatta captured season one and Merrylands prevailed in 2025.
“So, it would be great to follow in their footsteps and lift the trophy.”
Another factor in the Jets’ favour is “The Hangar”.
“That’s our home green, which is fast and wide,” Baus said.
“And, it’s proved a Colosseum for visiting teams.
“More often than not, we’re backed by a vociferous Raymond Terrace crowd that packs the balconies and every vantage point.
“We’re expecting something similar on Saturday and Sunday.”
TAB Platinum Pennant
(Raymond Terrace Bowling Club)
Saturday 11 April
- 12.45pm: Qualifying final – Warilla v St Johns Park
- 12.45pm: Elimination final – Cabramatta v Wenty Leagues
- 6pm: Major semi-final – Raymond Terrace v winner of Warilla/St Johns Park
- 6pm: Minor semi-final – loser of Warilla/St Johns Park v winner of Cabramatta/Wenty Leagues
Sunday 12 April
- 10am: Preliminary final
- 3pm: Grand final
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