The triumphant Lennox Head Trojans Rugby Club took out the First Grade premiership against Wollongbar-Alstonville Pioneers at Crozier Park in Lismore on Saturday, and are reigning premiers for a historic fifth consecutive season.
In a tenacious defensive performance against a well-drilled Wollongbar onslaught, and with tries to Kalib Cupples and Jeff Wilson, the Trojans held out to win 17–10 in front of a well-travelled green army of enthusiastic Trojan supporters.
Just one day earlier, the Trojan Under-12s had their first taste of premiership glory when they defeated Lismore 31–5 at Crozier Park; and two hours later the Under-14s won the premiership with a victory over the Brunswick Valley ‘Billygoats’ with a score of 17–13.
On 14 September, the Trojan Under-13s added the major premiership to their minor premiership and undefeated status after defeating Wollongbar Pioneers 59–5 at Crozier Park and the Under-15s bought the premiership home to Lennox with a 19–12 victory, also against Wollongbar.
‘The Trojans have successfully achieved five premierships from five grand finals. This is one for the ages – put simply it’s an historic achievement. We are immensely proud of all the players, and we congratulate them on their efforts and the success that this has brought them,’ said club president, John Bungate.
‘Seven years ago we entered a team in the First Grade competition and were hammered. We were the easy beats, winning only one game by one point,’ he said.
‘Our seniors have been displaying solid performances all season, but for a while there it looked as though we may not book a grand final berth, so to come away with the premiership once again, and for a fifth straight time, is a mighty achievement,’ he said.
‘A five-from-five result like this does more than reflect on the talent and commitment of our players. It also demonstrates the dedication of our coaching staff, our support crew and all the parents and volunteers who work hard behind the scenes to ensure a seamless and cohesive effort come game day.
‘Lennox may not be a big place, but it has plenty of heart and tenacity, and it is these qualities that set us apart and make us so competitive on the rugby pitch.
‘Most people like to paint the town red after a big win, but at Lennox we do things a bit differently and we will be painting the town Trojan green.
‘We are overwhelmed with the talent coming through in our junior ranks, and so pleased to see so many of our juniors experiencing the thrill of a grand final victory.’
