Now they have a Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League B-grade premiership to their name after taking out the grand final with a 34-26 win over the Tea Gardens Hawks at Kurri on Saturday.

Cutters secretary Brett McLen­nan said the idea was born at an NRL grand final barbecue last year, when a few of the boys decided they would like to get back onto the paddock and play just for fun.

They recruited a side boasting five players from the Cessnock Goannas most recent premiership-winning side (2003) and several other well-known local faces – mostly aged in their thirties.

The Cutters finished fifth on the ladder in the regular season and played sudden-death footy every week to qualify for the decider.

“(Saturday) was great day for us and I’m just proud for everyone who bought into the concept and for who was involved throughout the year,” McLennan said.

In front of terrific grand final crowd featuring a great turnout of black-and-gold faithful, the Cutters wanted their 2014 season to end one way.

They were under pressure early, but through good defence were able to repel the Hawks’ attack on several raids before opening the scoring with David Greenup crossing next to the posts and Wal Hickling converting for a 6-0 lead.

The Hawks continued with their attacking play and soon scored to bring the margin to 6-4 before the Cutters attack took over.

With another four-pointer to Greenup and tries Mick Deacon and Jordan Hammond, Cessnock went to the break leading 22-4.

In the second half the Hawks were determined to grind back into the contest and they soon opened the scoring to close the deficit to 12.

The Cutters went out to a 28-10 lead after crowd favourite Hickling pounced on a kick, scoring out wide before crashing into the fence signage, before the Hawks scored again.

With the Cutters leading 28-16 the crowd witnessed a superb 60-metre solo try to fullback Hammond, who attacked a short kick from the Hawks and raced away to give the Cutters a 34-16 lead.

The Hawks never gave up and scored two late tries, but it was the Cutters’ day with a controlled performance.

Hammond received the man-of-the-match award from the Newcastle Hunter Rugby League while the Cutters players’ player went to captain Warren Kirk and the coach’s award to Kevin Picton.

Cutters coach Geoff Pyne only just missed out on the coach of the year award for the NHRL competition, playing second from 32 coaches across the four grades.

McLennan said the Cutters want to thank John, Barbara and Kim Munro for their time, support and hospitality to our players through the year and even more so through our finals campaign, and their sponsors, volunteers, supporters, players and families for their efforts and support throughout this premiership-winning season.

Their presentation night will be held at Peden’s Hotel on October 25 (further details will be available on the Cutters Facebook page).

Due to the restructure of the Newcastle Rugby League competition for next season (which will see the return of the Open Age grade), a decision on the Cutters continuing into 2015 has not been made.

Anyone with inquiries on this matter can contact Brett McLennan by emailing cccrlfc@outlook.com.

The Cutters wish Steve Kidd and the Cessnock Goannas all the best in their grand final against Wests this Sunday.