Rutherford boasted an impenetrable defensive line, conceding not one point in any of their four matches.

Despite some strong opposition from Metford in the final, Rutherford ran in two length-of-the-field tries in the first half to take the score to 8-0 at the break.

They sealed the deal after the break, pushing the deficit out to 20-0 by full time. Rutherford Primary School’s Mike Dawson said he was struck by the well-developed skills of his side.

“We have a crop of kids who play with really developed skills,” Dawson said.

“They displayed a reasonably organised defence, coupled with a good variety in their attack.

“They looked like a pretty formidable unit.”

Metford Public School, who felt the full brunt of that formidable unit, won through to the final in spectacular fashion, beating Rutherford’s “B” side.

Metford Primary School’s sports co-ordinator Phil Tilden said his side was very competitive considering a good part of the team had switched codes for the tournament.

“Our team had about 10 soccer players in it. It’s not easy for a team of soccer players to just go and play rugby league.

“The final was a really tough affair, Rutherford had a really good side and we were really competitive,” Tilden said.

While the Maitland Pickers are still striving to re-enter the Newcastle Rugby League at the senior level, if Tuesday’s final is anything to go by its executives can take comfort in a healthy support stream.

Public schools that entered the competition included Beresfield, Thornton, Ashtonfield, Metford, Rutherford, Telarah and Maitland, making for a competitive 2008 event.