One of Tasmanian rugby’s longest droughts is over after Eastern Suburbs ended their 2100-day TRU losing streak with a 37-29 win over University.
Until last Saturday, the Roosters men hadn’t tasted victory since their last grand final win – way back on August 17, 2019.
But Easts weren’t to be denied this time, running in seven tries to five with winger Caiden Bryan (three tries) and Jordan Spinks (two tries) playing key roles in an eight-point thriller at University Oval.
“It was like a grand final for us,” Roosters president Kristi Leitch said.
“It’s been 2100 days since that last win in 2019 and we had the majority of that team all retire after that, so it’s been a huge battle rebuilding the club.
“We’ll still struggle at times this year and we’re still actively recruiting players but that morale boost for the boys has been amazing.”
Leitch paid special tribute to skipper Matthew Sproule, who was at the heart of Easts’ drought-breaking win, and encouraged new players to join the Roosters in 2025 under coach Chris Barr.
“The boys were amazing but that win was 100 per cent driven by captain Matthew Sproule, he was the driving force on the day. He didn’t give up, kept putting his body on the line, and coach Chris never gave up either - gave them a good gee-up at half time too.
“They've been amazing in their roles … and to see all our players and supporters celebrate at full time was really special.
"Getting that win is part of the five-year plan we're working on to keep building the club and we're always looking for new players."
In other TRU Men's results, Launceston 1 and Taroona remain the only unbeaten sides after two weeks with bonus points wins over Hobart Lions (78-14) and Hobart Harlequins (47-22) respectively.
Meanwhile Glenorchy and Launceston 2 opened their win columns for 2025 with the Tigers' 63-13 win over Burnie preceding the Stags' 35-17 victory over Devonport.
The women's competition also kicked off across the state with Glenorchy and Taroona setting the tone with strong wins at home.
Does powerhouse Georgia Sproule ran in five tries during Glenorchy's 76-24 victory over Burnie before Taroona's Vivi Hokkinen went one better with six tries in the Penguins' 126-5 defeat of Harlequins.
Saturday May 17 marked the return of state-wide U16s and U18s action with Taroona and Bulls firing early. The Penguins U18s racked up 12 tries in a 74-0 win over Tigers in Hobart while the Bulls U18s held out for a 40-17 win over Hutchins in Devonport.
Hutchins didn't leave Round 1 emptyhanded though with their U16s producing a 94-22 win over the Bulls before Eastern Stags U16 ran out 30-5 victors over Taroona at Rugby Park.
