NELSON Bay Rugby iron man Sam Rocher celebrated a career milestone in style in the Hunter Suburban Men’s first grade rugby competition.
In his 100th game, the industrious flanker turned in a masterclass performance to help the Gropers post an emphatic 69-0 victory over Medowie at Bill Strong Oval.
A rampant Rocher led the way with his bullocking runs, bone jarring defence and smart lineout play, as Nelson Bay chalked up their first win of the 2025 season.
The inspirational skipper was rewarded with a try – one of 11 five pointers notched by the Gropers in the Port Stephens local derby fixture.
Playmakers Jake Langsford and Khace Petera, and flanker Jordan Byfield, each snared try doubles with back rower Lewis Affleck, number eight Hamish Bartlett, front rower George Fielder and fullback Will Dunn also crossing for tries against the courageous Marauders.
Nelson Bay forward Ryan Marshall booted six goals and stalwart centre Michael Hotene a lone conversion in the club’s rousing victory.
Earlier in the day the Gropers Under 18s team proved too slick for Southern Beaches in a 55-5 triumph – running in nine tries in a dominant display.
Talented five eighth Nash Campbell nabbed a try double with half back Bastiaan Osborne-Zorbas, Mitchell Irving, Liam Pietraszek, Hudson Plympton and number eight Des Thompson also among the try scorers.
Forward Mitchell White booted three conversions and utility Raumanuka Takarua and Pietraszek scored one apiece.
Merewether Carlton defeated Nelson Bay 25-12 in the Women’s fixture to maintain their undefeated status after three rounds.
In a hard fought tussle, the Greens led 10-nil at the half time interval following tries by five eighth Ellie Dark and winger Kristyanne Cooper.
The Gropers hit back with two tries by gun centre Tash Harris and a Chloe Zdebski conversion before the Greens finished strongly with five pointers to half back Peta Salter, centre Carissa Wendt and fullback Kasey Gaukroger.
Nelson Bay were best served by Harris, number eight Kiara Naicoko and hard working flanker Sophie Lembcke.
By Chris KARAS
