A RETURN to his junior roots has rekindled the rugby career of Nelson Bay Gropers fullback sensation Will Clark.
The dashing custodian demonstrated his value in the Hunter Suburban Men’s Rugby competition with a best on ground performance in the Gropers’ resounding 56-12 victory over Singleton Black Bulls on a rain-sodden Bill Strong Oval last weekend.
In front of the vocal crowd for Memorial Old Players Day, the elusive Clark produced a solo four try display that mesmerised the Bulls and left local supporters craving more.
The versatile 20-year-old showed his attacking skills as Nelson Bay outclassed their rivals in an eight try romp to consolidate fourth spot on the premiership ladder.
Strong running flanker Jordan Byfield capped a powerhouse performance with a hat trick of tries while winger Jake Langsford completed the rout with a determined five pointer.
Nelson Bay’s ball playing centre Sam Ingham menaced the Bulls with his silky passing out wide, combining with the dynamic Clark to spark many an attacking raid.
Clark proved unstoppable as he burst into the backline and showed his speed and class to help the Gropers post their third win from five matches, despite the dismal conditions.
A local junior, Clark featured in the Gropers’ Premier Three team as a gun utility back before spending the last two seasons with the Hunter Wildfires Colts team in the NSW Shute Shield.
Returning from injury, Clark pounced on the ball from a chip kick and scooted over for the opening try of the match with flanker Ryan Marshall converting before adding a penalty goal.
Slick passing from centres Ingham and Michael Hotene resulted in a try for the fleet footed Langsford before a rampant Clark burst through to score his second try under the posts and establish a 25-0 lead at the interval.
Three second half tries by Jordan Byfield and a Clark double rammed home the Gropers advantage.
Young Nelson Bay props Jake Affleck and Eddie Du Vos upstaged the bigger Singleton forward pack with strong games and were supported by veteran number eight and skipper Adam Edwards, lock Sam Rocher, rookie hooker Oliver Edwards, the Byfield brothers Riley and Jordan as well as Lewis and Mitch Affleck.
With half back Kade Redmond and fly half Khace Petera calling the shots, the Nelson Bay backs ran amok with Clark, wingers Langsford and Danny Arnfield, Ingham and Hotene proving too sharp on the muddy surface.
Maitland Blacks Women’s team grabbed a last gasp try to snatch a 24-19 win over Nelson Bay under lights.
In trying conditions, the Gropers held a narrow lead before conceding a converted try on the bell in a gripping tussle.
Talented flanker Sophie Lembke earned the Players’ Player award for her outstanding performance with support from classy winger Tanya Jones, fly half Tash Harris and fullback Emjay Walters.
Nelson Bay men’s team take on the Muswellbrook Heelers this Saturday at Highbrook Park at 3pm while the women square off with Newcastle University at Bernie Curren Oval at 11.50am.
By Chris KARAS
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