Gropers outclass Heelers to stay in Hunter Rugby top four

DEPTH of talent is a key element for sporting clubs when formulating a playing roster.

For young Nelson Bay rugby playmaker Kade Redmond, it has been a chance to nail down the number nine jumper with his beloved Gropers in this year’s Hunter Suburban Men’s Rugby competition.

Despite an embarrassment of halfback riches at the club this season, the mercurial Redmond grabbed his opportunities in the top grade with skilful displays in the Presidents Cup series.

Redmond’s speed off the mark, slick service to his outside backs and sound kicking game have been a feature of the Gropers’ bright early season form that has the club entrenched in the top four.

The quicksilver half was best on ground in Nelson Bay’s emphatic 43-24 win over Muswellbrook Heelers at Highbrook Park last Saturday – inspiring team mates with his darting runs, scrambling defence and organisational skills in a top class performance.

Crafty Kade hails from good rugby league stock.

He is the son of Nelson Bay Bomboras legend Craig Redmond, a fearless prop forward who built a reputation for his bustling runs and bone jarring defence in the local league.

Kade and elder brother Jake, a former talented centre, played rugby league during their junior days before joining the Gropers and forcing their way into the top grade.

Nelson Bay fought tooth and nail before overpowering the Heelers on their home turf.

Riddled with injuries, the depleted Gropers produced a Herculean defensive effort to tame the giant Muswellbrook forward pack, led by powerhouse prop Harry Hobsen.

The Gropers lost rookie prop Eddie Du Vos with a back injury early in the match but opened the scoring when Redmond dashed over for a scintillating solo try after a huge clearing kick by fullback Will Clark.

Flanker Ryan Marshall booted the first of his four conversions before the Heelers hit back with tries by fullback Scott Wilson and the strong running Hobsen.

With Redmond combining brilliantly with fly half Khace Petera, the Gropers spun into action enabling centres Michael Hotene and Mitch Affleck to create havoc out wide.

Nelson Bay led 19-17 at the half time interval and piled on another four tries in the second stanza through speedy wingers Brayden McMaster and Jake Langsford, flanker Jordan Byfield and hooker Ollie Edwards.

Tireless number eight and team captain Adam Edwards proved a tower of strength for the Gropers along with locks Rona O’Connell and Lewis Affleck, young prop Jake Affleck, hooker Edwards, try scoring machine Jordan Byfield and fullback Clark with his clearing kicks and power running.

Hunter Women’s

In the Hunter Women’s series, Newcastle University finished strongly to slam the Gropers 20-7.

University led 5-0 at the break before stamping their mark.

Classy winger Tanya Jones scored Nelson Bay’s lone try, which was converted by talented fly half and Players’ Player award recipient Tash Harris.

Other players to impress were hard working number eight Sierra Nowlan and hooker Jessica Beam.

Nelson Bay men have a tough task against Singleton Red Bulls this Saturday at Rugby Park at 3pm, while the women clash with the Wanderers at Medowie’s Boyd Oval.

By Chris KARAS