Nelson Bay blitz Medowie 36-0 in Hunter Suburban Rugby local derby

MEDOWIE rugby stalwart Sam Holbert has achieved a special milestone in the Hunter Suburban Men’s competition.

The veteran prop chalked up his 250th game last Saturday in the 36-0 local derby loss to Nelson Bay at Boyd Oval, turning in his customary wholehearted display in the muddy conditions.

Spearheaded by dashing utility back Will Clark and strong performances from sibling locks Lewis and Mitch Affleck, and ex-Marauders flanker Ryan Marshall, the Gropers proved too slick for their rivals – running in six tries to post their fifth win of the season.

Switching to centre, the elusive Clark sparked the Gropers back division with his sharp bursts from midfield and capped an outstanding performance with a try double.

With the experienced Holbert leading the way, the Medowie side made life difficult early for the Gropers forward pack – winning several contested ruck balls to spoil their rivals’ attacking plans.

Classy halfback Kade Redmond opened the try scoring after a darting run from the scrum base.

It was converted by Marshall before returning fullback Will Dunn chimed into the backline off a deft Michael Hotene pass to nab a five pointer.

Emerging hooker Ollie Edwards was rewarded for his non-stop performance with a try out wide to give the Gropers a 17-0 lead at the interval.

The talented Clark was in the thick of the action after the break as he burst through the Medowie defence to score twice before winger Cody Ross, in his comeback match after an injury spell, scorched downfield to register the Gropers’ final try.

Led by veteran skipper Adam Edwards, the tough tackling Marshall, and brothers Lewis and Mitch Affleck (combining at lock for the first time this year), the Gropers proved too strong up front.

Just as impressive were the young Nelson Bay front row of Riley Byfield, Ollie Edwards, Eddie Du Vos and Hayden Wilson (playing his first game of the season), along with flanker Cooper Stone.

Young flanker Keanu Offen showed promise with a good turn of speed and punishing defence in his first game in two years while wingers Dan Arnfield and Jake Langsford made several long range runs.

Elsewhere, Maitland Blacks outclassed Nelson Bay women 55-7 in a lopsided contest at Marcellin Park.

Classy number eight and Players’ Player Sierra Nowlan capped a powerful game for the Gropers with a well-deserved try converted by sharp shooter fly-half Tash Harris.

She was supported by sister Leah Nowlan, who tried hard to lift the team at halfback.

Nelson Bay host premiership pacesetters Cooks Hill Brown Snakes this Saturday in a blockbuster Indigenous Round clash at Bill Strong Oval at 3pm, followed by the women’s showdown between the Gropers and Cooks Hill at 4.30pm.

By Chris KARAS