Scone raise title hopes with big win over Nelson Bay Gropers

SCONE Brumbies are on the premiership prowl in the Hunter Suburban Men’s Rugby competition.

The runaway leaders sounded an ominous warning to their rivals that they are the team to beat for this year’s title honours, after slamming genuine contenders Nelson Bay 43-12 last Saturday at the Scone Rugby Club grounds.

In front of a boisterous crowd, the Brumbies turned on the style against a jaded and depleted Gropers lineup that turned in a lacklustre performance in the top of the table clash.

For the Nelson Bay contingent it was great to escape the coastal rain for the sunshine and green rolling hills of the Upper Hunter but the long bus trip and early arrival at the ground took its toll on the players.

It was the Gropers’ heaviest loss for many a season and dented the club’s top two finals hopes.

The Scone team produced a fast-paced game and had the flat Gropers on the back foot through their heavyweight forward pack and slick backline spearheaded by ace fullback Darcy Moore.

There was no stopping the Brumbies as they jumped to an early 14-0 lead before Nelson Bay rallied with powerhouse displays from flanker Lewis Affleck and inspirational skipper and lock Adam Edwards, who picked up the Players’ Player award.

With momentum changing, prop Riley Byfield charged onto a ball and split the defence to go on a 40m bullocking run that led to the Bay’s opening try by winger Jake Langsford.

With the Gropers under pressure, flyhalf Khace Petera used his kicking game to turn back Scone raids and get good field position while classy fullback Sam Mitchell made an impact with his step and pace.

Scone zoomed to a 21-5 lead after the elusive Moore scooted over for a second try before the Gropers pack began to make inroads with hooker Oliver Edwards and number eight Freeman Kerapa leading the way.

A barnstorming run from Affleck saw him burst through the middle of the Brumbies forwards and then offload to ever reliable flanker Sam Rocher who backed up to score under the posts.

Scone added a fourth try to lead 28-12 at halftime, then increased the margin to 19 points with a Moore penalty goal in the early stages of the second half.

Nelson Bay coach Zion Takarua injected fresh legs into the contest off the bench, with Brayden McMaster playing strongly on the wing and dynamo forwards Mitch Affleck, Jarrod Zuvela, Liam Keating and Hayden Wilson leaving their mark.

But the Brumbies finished strongly with two converted tries to seal a decisive victory.

As a result of the loss, the Gropers slipped from third to fourth with one preliminary round fixture to be completed this Saturday against the Pokolbin Reds at Bill Strong Oval.

In the women’s clash, Scone defeated an understrength Nelson Bay outfit 28-0 to mark the club’s Ladies Day.

With reduced numbers, the Gropers showed great spirit to put on a competitive display.

Nelson Bay will celebrate Juniors and Seniors Sponsors Day this Saturday at Bill Strong Oval for the final round of the season.

The day kicks off at 1.30pm with a Juniors fixture followed by the men’s team hosting Pokolbin Reds at 3pm and the women’s clash against the Wanderers at 4.30pm.

By Chris KARAS