Undermanned Nelson Bay Gropers show grit and spirit during 33-8 loss to Scone

NELSON Bay first grade rugby team have experienced one of their most courageous ever losses in the Hunter Suburban Rugby Presidents Cup series.     

Having 14 top grade players unavailable for last weekend’s clash with Scone Brumbies at Scone Rugby Park due to work and family commitments, the Gropers were brave and sturdy in a 33-8 loss to the reigning premiers.

On paper the scoreline reflected a one-sided result.

However, the match was quite the opposite with a gutsy undermanned Nelson Bay side having the better of the first and last ten minutes of the match.

It was a stout-hearted  team effort from the gallant Gropers who showed true courage and grit in the Upper Hunter against a well disciplined Scone outfit.

Nelson Bay dominated the early phases with crisp passing between backs and forwards that enabled them to camp in the Brumbies quarter.

Leading the way were the powerful back row of flankers Ronan O’Çonnell and Hayden Wilson and number 8 Mitch Workman, who tore into the Brumbies forwards through well rehearsed forward moves.

The tough tackling O’Connell was best on ground and a tower of strength with his bullocking runs and tremendous work rate.

Having his first run on start for the season, rugged centre Keanu Offen was rock solid in defence and made several strong runs in a fine display.

Gropers fullback Liam Pietrasek opened the scoring with an early penalty goal before locks Tariq Hall and John Lundie and props Nathan McLeay and Jake Affleck made huge inroads with strong performances in the ‘engine room.’

Nelson Bay halves Kade Redmond and Will Clark created opportunities with their darting runs and clever passing before the match turned on a dime.

The Brumbies forwards began to rumble and take control as both packs ripped into each other in a classic contest.

Scone spun the ball wide with winger Henry Orton grabbing a try double to establish a 12-3 lead at the break and added another three in the second stanza to secure valuable competition points.

The Gropers scrum remained solid and had the better of the set pieces throughout the match while the  lineouts were also a strong point for the Bay with the high flying Hall and  number 8 Workman prominent.

Scone’s solid defensive structure enabled the home side to force turnovers and gain field position and put pressure on the Gropers’ slick backline.

Returning from injury, rugged lock Jarrod Zuvela took the field and had an immediate impact with his trademark defence.

Rather than roll over at a 33-3 scoreline, it seemed to galvanise the Gropers who put aside the fatigue factor and dug deep  – posting their only try when Brayden McMaster scooted over in the corner.

This Saturday the Gropers continue their road trip up the valley to play ladder leaders Singleton Bulls in Presidents Cup action at Rugby Park with kick off at 3.30pm.

By Chris KARAS