THEY don’t toil harder than Nelson Bay first-grade rugby lock forward Ronan O’Connell.
In one of his finest performances of the Hunter Suburban season, the tireless number eight inspired the Gropers to an important 29-22 victory over Muswellbrook Heelers last Saturday at Highbrook Park.
The tough-tackling and power-running O’Connell produced a non-stop display as the Nelson Bay side (30 points) celebrated Ladies Day by storming to a hard-fought win in the Presidents A Grade Cup series and move within three points of competition leaders Scone Brumbies (33) and second-placed Singleton Red Bulls (32).
O’Connell was ably supported by strong running centres Marcel Ikinofo and Scott Tristan, who turned in polished performances in both attack and defence.
With a glut of possession from Nelson Bay infringements, the Heelers jumped to an early 10-0 lead with a trademark forwards drive that led to a converted try by number eight Curtis Farrell plus a penalty goal by five eighth Cameron Young.
Riley Byfield replaced injured Irish prop Ciran Murphy and centres Ikinofo and Tristan led the way in a mini Gropers revival with several strong runs and punishing defence.
Muswellbrook capitalised on field position and raced to a 17-0 lead with a try to fullback Logan Copland after another rolling maul.
Classy Nelson Bay halves Jake Langsford and Kade Redmond defied the damp blustery conditions to spin the ball wide to wingers Brayden McMasters and Tom Akbal, who made several long range runs downfield.
With aerial dynamos Sam Rocher, Mitch Workman, Taraq Hall and O’Connell dominating the lineouts with support from back-rower Hayden Wilson, the Gropers began to make inroads.
A yellow card at the 20 minute mark threatened to slow Nelson Bay’s momentum, however, it lifted the team with centre Tristan delivering the tackle of the match to see the ball spill free.
Ever-alert winger Tom Akbal toed the ball through to regather and score under the posts with fullback Liam Pietrasek adding the extras to trail 17-7 at the break.
Nelson Bay coach Rhys Cutbush rallied his team and rolled out fresh legs with hooker Ross Buchan and flanker Zac Summer field taking the field to provide added starch to the forward pack.
Pietrasek drilled low, driving kicks into Heelers territory and bridged the gap to seven points with a penalty goal.
Props Nathan McLeay and Riley Byfield threw everything at the Heelers line but against the run of play Muswellbrook pounced on a dropped ball and rumbled towards the Bay’s line, with Farrell nabbing a second try in the corner for a 22-10 lead.
Coach Cutbush responded by injecting prop Jake Affleck and flanker Ollie Edwards, who lifted the tempo – enabling the dynamic Ikinofo to burst over for a try out wide.
A revved up Summerfield produced his best match for the Gropers since relocating from Hobart and was in everything as the game took a turn.
Defusing a downfield kick, Pietrasek showed his speed and step to evade the cover defence before kicking deep into Muswellbrook territory.
Neat kick chasing by centre Tristan and winger McMasters saw fullback Copland bundled into touch to give the Gropers excellent field position.
Winning the lineout, a strong forwards drive saw inspirational captain Rocher peel off the back of the rolling maul to score under the posts with Pietrasek’s conversion levelling the scores at 22-all.
Edwards, Ikinofo and hooker Buchan combined to drive the ball towards the Heelers line before lock Shane Jarvis tucked the ball under his arm and charged over the line to put the Gropers ahead for the first time in the match.
In difficult conditions, rookie Pietrasek converted from the sideline as the Gropers held on to post a crucial victory.
Muswellbrook hosted a rousing post match presentation with both captains Harry Hobden and Sam Rocher paying tribute to Ladies Day and the sacrifices that their partners and families make.
After six weeks on the road, the Gropers return to Bill Strong Oval this Saturday for a showdown with Scone Brumbies from 3.30pm.
The match will also celebrate the current players’ Partners Day and mark veteran hooker and journeyman Ross Buchan’s 150th appearance for the Gropers.
By Chris KARAS
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