NELSON Bay Gropers’ first grade rugby team is on the Hunter Suburban Presidents Cup A Grade premiership prowl.
After a three-year hiatus, the established Port Stephens-based club is ready to bring the coveted championship trophy back to the region.
In what is shaping as an epic contest, Michael Squires’ hungry Gropers will lock horns with reigning premiers Scone Brumbies in this Saturday’s A Grade Grand Final at Newcastle’s No 2 Sportsground.
Both clubs will resume their fierce rivalry on the biggest stage with the Nelson Bay warriors ready to turn the clock back to 2023 when they last tasted premiership glory.
The galloping Gropers booked a berth in the trophy decider after sinking Singleton Bulls 32-29 in last weekend’s preliminary final in Newcastle.
Coach Squires has enjoyed a successful first season at the helm and believes his charges are on a “premiership roll”.
“The boys have really stepped up over the past six weeks with our senior players leading the way,” the respected mentor told News Of The Area.
“Our youngsters have made an impact this season but it has been our club stalwarts that have soaked up the pressure and led by example in the big end-of-season matches.”
He hopes to turn heart-breaking finals losses during the club’s 2024 and 2025 campaigns into championship glory this weekend.
Talented fly half Will Clark, young centre Harry Andersen and flanker Ollie Edwards turned in superb performances for the Gropers in a gritty team effort.
Singleton opened the scoring with an early try by flanker Villiame Tamanisau that was converted by skipper and five eighth Jayden Duff.
This spurred the Gropers into action with Clark bursting through and creating a try for winger Thomas Akbal in the far corner.
Nelson Bay skipped to 12-7 lead after 23 minutes when a clearing kick from Clark sent the play out of the danger zone and led to a try by flanker Hayden Wilson with fullback Liam Pietraszek adding the extras.
Singleton levelled the scores when winger Charlie Campbell crossed minutes later then conceded two penalties – enabling Pietrasek to convert both for an 18-12 lead at the interval.
Luke Sweeney replaced stalwart Gropers hooker Ross Buchan and made a quick impression by busting the Bulls’ defence with a powerful surge.
Strong efforts from wingers Jake Langsford and Akbal – chasing down long kicks – were a feature before the elusive Anderson grabbed a crucial intercept and scooted away for a try under the posts.
Singleton fought back, crossing for three quick tries to establish a 29-25 lead.
Buchan, Wilson and prop Nathan Mcleay all made a reappearance in the second half with Keanu Offen replacing centre Marcel Ikinofo.
Nelson Bay snatched the lead when the hard running McLeay powered his sway over from a tap and rumble to help secure a grand final showdown with Scone Brumbies this Saturday at Newcastle’s No 2 Sportsground at 6pm.
By Chris KARAS
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