CLEAN sweeps are hard to achieve in the Newcastle football community’s inter-district senior soccer ranks.
But savouring success are a band of Nelson Bay FC Over 35 warriors who have capped an incredible 2026 season by clinching the Men’s Division Three minor premiership and major championship double.
Under the guidance of coach Stuart Lowrie, the Bay completed the feat with a spirited 2-1 grand final victory over the South Wallsend Wolves at Myers Park Broadmeadow.
After dominating the regular season to claim the minor title, Nelson Bay carried that momentum into the finals series and finished the job spectacularly.
The Wolves struck first in the trophy decider, finding the back of the net early, but it didn’t take long for the Bay to respond.
Nelson Bay hard man Trev Marshall put one home from a Craig Barr assist to level the scores at 1-all, having earlier over-adjusted on a perfect through ball from veteran Rob Peel.
The loss of ageless Steve Allen to injury appeared to spell doom for the Bay, but a coaching masterstroke from Lowrie saw the calm and composed Col Campbell slot into sweeper and take control of the game from the back.
Attacking midfielder Scott Pridgeon proved a workhorse all night and produced the moment of the match, cracking a left-footer from near halfway that scorched past the Wolves keeper to give the Bay a 2–1 lead.
The final 20 minutes were high intensity and high pressure, with everything on the line.
Nelson Bay dug deep, inspired by Ryan Palmer and Dean Gibson in the middle, and refused to budge as they battled through the pressure with a super defensive effort.
A brilliant goal-line clearing header from Jeff Dellow proved a match highlight— although star goalkeeper Ryan Connor assured teammates he had it covered.
Team legend and 2024 Player of the Year John Wainwright marshalled the troops at the back as they held firm until the final whistle.
More importantly, the Nelson Bay Over 35 mens squad is comprised of a great bunch of blokes who also double as junior coaches, committee members, referees and volunteers – contributing to just about everything that happens around the proud Port Stephens club.
Nelson Bay’s championship-winning Over 35s Division 3 squad featured Ryan Connor, Jeff Dellow, John Wainwright, Steve Allen, Col Campbell, Ryan Palmer, Dean Gibson, Rob Peel, Scott Pridgeon, Trev Marshall, Craig Barr, Scott Elsegood, Mark Staveley, Mitch Creighton, Ryan Stephenson, Nick Diemar, James Haynes, Matt Watt, Grant Hanna, Rod Lyon and coach Stuart Lowrie.
By Chris KARAS
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