FINGAL Bay and Karuah Roos feature in a quality showdown this Saturday in the Newcastle Hunter Rugby League Men’s C Grade competition at Fingal Bay Oval.
The Bomboras will host the third placed Roos in a fifth round fixture that should appeal to ardent supporters of both clubs in the early phase of the 2025 premiership series.
Karuah captain-coach Daniel Evans has his squad in fine fettle with two victories against Maitland United (48-6) and Paterson River from their three matches to date.
The Roos suffered an opening round loss to Dudley Magpies 28-20 at John Balcomb Oval and have turned in strong performances in recent weeks.
The club’s second round victory over Maitland United impressed keen judges with mercurial fullback Shaqueil Saunders, halfback Brandon Thompson and prop forward Nick John bagging doubles in the nine-try rout, and stalwart five-eighth Sam Croese booting six conversions.
After an opening round 38-8 loss to Wallsend-Maryland Tigers the Fingal Bay squad – under the guidance of coach Darren Coles – have discovered top form with a resounding 44-10 triumph over the Woodberry Warriors at Fingal Bay Oval.
Sharp centre Joshua Veleika and winger Mac Nelson collected try doubles as the Bomboras produced a nine try spree with fullback Jayden Wilcock-Huxtable, hooker Dylan Jones and prop forward Cameron Scully also grabbing four pointers.
Fingal Bay number seven Bobby Baker and the capable Blaine O’Flaherty each potted two conversions as the hosts chalked up their first win of the season.
The much-anticipated fifth round fixture between the Bomboras and Roos will kick off on 10 May at 1pm.
By Chris KARAS
