First up loss for new look Gropers in suburban rugby

NELSON Bay rugby forward Jake Affleck is made of the right stuff.

The young powerhouse prop is set for a big season in the Hunter Suburban Rugby Presidents Cup A Grade competition, after his lion-hearted performance in the Gropers’ 29-10 loss to premiers Scone Brumbies in the Upper Hunter Valley last weekend.

Affleck produced a courageous display against the much-vaunted Brumbies forward pack with his strong running and jarring defence, earning the Players’ Player Award.

Fielding a new look squad for 2026, the Gropers had a blend of experience with several new recruits looking to make their mark in the top grade under new coach Michael Squires.

With a glut of possession Scone opened the scoring with a converted try by fly half Darcy Moore before Nelson Bay’s 2025 Player of the Year Will Clark –  in his new position of five eighth – used his slick hands to create a try for rookie centre Harry Anderson.

The smaller Gropers forward pack had the technical advantage over their rivals and kept the visitors in the game.

Led by Affleck and locks Taraq Hall and Jarrod Zuvela, the Bay held their own.

Costly turnovers allowed the reigning premiers to regain control with Scone’s classy backline stamping their mark as  centre Archie Macpherson crossed for his team’s second try, establishing a 12-5 lead at the break.

Flankers Ollie Edwards and Ronan O’Çonnell looked sharp around the rucks with number 8 and skipper Sam Rocher leading from the front and making several half breaks.

Nelson Bay fullback Will McLean – recruited from Orange  – also impressed, along with centre Scott Tristan and former Hobart centre Zac Summerfield

Nelson Bay came out firing after the interval with the forwards laying a platform for half Kade Redmond to get a clean ball and Clark splitting the defence to score in the corner for 12-10.

Coach Squires injected returning veteran Shane Jarvis and new winger recruit Marcel Ikinofo into the game to pick up the tempo.

Ikinofo showed his class with several stepping runs while hooker Luke Sweeny made an impact with his bustling runs deep into Brumbies territory.

A clever kick in behind the Gropers defence resulted in Brumbies number 10 Moore scoring beside the posts for a 19-10 lead.

Both teams had their chances with Nelson Bay winger Ryan Marshall cutting through the defence twice to just fall short, before the Brumbies sealed victory with a converted Jesse Ridges try and penalty goal by Moore on full-time.

Nelson Bay will benefit from the tough first up assignment with plenty of positive signs to come out of the match.

The Gropers travel to play Muswellbrook Heelers in an Anzac Day clash this Saturday at Highbrook Park with an early kick off scheduled for 12.30pm.

By Chris KARAS