NELSON Bay first grade mens rugby team have zoomed into premiership calculations in the 2026 Hunter Suburban Presidents Cup series.
The well-drilled Gropers claimed bragging rights when they defeated arch rivals and previously unbeaten Singleton Red Bulls 24-22 in their top-of-the-table clash at Singleton’s Rugby Park.
In front of a vocal and huge crowd, Michael Squire’s Nelson Bay charges headed up the valley with a point to prove against the powerful Singleton club that celebrated Sponsors Day.
Eighteen-year-old rookie fullback Liam Pietrasek continued his purple patch of form for the Gropers with another stand-out performance in the number 15 jumper.
He was ably supported by inspirational flanker Sam Rocher and evergreen hooker Ross Buchan, with both club legends producing vintage displays to help the Nelson Bay team chalk up an important victory.
A minute’s silence was observed prior to kickoff for John F Miner OAM, whose contribution to rugby spanned decades as a distinguished referee, mentor and administrator.
A life member of both the Newcastle Rugby Union Referees’ Association and Hunter Rugby, Miner dedicated countless hours to the game by helping develop referees, supporting clubs and ensuring rugby was played with fairness, integrity and respect.
His service to rugby was recognised with the award of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), reflecting the lasting impact he had on the code.
Nelson Bay’s scrum matched the powerful Bulls pack with locks John Lundie and Taraq Hall providing plenty of power to hold up their rivals, who gained good field position with their raking kicks.
A set piece resulted in Singleton number eight Lincoln Adler crashing over for a try out wide and 5-0 lead.
Gropers prop Riley Byfield set the tone for the visitors with several bullocking runs off set pieces to give his side plenty of momentum.
Slick hands from halfback Kade Redmond to fly-half Will Clark enabled the playmaker to kick for field position and a high tackle from the Bulls resulted in Pietrasek booting the first of four penalty goals.
The smaller and younger Nelson Bay side continued to play rugby with centres Scott Tristan and Harry Andersen and winger Keanu Offen showing pace and fleet footwork to trouble their opponents.
Rugged props Nathan McLeay and Jake Affleck rolled up their sleeves to charge into the Bulls defence with the Gropers grabbing a 6-5 lead with a second penalty goal.
Singleton rallied through their forwards and a rolling maul allowed half back Campbell Harris to step through the Gropers defence to score under the posts for a converted try.
Nelson Bay captain Rocher and fellow flanker Hayden Wilson inspired the Gropers as they turned the big Bulls pack around with damaging runs up the middle.
Two injuries reduced the Gropers bench to three fit reserves with big lock Shane Jarvis and flanker Ollie Edwards having an early start.
Wily hooker Buchan turned back the clock – producing a game for the ages with solid defence and barnstorming runs to get the Gropers on the front foot.
A quick-stepping Clark split the defence to link with fullback Pietrasek who positioned speedy winger Brayden McMaster to flash over for the Gropers first try.
Singleton led 12-11 at the break and extended to 17-11 with a try by fullback Brock Warner before Gropers hooker Liam Keating replaced prop Nathan McLeay.
The match entered a tense period of play with two yellow cards issued to Singleton for infringements and Pietrasek bridging the gap with a third penalty goal.
Keating split the defence with a long-range burst before Tom Akbal dashed downfield and sent winger Ryan Marshall over to score in the corner with Pietrasek landing the sideline conversion to establish a 21-17 scoreline.
Singleton regained the lead 22-21 with a bullocking try but with the match on a knife’s edge they chalked up a host of infringements for high and late tackles.
Having run out of replacements the Gropers’ bench dug deep and continued to play running rugby and were ultimately rewarded with the cool headed Pietrasek potting his fourth penalty goal to secure a gallant victory and shatter the Bulls’ unbeaten status.
Second ranked Nelson Bay can now enjoy a two week hiatus with a bye and spare washout weekend before travelling to Empire Park at Bar Beach on Saturday July 11 to face Cooks Hill Brown Snakes from 3pm.
By Chris KARAS
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