Nelson Bay locks in second spot with impressive 26-20 victory over Cooks Hill Brown Snakes last weekend

JUST like his surname, Nelson Bay first grade forward Mitch Workman is a teak-tough warrior on the rugby field.

The powerful number eight produced another non-stop performance in the Gropers’ hard-fought 26-20 victory over Cooks Hill Brown Snakes in Hunter Suburban Rugby Presidents Cup action last weekend at Bill Strong Oval.

Workman and busy flanker Hayden Wilson led the way as the Nelson Bay side chalked up its fourth win of the season to consolidate second spot on the competition ladder with 21 points – three behind premiership pacesetters Singleton Red Bulls on 24.

After a week-long deluge the rain finally cleared last Friday afternoon with hard-working club stalwarts Brad McLeay and son Nathan McLeay clearing drains to enable the Groperdome to present in very good condition for the key Indigenous Round clash with the Brown Snakes.

Cooks Hill silenced the local crowd when they jumped to an early 8-0 lead with a slick try by winger Harrison Newman and penalty goal by fullback Juan Kritzinger.

A feature of the win was the punishing defence of Workman, Wilson, inspirational captain Sam Rocher and hooker Liam Keating, which kept the Brown Snakes at bay.

They were ably supported by props McLeay and Jake Affleck and locks Ronan O’Çonnell and John Lundie who found space around the tiring Cooks Hill defence and started turning the giant Brown Snakes forward pack around to put the Gropers on the march up-field.

Astute kicking from fly half Will Clark pinned the Brown Snakes in their 22 and the forwards took control with several rolling mauls.

Nelson Bay hit back when rookie centre Harry Andersen darted over to score near the posts with promising fullback Liam Pietrasek adding the extras.

Clever halfback Kade Redmond ignited the Gropers backline with sharp running out wide – paving the way for a try by winger Zac Summerfield and a Pietrasek sideline conversion for a 14-8 lead.

After the interval, Nelson Bay coach Michael Squires injected speed and size into the match with winger Brayden McMaster, lock Shane Jarvis and prop Riley Byfield taking the field.

Cooks Hill bridged the gap with a crucial try before Squires introduced hooker Keating, lock Taraq Hall and flanker Ollie Edwards.

With the Gropers scrum gaining control, the mercurial Clark put a kick through for centre Andersen to swoop and outpace defenders to score in Groper corner – much to the delight of the crowd on the Presidential Deck.

A huge clearing kick from Clark saw a good chase from winger Thomas Akbal, enabling him to put pressure on the Brown Snakes  by toeing the ball forward allowing fullback Liam Pietrasek to pounce with a miraculous pick-up off his toes at full speed to score under the posts.

Nelson Bay Gropers have the long weekend off before starting a four-match road trip – commencing with a drive up the valley to play Scone Brumbies on Saturday June 13 at Scone Rugby Club with kick off at 3pm.

By Chris KARAS