PORT Stephens rugby identities Brad and Nathan McLeay have etched their names into Nelson Bay Rugby Club folklore.
In a major milestone, the pair have become the only father and son to have played both 100 junior and senior matches for the club.
Nathan celebrated his 100th senior match last Saturday with a powerhouse performance in the Gropers’ rousing 31-7 victory over Cooks Hill Brown Snakes in Hunter Suburban Presidents Cup A Grade action at Bill Strong Oval.
A huge crowd of past and present Gropers players and supporters crammed into the ground to salute “Nuggett’s” epic achievement.
They had plenty to cheer about, with the front rower in vintage form and capping a top game with a trademark bullocking try.
In an emotional start, club legend Brad presented son Nathan with his jumper in the dressing room warm-up in front of the players and support staff, with speeches from coach Michael Squires and club president Gavin Rocher.
Nelson Bay Under 18 juniors formed a guard of honour as a revved up Nathan led the Gropers onto the field and into action after the team’s 32-14 loss to Maitland Blacks in the curtain-raiser.
There was no stopping “Nuggett” in his record-setting feat as he spearheaded the Gropers to their second win of the season, alongside classy 18-year-old centre Liam Piatrasek on his return to Nelson Bay after a brief stint with West Harbour in the Shute Shield Colts competition.
In his first senior run on appearance, Piatrasek scored a neat try and booted three conversions to underline his value.
Relishing a switch to fullback in the second half, he combined with talented fly half Will Clark to create havoc on the edges.
Other Nelson Bay players to shine were number eight Mitch Workman, flanker Ronan O’Connell, lock Taraq Hall, skipper Jake Affleck, locks John Lundie and Shane Jarvis, hooker Ollie Edwards and diminutive flanker Hayden Wilson, who showed plenty of courage in attack and defence against the bigger Cooks Hill pack.
The Brown Snakes jumped to an early 7-0 lead with a converted Lachlan Fuller try before the Gropers’ crafty half back Kade Redmond combined with Clark to level the scores.
A dummy pass by O’Connell and speed off the mark saw him cross for the Gropers’ second try and a 14-7 lead at the interval.
Coach Michael Squires introduced tackle busting prop Riley Byfield and centre Marcel Ikinofo – who inspired the Gropers with his no-nonsense defence – enabling outside backs Brayden McMaster and Zac Summerfield to make inroads down the flanks.
A long range chase down the touchline resulted in winger Summerfield scoring his first try for the club in the corner.
Fresh from his bronze medal winning effort for the Philippines at the Asia Pacific International Touch Football tournament, half back Jake Langsford was brought into the match and made an impact with his slick service.
Pietrasek sliced through for a try and 24-7 lead before local hero McLeay burrowed over to score after the Gropers forwards marched the Brown Snakes downfield with rolling mauls to seal a deserved win.
Nelson Bay host competition leaders Singleton Red Bulls this Saturday at Bill Strong Oval with kick off at 3pm.
By Chris KARAS
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