Nelson Bay Gropers face decisive battle in Hunter Suburban Rugby finals

SINGLETON Rugby Club defeated defending champions Nelson Bay 23-22 in the Hunter Suburban Grand Final qualifiers at Newcastle’s No 2 Sportsground last weekend.

With inspirational captain Jackson Walsh leading the way, the Red Bulls staged a second-half comeback to overcome the Gropers and secure a place in this year’s championship final on August 24.

Trailing 22-18, the powerful player became the game winner when he blew past defenders and scored a crucial five-pointer with just four minutes left in the game.

In a tight contest, the Gropers squandered a 15-3 lead midway through the second half and suffered their first loss in nearly four months.

Walsh played a key role in the Red Bulls’ triumph, scoring his side’s second try and scoring a conversion and two crucial penalty goals.

Nelson Bay now have a crucial preliminary final clash with Newcastle Griffins this Saturday after eliminating Cooks Hill Brown Snakes 27-25.

In an ironic twist, the Singleton XV were the last team to defeat the Gropers, recording a 15-10 victory in a second round match on 20 April at Rugby Park.

Nelson Bay head coach Michael Wiringi told News Of The Area that “all is not lost in this year’s campaign”.

“We took our eyes off the ball in those last fifteen minutes of the game and paid the price,” joked the championship-winning Kiwi.

“Now the team needs to pull itself together and focus on beating Newcastle Griffins in the preliminary final this Saturday,” he added.

Nelson Bay will rue their late dip in intensity against Singleton but have the class and experience to force their way into the Presidents Cup final.

Strong forward Adam Edwards was the best performer on the pitch for the Gropers and remains a key player in the team’s quest for back-to-back titles.

He was rewarded with a determined try under the posts after clearing the back of a rolling Nelson Bay maul, giving his side a 22-18 lead.

The ever-young Edwards proved to be a fortress for the front-runners with his powerful runs and non-stop defensive work.

Nelson Bay opened the scoring with a try from winger Taj Turner in the sixteenth minute, before Walsh responded for the Red Bulls with a penalty goal.

Talented forward Ryan Marshall scored his side’s second try to give the Gropers a 10-3 half-time lead, and when the flamboyant Ilisoni Vonomatairatu crossed after the interval, the champions were well on top.

Singleton forwards Ben Caskey and Tom Kotzur kept their side in contention with second-half tries and when captain Walsh scored the second goal from the penalty spot, the Red Bulls opened up an 18-15 lead.

Nelson Bay missed the services of injured midfielder Jake Langsford and several key forwards but received great value from veteran centre Michael Hotene, who threatened the Red Bulls with his guile and class.

By Chris KARAS