FOR the first time since round one last season, Nelson Bay has secured a first grade victory - and the prospect of the Gropers making it two on the trot looms this weekend.
Rookie coach Darren Stewart had to reel in the expectations of his first 15 after they overcame Maitland 26-22 at home at Strong Oval on Saturday.
"I had a chat to the boys after the game and told them not to get to far ahead of themselves, but it was definitely the first step and that we must build from here," he said.
NSW Country Colts representative Dillon Rowney stepped into the five-eighth role, leaving captain Matt Affleck free to return to flanker.
Whether it was the return of their captain to the side of the scrum or the fruits of midweek training, the Gropers forward pack had corrected their early-season wrongs.
"Our commitment to the breakdown had been an issue and that was a lot better."
Veteran lock Marty Lisiua proved he is still a threat from the back of the scrum, scoring twice for the home side, while Affleck and second-rower Adam Edwards also stood out for the forwards.
The Gropers opened up a 19-10 lead at half time and scored again after the break. The Bay will travel, without Rowney, to Singleton's Rugby Park this Saturday where a battered Bulls side will attempt a come back.
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