Nelson Bay Rugby Union Club have moved into second place on the ladder after a hard fought 18-6 win over Wanderers at No 2 Sportsground.
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The Gropers avenged their first round defeat 44-5 in Medowie with a wholehearted team performance in Newcastle on Saturday.
It was more noteworthy with a number of key players missing from their line up including the pivot pair of Charlie Fielder and Chad Northcott. Strike player at the back, Jack Arthur, was also out.
Wanderers held a slender 6-3 at half time. The committed Groper team showed plenty of tenacity in the second half with tries to Rhys Dombkins and flying winger Sapati Peniata.
Former international Michael Wiringi kicked one conversion, and half back Joe Clarke and winger Orisi Vosuqa had strong games.
The second grade team were down on troops and lost a tight game 17-10. However, they stay in semi-final contention sitting in fourth place.
This Saturday the Gropers and Medowie Marauders play in Medowie. It will be the Marauders’ charity round. Juniors play from 9am. The first premier game starts at 12.30pm.
Raymond Terrace Rugby League Club continued to slip out of semi-final contention with a 30-20 loss to the Cardiff Cobras.
The Magpies leaked points early on Saturday with the injury crisis seeing forwards playing in wing spots. Several defensive lapses saw the Cobras lead 22-8 at half time.
Assistant coach Justin Ridgeway revved his players up at half time and they produced a hard working result in the second half. Back rower Nathan Ruse was terrific in defence while crafty veteran hooker PJ Ellis was non-stop in attack and defence while Eric Wilkinson had a strong game.
The Terrace travel to Kotara to play the Bears in a must win game this Saturday.
Mallabula ladies league tag team continued their impressive form with a strong showing against West Wallsend at the weekend, running out 22-8 victors.
Reagen Mcilwain was outstanding scoring three three tries and Caitlin De Pater had a fine game.
The Panthers men’s team went down to West Wallsend 32-16 after holding a slender half time lead 10-8.
Mallabula produced their worst defensive performance for years at home and have slipped out of the top four.
Players’ player was lock Laurence Burdekin with second rowers Connor O’Neill and Hayden Thompson strong in a beaten team.
Fingal Bay Rugby League Club hosted its old boys day on Saturday seeing a good roll up of former players and supporters turn out to cheer on the Bomboras.
The Bomboras hosted competition front runners Stockton and were outgunned by the Sharks going down 34-10.
Fingal’s light weigh forward pack hung tough however some poor defensive reads proved costly.
Up front Bo Earl and Adam Hodson worked hard while hooker Perry White tried to spark some attack raids.
The day also saw club stalwart Marc Stoddard play his final game for the club after years of service.
Fingal ladies league tag team lost a close game on the bell going down to undefeated competition leaders Aberglasslyn 14- 10.
Best in a beaten team were Marnie Parfitt and Hayley Dews.