Nelson Bay Rugby Club's first grade team ended a four game losing streak with a confidence boosting 39-24 win over Singleton at the weekend.
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The Bay could go on a second round run when they host University at home this Saturday.
A large crowd is expected at the Groperdome with the Bay club holding their 15th annual Ben Clarke memorial shield day.
Each year the club honours the memory of Ben, the son of club founders John and Ella Clarke. Ben is remembered as a popular club committee man and a real character.
The memorial shield clash over the years has produced some epic battles, however in recent years the Gropers have held sway.
Last year the Gropers thumped University 48-0 to retain the shield.
The day is a great catch up with many past players enjoying the celebration of Ben's short but productive life.
Raymond Terrace Rugby League made it back-to-back wins when they defeated Wallsend-Maryland 30-20 last Saturday.
The Magpies started in style and led 24-8 at the break, however injuries saw them finish with the basic 13 in the second half.
Clever half back Jack Beverly was the standout with a fine game. Tough front rower Kurt Bassett led from the front with centre Rob Fletcher and Cain Roby having strong games.
This Friday night should be a barnstormer with the Terrace hosting Gloucester. It will be an interesting clash between the Handsaker brothers with the Terrace's speedy fullback Dean welcoming brother Luke to Lakeside Oval.
The Gloucester side have bragging rights after their first round win.
Fingal Bay Rugby League Club paid the price for a long list of unforced errors with Dudley running out convincing 30-10 winners at the weekend.
The Bomboras' situation was compounded by injury to two key players in the opening quarter with in form prop Adam Hodson and classy five eight Jake Redmond out of action.
Dudley went on the front foot early and had a handy 14-4 lead at half time.
Best in a beaten side were joint players' players Robbie Bryant and hooker Liam Dooley. Tough front rower Lee Preston did the hard yards up front.
A cause for celebration was news that Eramus Van Zyl, a prop forward, had been selected to play a Test against Cook Island in Sydney this week.
Fingal are away to Belmont South this Saturday.
Mallabula Rugby League Club staged their version of The Great Escape when they came from 20-4 down mid-way through the second half of Saturday's game to run out 24-20 victors over the Morpeth Bulls.
A poor completion rate gifted the Bulls plenty of ball and they responded to lead 14-4 at half time.
Tries to best forward Hayden Thompson and two each to Mitch Fletcher and Dean Higgins turned the tide late in the game.
Players' player went to Lincoln Melmeth whose kick returns changed the game, and with smart half back Josh Daniels always in the game the Panthers' Houdini act was completed.
Nelson Bay Sharks ladies tag team continued to remain competitive against the strong coalfields sides.
Last Saturday at Salamander the Sharks were down 12-0 against Maitland before a fine solo try to Hayley Dews narrowed the margin to 12-4 at half time.
In the second half Maitland gained the upper hand on the back of Sharks mistakes, however after mounting some attacking raids Raegan McIllwaine found some space to score a late try.
The final scoreline read 20-8. The Sharks host Cessnock at Tomaree on Sunday. Kick off is 10am.