The Gropers looked down and out at half time trailing the Blacks 19-6 but Chad Northcott sparked the Bay back into action by setting up a try for winger Orisi Vosuqa and and scoring one himself to narrow the margin to 19-18 midway through the second half to be back in the contest. However, Maitland, with a glut of possession in the final quarter, closed out the match. Michael Hotene picked up the players' player award with a massive defensive effort. Captain Adam Edwards lead from the front while rookie prop Nathan Perry straight out of the Gropers' junior nursery continues to impress.

The seconds were outgunned by Maitland and went down 48-0. Matt Affleck was the players' player. The Medowie Marauders' winning streak came to an end, going down 30-20 to the Blacks.

MALLABULA Rugby League Club thrashed the Cessnock Goannas 68-6 on a day that the Panthers' stats showed their improving form.

With a high completion rate and defensive resolve, they controlled the game and held a 28-6 lead at half time. Coach Cameron Scully described the win as a great team effort. The Bula boys' best player was front rower Kye Zinardi. Lock Scott Holland had a strong game while classy centre Matt Carter had a good day running in two tries.

The Panthers ladies league tag team went down to Swansea 28-6. The Mallabula men play Abermain at home on Saturday. The ladies are away to Dungog.

RAYMOND Terrace Rugby League Club ran into competition front runners Paterson last weekend and struggled to gain any momentum. With a number of their key players out due to work commitments, the Magpies trailed 30-6 at half time. Paterson ran out comfortable winners 56-16.

Coach Brooke Roach came off the bench and tried to turn the tide with some solid defence. Clever hooker Jack Beverly was the players' player. Cain Roby claimed the best forward award. Centre Rob Chaffey picked up the best back award. The Terrace have a short turn around this week.

The Ravens ladies league tag team went down to Central Newcastle 40-0. The Magpies play Dungog away on Friday night while the Ravens will face Stroud at home on Saturday.

THE Northern Hawks hosted the West Rosellas at Tomaree No. 1 Matchfield on Sunday.

The two clubs played for the Anthony Tupou Shield, which will become a fixture in both clubs' playing calendars. Tupou played rugby league for Australia, Tonga and State of Origin for NSW, is a West junior and now coaches and manages at the Northern Hawks where his two brothers now play.

The Hawks' reserve grade match was an extremely close contest, with five-eighth Travis Edwards kicking the winning goal to finally split the teams 18-16 just before full time to secure the Tupou Shield for the Northern Hawks. Fullback Tyrone Nean was voted best on ground after another powerful performance with the ball in hand.

The under-19s match between was also a closely fought contest, with the Rosellas finally securing the win, 24-22. Hooker Isaac Chapman was the Hawks players' player after scoring three tries, kicking three goals and making a number of line breaks through the middle of the field. The Nelson Bay juniors playing between each match and an appreciative crowd topped off a wonderful day of district footy at Tomaree, Hawks coach Andrew Chapman said.

The Northern Hawks now return to the road for their upcoming matches against Souths, Central, Maitland and Lakes before hosting Macquarie Scorps at Tomaree on July 3.

THE Port Stephens Men of League held another successful fund-raising double-header event at Nelson Bay Golf Club on the weekend.

The group had a great roll up to their dinner on Saturday night with two former rugby league bookends, Australian representative player Paul Dunn and former teammate Paul Nobby Clarke, guest speaking. The tough props were teammates in the 1991 Penrith premiership-winning team. Both were very entertaining with some great stories of their playing days.

Special guests also included Men of League CEO Stephen Lownds, Men of League co-founder Jim Hall, blockbusting winger Dean Carney, former Canterbury Bulldogs Ray Newton and John McDowell, and former Manly and current Newcastle Rugby League CEO Charlie Hagget.

Sunday was golf day with 170 players rolling up for the 10am shotgun start. The prestigious Ross Gigg memorial shield was won by Michael Trigas, Peter Courts, Mitch Ingle and Gary McCann.

The winners on course one went to former St George hooker Richard Jones who assembled a gun team of Jason Russell, Charlie Hagget and Anthony Diemar. Course two winners were the Manly crew of Kenyon McKie, Mark Baker, John Lewis and Chris Montgomery with Steve Rigby, Phil Gee-Kee, Dave Owens and Jeff Stokel the victors on course three.

The shield was played for in perfect weather with everyone getting into the spirit off the day, which was supported by the community and some wonderful sponsors from across the Bay, wine country and Upper Hunter. Nelson Bay Golf Club, the greens staff and the hard working pro shop were major contributors to the day. The golf club donated $2000 to the Men of League Foundation.

ALSO SEE: Sports Shorts: Nelson Bay junior Marlins, Medowie Marauders and Karuah Roos and Rooettes

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