Rugby Union: Nelson Bay Gropers biggest day of season on Saturday, May 21

Friends from far and wide of Fingal Bay family, John and Ella Clarke and daughter Jodie, will be travelling to the Bay for the annual 'Ben Clarke Day', now in its 18^th year, featuring the Nelson Bay Gropers up against traditional rivals Newcastle University.

The day has become a long standing tradition between the two clubs, and a chance to honour the Clarke family's contribution to the community and Ben's sterling work as a volunteer and his passion for the Nelson Bay club.

Diagnosed as a two-year-old with the rare, incurable genetic disorder, Hunters Syndrome MPS11, Ben was not expected to reach teenage years.

He passed away in 2003 having celebrated his 21^st birthday and has been honoured each year since with Ben Clarke Day.

"Those who knew Ben will remember him as a great lover of life without a minute to spare," said John Clarke.

"He was a keen fisherman, surfer, skin diver and motorbike rider, and as a 12-year-old boy he led a march down Market Street in Fingal Bay in opposition to high rise development in the community.

"In the same year he organised the local Clean-Up Australia Day campaign."

Of all Ben's involvements in Fingal Bay and the wider Port Stephens community, his greatest desire was to play rugby for his beloved Nelson Bay Gropers.

"He did play junior rugby until his advancing disabilities prevented him from achieving his ultimate goal. He continued playing with the Gropers until he could play no longer."

Following in the footsteps of parents John and Ella, who were the founders of Nelson Bay Rugby Club back in 1978, Ben, with all his enthusiasm, joined the committee and became the chief raffle seller.

Ben's passion for the game extended beyond Port Stephens. One of his fondest memories was being the guest of Jonah Lomu and the Wellington Hurricanes when they played the NSW Waratahs in Sydney.

However, Ben's heart remained with the Gropers and the Clarke family have expressed their appreciation for the ongoing support that they have been given by the Gropers and Newcastle University clubs, who will be meeting at the newly refurbished Groperdome on the 18th occasion, with honours over the years being evenly shared.

The weekend's rugby was played in very wet conditions against Merewether-Carlton at Townson Oval, with the Gropers making a great start to the day with the third grade digging deep to win 12-5 in a tight contest.

Best for the thirds were Jake Redman and Mason Drew while fullback Kailen Williams also had a fine game. The win keeps the Gropers on top of the competition table.

The reserves also toughed it out in the trying conditions and were competitive losing 20-12.

The Gropers were in the contest trailing 8-0 at halftime with Angus Crokett, Hamish Bartlett and Sam Mitchell best in a beaten side, with special mention to Riley Byfield and Nathan McLeay who played both games and stood by for first grade.

In the main game Merewether, one of the competition heavyweights, were too strong running out emphatic victors 64-7.

The Gropers started poorly and were under siege early with one red and one yellow card in the opening 10 minutes to allow the home team to race to a 24-7 lead at half time.

Gropers' best were Ben Pepper and Nathan Perry.

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