NELSON Bay Football Club have experienced a bumper season in the 2024 Northern NSW Community Newcastle/Hunter and Macquarie junior and senior competitions.

The Bay underlined their depth of talent by lining up in ten interdistrict Grand Finals last weekend and progressing to a championship decider in the Zone League.

Fifteen of the club’s 22 interdistrict teams qualified for this year’s finals across Junior Mixed, female and Senior Women’s teams with the powerful Under 15/1 Girls and Under 16 C Grade Mixed sides being crowned minor premiers and champions.

Nelson Bay’s outstanding Under 13/1 Girls and Under 14/1 Mixed squads also finished minor premiers but were beaten by Lake Macquarie and Maitland Magpies respectively in Grand Finals last Saturday.

Head of Coaching Steve Punshon told News Of The Area that the club had made “huge strides in youth development this season”.

“The majority of our teams featured in finals which is a massive accomplishment,” quipped Steve.

“All of our players have done us proud and there is still a chance for more silverware from our senior teams in the Zone League,” he added.

Nelson Bay’s minor premiership-winning Men’s Zone Reserves outfit is the club’s eleventh side to reach a Grand Final after defeating Greta Branxton Wildcats 2-1.

They could be joined by the Bay’s Zone first team who are through to the preliminary final after toppling Kurri Kurri 3-0.

A proud Punshon said the club’s growing numbers this season included four junior female and four senior women’s teams.

Special mentions go to the Bay’s Under 14 Mixed side that completed another successful season in the top division and the newly formed Under 13s Girls squad.

Both teams remained undefeated in fifteen League fixtures to claim minor premiership titles but stumbled in their respective Grand Finals.

Dan Hackett’s Under 13s dominated the female competition as did Dave Harasti’s talented Under 14s Mixed squad that featured in a third successive Grand Final appearance.

After toppling Maitland on three occasions during the regular season, the Bay suffered losses to the Magpies in the major semi final and premiership decider.

Coach Harasti remains buoyant in his approach

“Our players have exceeded all expectations this season by remaining undefeated and worked hard to win back the league crown,” he revealed.

“The group relished their tough ties against Maitland in the finals and still finished the campaign with spirited performances,” said Dave.

Nelson Bay’s Over 30s Womens A team met Kotara South and the B side opposed Lochinvar Rovers in Grand Final action earlier this week.

By Chris KARAS