BEARS SET TOUGH TASK

27th February 2010 | by Steve Little | Back to Full List of Articles | PDF Media Release

It was a big ask, coming up against the powerhouse of the junior league Penrith. But while the final scores might indicate otherwise the Bears showed a competitive edge that bids well for the 2010 Season.

After suffering a first half deficit of 28-0 the S G Ball Bears showed the strength of purpose to match Penrith in the second half two tries to two. In fact the Bears held a lead of two tries to one until the final minute.

In the first half the Bears and Panthers wrestled for control for 10 minutes before Penrith was able to score and lead 4-0. Four more tries to Penrith followed in quick succession with the Bears punished for their errors as Penrith developed an overlap in attack. A lucky runaway try gave them the final points 28-0.

The start of the second half looked ominous as the Panthers scored in the first minute to make their lead 34-0.

But within minutes Bears centre Koleakikava Utoikamanu rampaged over the try line from a lengthy right pass to score. Bevan De Vries converted to make it 34-6.

The North Sydney forwards worked hard and the Bears began to control more of the possession. At the 25 minute mark Apisai Koroisau scored for the Bears and Bevan De Vries again converted to close the gap 34-12.

A real contest developed with both sides missing opportunities to score. But despite a great chase and tackle from Koleakikava Utoikamanu the Panthers managed to slip in the final minute to take the match 40-12.

PENRITH 40 (T Feilaokitau 2, K Nanai, J Leslie, H Siejka, B South, J Brenner tries; H Siejka 6 goals) defeated NORTH SYDNEY 12 (Koleakikava Utoikamanu, Apisai Koroisau tries; Bevan De Vries 2 goals). Halftime Penrith 28-0.

In the Harold Matthews The Bears more than matched their Penrith counterparts in the first half with the only try scored being a lucky runaway movement from the Panthers in the final 8 minutes.

The Bears had an early opportunity but could not make use of the highball. As the half moved on the Bears alternated between opportunities in attack and a mighty effort in defense to keep the Panthers out, taking them over the touch line on one occasion and holding them up on another. With eight minutes left the Panthers broke through for a 6 pointer. Some great defense from the Bears in the final minutes kept the halftime score to 6-0 to the Panthers.

In the second half the Bears began looking for opportunities but stray passes and errors in the play the ball lead the Panthers to score 5 unanswered times and finish on top 26-0

Penrith 26 (W Tuavao 2, J Hoffman, J Mapusua, R Willie, J Malouf tries; W Tuavao goal) defeated North Sydney 0. Halftime Penrith 6-0.