NOTHING LIKE A WIN TO GET BACK IN THE SWING

22nd May 2010 | by Steve Little | Back to Full List of Articles | PDF Media Release

The North Sydney Bears have lifted in defence and retained their attacking prowess in a great overall performance to win 26-14 against third placed Windsor, in round eleven of the NSW Cup.

Bucking the trend from the start, the Bears were the first to score after only five minutes.

New recruit Andy McLean threw a great pass left to an old Bears combination of Curtis Johnston then Shaun Corrigan to score for a Bears lead of 4-0.

After 15 minutes the Bears had not given away a penalty and their penetration allowed Half Eddie Paea to an easy try to the left of the posts and a better shot at the conversion for a 10-0 lead.

But as the Bears finally acquiesced the first of their penalties, the Windsor Wolves found an overlap to the right and managed to score in the far corner to make it 10-4 to Norths.

In the 35th minute Bears fullback Andy McLean was again the instigator in a Curtis Johnston try to the left of field which took Norths to a welcome 14-4 halftime lead.

Early in the second half the Bears were under pressure from the high ball and the Wolves were able to regain possession and score for a 4 pointer.

The Bears defense stepped up a notch including a great try saving tackle by stocky centre Jamie Simpson.

At the 55th minute Andy McLean instigated a round the back pass to Shaun Corrigan to score and take the Bears to an 18-8 lead.

The rain began to fall at North Sydney Oval and at 65 minutes the Bears were in again after Curtis Johnston flew in goal from the left wing. Eddie Paea converted for a 24-8 North Sydney lead. But a relatively easy try was awarded to the Wolves only 5 minutes later to close the gap at 24-14.

The last points of the match went to the Bears Eddie Paea, who converted a penalty awarded in front of the posts giving the Bears a win 26-14.

“They were in control throughout, an outstanding performance” noted Bears coach Wayne Lambkin who told his players to remember how they played because “that’s how we need to play to win this competition”.

NORTH SYDNEY 26 (Shaun Corrigan 2, Eddie Paea, Curtis Johnston 2 tries, Eddie Paea 3 goals) defeated WINDSOR 14 (3 tries, 1 goal) Halftime 14-4 North Sydney.

In the earlier match the NSW team ultimately dominated QLD in the Universities Interstate Shield 44-22.

The Bears next face an inform Balmain Tigers outfit at Leichhardt Oval, Saturday 29 May 2010 at 3:00 p.m.