BEARS FACE MAGPIES IN ENTERTAINING CONTEST

24th July 2010 | by Steve Little | Back to Full List of Articles | PDF Media Release

North Sydney Fans went home today [Saturday] with the firm belief that their team was ‘in the contest’ in the NSW Cup match against Western Suburbs, but faulted in the second half with a more determined Magpies winning out 33-20.

It only took two minutes for Wests to score putting Norths under pressure early from a Bears error to be 4-NIL in front.

Norths first try was a great individual effort from Brock Molan. The stocky front rower dashed from the 20 metre line fending off the Magpies defense. Meeting the try line on his back he planted the ball overhead style with 2 or 3 defenders trying to stop him. Eddie Paea was successful with the conversion and the Bears hit the front 6-4.

An arm-wrestle contest ensued for a solid ten minutes with good attempts in attack from both teams. Then Wests Kurt Kara found a gap close to the line and scored. Jamie Sharkie converted for Wests to lead 10-6.

A knock on by Wests after the kick off allowed Eddie Paea the chance to spread the ball and Bears winger Curtis Johnston made an enormous effort to get in position to score in the left corner. A difficult conversion was missed bringing the scores even 10 all after 30 minutes.

The Magpies edged ahead with two tries in the last 10 minutes of the half.

Wests achieved a follow on set of six and Magpies winger Rhys Pritchard raced in to the right corner to score. Then in the 39th minute a Magpies kick to the Bears in-goal was well weighted and their winger Gus Aiga grounded. Jamie Sharkie was successful with both conversions to give Wests the lead at halftime 22-10.

With Jamie Simpson called up for NRL duty he was a sizable loss but it was second half errors that were the Bears ultimate downfall with several in crucial field position.

Norths began the half with a number of attacking raids on the Magpies resulting in Norths hooker Matt Hunt barging over the line close to the posts. Eddie Paea converted and closed the gap 22-16.

Next Norths got into good position for Eddie Paea to send up a well judged bomb. Bears winger Curtis Johnston worked quickly to run and challenge for the ball with the Magpies backline and won the tussle and won a try for his team, bringing the margin down to 2 points – 22-20 to Wests.

Norths had further attacking opportunities however errors at crucial moments failed them where Western Suburbs succeeded.

A kick to the Bears in-goal was jumped on by Wests forward Josh Davis. Then Gus Aiga scored his second try for Wests in similar circumstances. Jamie Sharkie scored one of the conversions and Wests were in front 32-20.

In a somewhat usual finish Wests Rhys Pritchard successfully scored a field goal in the remaining minute of play to have his team finish 33-20 in front.

WESTERN SUBURBS 33 (6 tries, 4 goals, 1 field goal) defeated NORTH SYDNEY 20 (Brock Molan, Curtis Johnston 2, Matt Hunt tries, Eddie Paea 2 goals) Halftime 22-10 Western Suburbs.

One of the biggest nights on the NSW Cup calendar will take place this Friday night 30th July at 7:00 p.m. The Bears face the Newtown Jets at North Sydney Oval in the third and final leg of the Frank Hyde Cup.