BEARS DEFEATED BY SHARKS

4th September 2010 | by Steve Little | Back to Full List of Articles | PDF Media Release

The North Sydney Bears have finished the season with an entertaining match against the Auckland Vulcans.

Matching the Kiwis six tries it was the conversions that were the difference, Auckland winning 32-28 in a bizarre but exciting finish.

The Vulcans took the lead 16-NIL in the first quarter with three tries [two converted].

At the 25 minute mark young Bear Tuki Jackson barged over to score.

The Bears went on to withstand a number of attacks from the Vulcans before Tuki Jackson seized on the kick through and scored his second, in the right hand corner, right on the bell, as the Vulcans went to the break leading 16-8.

Although Auckland scored early in the second half, the Bears sprang back to life when Bears number 6 Eddie Paea in over the try line to score. Fullback Brendan Barnes converted.

Tuki Jackson was again in good position and scored his third after good ball movement across the field.

Next Deon Apps received the ball from Shaune Corrigan after he challenged the highball. Deon grounded the ball over the line and the Bears were in front 24-22.

Auckland hit back twice to lead again 32-24 by the 66th minute and minutes later Norths winger Curtis Johnston barged over in typical style to close the gap 32-28.

Johnston barged over to take the score back to 32-28.

“You could say the ending summed up our season,” claimed Bears coach Wayne Lambkin.

As the match drew to a conclusion the game appeared to run overtime as Shaune Corrigan crossed for a try.

But it was not to be – a fight in back play lead the ref to call play back and award a penalty to Auckland, the final score remaining 32-28 in the Vulcan’s favour.

Curtis Johnston was the best for the Bears and is now looking ready as ever for a first grade appearance. Dean Webster and James Nightingale were also solid contributors.

AUCKLAND 32 (6 tries, 4 goals) defeated NORTH SYDNEY 28 (Tuki Jackson 3, Eddie Paea, Deon Apps, Curtis Johnston tries, Brendan Barnes, Zeb Tawha goals) Halftime 16-8 Auckland.