Match Report – Jersey Flegg, SG Ball and Harold Matthews

The North Sydney Bears Jersey Flegg Cup side suffered a narrow defeat on Saturday against the Penrith Panthers at Panthers Stadium.

With the addition of Campbell Graham to the team, the Bears were hopeful of a second chance win having previously faced Penrith in round two of competition.

Penrith were first to score in the tenth minute with a try out wide to their winger Justin Jones.

The Bears were next to score after a scoot from the play the ball by hooker Josh Cook put him over the line.

Unfortunately, while the Bears attacked the Panthers line numerous times they were unable to score for the remainder of the half hitting the sheds 10-4 behind.

It was the second half where the Bears showed the expected promise as they matched the Panthers try for try.

Campbell Graham scored twice, and a well-placed pass to Jake Tago sent him over for a try to the Bears.

A scuffle broke out following the Panthers fourth try which sent Panthers fullback Daine Laurie and Bears forward Sam Johnstone to the sin bin.

The score now was 24-18 with twelve minutes remaining.

However, Penrith sealed the win when the Panthers got close enough to the line for Isaac Thompson to pot a field goal to make it 25-18.

Next weekend the Bear’s Intrust Super and Jersey Flegg sides travel to McDonald Stadium in Newcastle to face the Knights on Saturday 7 April from 5:15 pm.

On Sunday the Bears return to their spiritual home of North Sydney Oval with the SG Ball and Harold Matthews sides facing the Canberra Raiders before the Harvey Norman Women’s Team takes on Penrith Brothers. Gates open at 11:00 am.

In other matches, the Bears SG Ball side had its hopes dashed of a finals appearance with a 52-6 loss to the Roosters at Redfern Oval on Thursday night.

The Harold Matthews side faired better although still losing 22-6.

JERSEY FLEGG CUP

PENRITH PANTHERS 25 (tries: Justin Jones, Daine Laurie, Jack Quinn, Dean Blore 2, conversions: Dean Blore 2, field goal: Isaac Thompson),
defeated NORTH SYDNEY BEARS 18 (tries: Josh Cook, Campbell Graham 2, Jake Tago, conversion: Dean Hawkins).
Tuesday team | match day team

SG BALL CUP

SYDNEY ROOSTERS 52 (tries: Dejzha Pene 2, Lathan Hutchinson-Walters, Mckenzie Baker 2, Egan Butcher 2, Logan Muir, Tyrell Mayfield, conversions: Harry Wilson 8),
defeated NORTH SYDNEY BEARS 6 (tries: Ezra Gibson, conversion: Samuel Stratis).
Tuesday team | match day team

HAROLD MATTHEWS CUP

SYDNEY ROOSTERS 22 (tries: Darcy Clifton, Isaac Rosario, Terence Tovey, Vaiala Tamati, conversions: Ronald Volkman 3),
defeated NORTH SYDNEY BEARS 6 (try: Nicholas Russell, conversion: Nicholas Russell).
Tuesday team | match day team