HOLDING ON AT THE TOP
Sunday saw the Bears head across to Wentworth Park to take on the Roosters for round 25 of the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup. Going into the game we saw the return of injured players Ben Talty, Josh Bevan and Nathaniel Roache which was a great boost to the team, albeit all three returning tentatively to test their rehab in a live game day environment. Flying solo from Melbourne Storm was big Joe Chan who had an impactful game in the red & black jersey. On the referee’s whistle, Bears kicked off and within four minutes were on the attack. Harradyn Wilson put up a bomb to the far wing, Allan Fitzgibbon batted it back into the arms of an anticipating Matt Stimson who charged for the line. Kieran Hayman converted from the sideline and the Bears led 0 – 6. Only moments later a fast-moving tri-colours attacking line threatens and finds the Bears defence lacking to take the points. The conversion is waived away. The play continues to swing from try line to try line with both sides denied tries before Bears again sweep the ball to the wing, a fast offload from Tui Katoa sees young gun Trey Peni score his first try in the red & black. The kick is waived away, and the score sits at 4 – 10 to the good guys. With ten minutes left in the half, Hayman drags defenders with him to twist over the line and nab the four points. He fails to convert his own try and the Bears extend their lead to 4 – 14. As we head towards the half time break, the Roosters find momentum to ground the ball in the corner and take the teams to the sheds with scores at 8 – 14.
A big second half was needed by the Bears with a strong opportunity to wrap up the Minor Premiership for 2024, but unfortunately the Roosters had other plans in store. Easts secure three consecutive tries that pushes them into the lead 24 – 14 and the Bears are left wanting. Not giving up, Bears continue to push and in the final minute of the game Caleb Tohi drives towards the line, reaches out to also bag his first try with the Bears. Hayman converts and the scores edge closer at 24 – 20 but not close enough to pocket the points. We now look to our final regular season round this Saturday back at Bear Park. See below for more info >>
