The rains cleared as the sun rose on beautiful Bear Park for our return home for the first time this season. Thousands of red & black fans flocked to the ground to enjoy a day on the hill and cheer on their Bears. We knew the game was going to be tough, going up against top of the table NZ Warriors who fielded a team with no less than 12 full time players against our 100% part time squad. The game started with such promise as Ben Talty broke the Warriors defensive line, circled their full back and swan dived under the posts. Harradyn Wilson converted and the scoreboard lit up 6 – 0. Unfortunately, only moments later the tide turned, and the opposition began a points rampage that saw them run in nine unanswered tries.

Just before half time, Bears kick a penalty goal off a dangerous tackle made by ex-Bear Morgan Harper who was released from our 2025 squad earlier this year to take a full-time contract with the Warriors. With 9 minutes left on the clock the Bears continue to push forward and sweep the ball to the wing, finding Matt Komolafe who gets nearly vertical to ground the ball in the corner right in front of a packed Bears Hill. The boys from across the ditch can’t let the score sit having already reached half a century and put the boot in the final minutes of the game. Game closes out at 14 – 56. Our Bears are left bruised and battered after a very tough match but simply happy to be at home.