After a week of rain, the sun shined as the players took to the field in our Foundation Round battle of Bears v Roosters. These two proud clubs have been going head-to-head since 1908 and the passion continues to run deep. The action got underway early with Coby Thomas diving for the line within only 1 and 1/2 minutes after kick off. Kieran Hayman converted, and the scoreboard lit up 6 – 0. Near on 13 minutes went by as both teams kept the other from nearing the scoreline until the Roosters swept the ball wide to add their first points of the game. Scores equalised to 6 – 6 after a successful conversion. Over the next 25 minutes the game to and fro-ed, Sean Vaivelata crashed across the line for the Bears and Hayman again converted to equalise the score and send the teams to the sheds at 12 a piece at half time.

The second half started with much anticipation and this time the tri-colours took the lead just after kick off. The red & black swiftly retaliated as Matt Komolafe collected an intercept pass to run the length of the field in dramatic fashion and lightning quick speed. The conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the home team trailing by 2 points. Eight minutes on and the mighty Bears were charging forward, the ball finds big Aitasi James who barrels his way across and nabs the 4 points. Hayman converts and the lead swings back to the Bears 22 – 18. With 13 minutes left on the clock, ex-Bear Sandon Smith, crossed the white line and converted his own try to take back the lead for the Roosters, 22 – 24. Fighting on, a penalty is awarded to the Bears in the 76th minute that sees the scores once again equalised, 24 – 24, and all watching were on the edge of their seats. With just under two minutes remaining, the Roosters attempted a field goal that was successfully charged down but unfortunately re-collected by the opposition and the Roosters iced the game in their favour. The conversion was waved away, but the Roosters had done enough to pocket the game points. For the second week in a row, a possible win was devastatingly snatched from under us in the last 60 seconds of the game.