Round 4 Match Report
With solid and gritty play, Saturday brought a much-needed win against the Dragons at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium. Although Dragons took the early points, the Bears fought hard for the full 80 minutes showing strong try line defence and literally putting their bodies on the line. Everyone watching on, from near and far, could see that the team wanted that win and would work to get the two points. A whole team effort was required and that’s exactly what we got. But as Head Coach Tony Barnes stated, “It was good, but now we’ve got to go and do it all again” swiftly reminding us all that a long season still ahead.
In very wet conditions, Dragons lit up the scoreboard within the first few plays and followed swiftly with a second try to lead the Bears 10 – 0 in less than ten minutes. Bears held their cool and responded three minutes later with a long ball from Jonah Pezet finding Matt Komolafe on the wing who ground in goals. Conversion was waived away and the score sat at 10 – 4. A further ten minutes passed before Dragons pulled off a fast-paced sideline sweep move for the third time in the gain, successfully finding the try line. The red & black retaliated quickly off a charging run by Compton Fuatimau dragging Dragons as he pushed through. Harradyn Wilson converted, and the gap closed to 14 – 10. Just before the half time break, Sean Vaivelata pushed his way to ground the ball under the posts to which Wilson again converted. Bears headed to the sheds in the lead for the first time in the game, 14 – 16.
Both sides returned to play re-energised and both were gunning for the two points. Again, the opposition took the first points and regained the lead, but not for long. Bears were awarded a penalty and took the opportunity to nail the two points and once again equal the scores. Moments later and only 5 metres from the try line, Bears prop forward Ben Talty called for the ball, finding the gap in Dragons defence and steamed rolled over. Wilson converted and the lead swung back in our favour, 18 – 24. With twenty minutes left on the clock, Dragons equalised and fans from both sides were on the edge of their seats. Red & black fans cheered as only four minutes later; the ball swept to the wing Moses Leo got a quick ball off to a waiting Komolafe who dove for the corner and added the four points. A difficult sideline conversion in torrential rain was missed and for the remaining fifteen minutes Bears fans could hardly hold their nerves. Devastatingly and with only four minutes remaining in the game, Dragons made a break legging it down field. Matt Komolafe took hot pursuit from across field, making a try saving tackle and ultimately giving the win to the Bears. A nail-biting, gritty game that showed real determination and hunger to win. Bears take home their first win of the 2025 season.
ROUND 5:
This Saturday we go again as we take on the Panthers at Parker Street Reserve and the team a busting to tame some cats.
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Check out the Bears named to pull on a red & black jersey this week >>
Team Draws & Game Results: Draws – North Sydney Bears
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