The Bears hit the road on Saturday, travelling to the Newcastle Knights Centre of Excellence where they claimed a 34-16 win over the Newcastle Knights. Sitting in third place and just two competition points behind North Sydney, the Knights presented a significant challenge, making the win all the more important. The high energy in the sheds after full-time reflected just how much the result meant to the playing group.

The boys made their mark early, with Harradyn Wilson opening the scoring after a clever attacking play as Ethyn Martin put in a perfectly weighted kick towards the middle. Wilson chased through, collected the bouncing ball and dived over for the opening try. Shortly after, Jake Toby showed tremendous skill after being dragged to ground, scrambling back to his feet before producing a brilliant offload to Yates, who quickly shifted the ball on for Stimson to finish the play.

After the Knights scored a try of their own, the Bears lifted and Thomas Steadman displayed quick hands and footwork to break the defensive line before finding Kieran Hayman, who produced one of the moments of the match. Hayman chipped ahead, regathered his own kick and crossed for a spectacular try under the posts. North Sydney took a strong 16-4 lead into the break and remained in control throughout the afternoon. Further tries to Stimson, Steadman and Coby Thomas sealed a deserved 34-16 win.

The Bears edged possession (53%) and completed at an impressive 83%, laying the platform for another polished attacking display. Kieran Hayman once again played a pivotal role, scoring a brilliant try and converting five of the Bears’ six tries. Jake Toby was outstanding through the middle, finishing with a game-high 212 running metres to help lay the platform for the victory.

The result keeps the Bears building momentum as the competition enters its closing stages. The team now returns to North Sydney Oval on the 9th of August to take on the Western Suburbs Magpies in the final match of the Jason Taylor Cup. We’re calling on all Bears fans to get down to Bear Park and support the boys as they look to continue their winning form on home soil. With the Bears sitting in second place, it’s shaping up to be a great contest. We will have face painting and Barney the Bear out and about so we hope to see you all there!

Check out the Bears named to pull on a red & black jersey this weekend >>