In a sea of blue and white at Belmore Oval last Saturday, the Bears put on one of their most dominant performances of the 2023 season. Emotions were high as “Grub” Josh Reynolds took to the field in his retirement match to a sold-out home crowd. Remaining calm and composed, the Bears got off to a ripper of a start with big Terrell May depositing the ball under the posts after a perfectly timed off-load from team captain, Zach Dockar-Clay. Kieran Hayman easily converted, and we were up 0 – 6 within the first five minutes. The momentum continued as the Bears attacked the line again, Jesse Marshke puts through a grubber that bounces in an anticipating Ben Stevanovic’s favour, Hayman converts and the score blasts 0 – 12 after only 12 minutes. Immense defence right across the Bears line continued to hold the Bulldogs out giving the red & black another opportunity to score. At pace, the ball sweeps to the far wing finding its way into Allan Fitzgibbons hands who puts on the burners to nab his first of two tries for the game. By this time the wind is really starting to pick up and Hayman struggles to get the distance against a strong head wind and the score sits at 0 – 16. The wind playing havoc again, Bulldogs put up a kick right on the try line that sees the two opposing wingers clash midair, the ball bounce and the dogs pounce to get their only points of the game. With six minutes left before half time, an almost replica play sees Fitzgibbon secure his double and the boys go to the sheds up 6 – 20.
While in the sheds, the crowd continued to build, and the boys returned to the field literally surround by Bulldogs. Again, a determination and a quiet composure settled over the team. Bulldogs had tightened their defence, but that didn’t stop mighty Reuben Porter finding the gap and easily jogging it over in the 47th minute to which Hayman converted and the scoreline pushed out to 6 – 26 in the Bears favour. Both sides continued to battle forward with some big defensive plays on display, the crowd cheered when Reynolds was subbed on in the 56th minute and the doggies seemed to lift, not enough. The Bears seemed tireless against a waning opposition as the game headed towards the last ten minutes. Not done yet, the red & black were on the march again, moving the ball along the line to a steam rolling Alfred Smalley who scores in front of the hill. The conversion is waived away, and the Bears go on to not only secure a dominant won 6 – 30 over the Dogs but also take top position on the comp ladder. Speaking post-game Marschke commented that the team had been building to their perfect game all season and this one felt “a step in the right direction”. With only six rounds left and five of those rounds at home at North Sydney Oval, we look forward to watching this team continue to build.
ROUND 21: BEARS V DRAGONS
Returning to Bear Park this Saturday for our only home game under lights for the 2023 season, we take on the St George Illawarra Dragons kicking off at 5pm. The last time we met in April, the Dragons got the jump on us and we are keen to take those points back in this scrimmage.
No better place to be on a Saturday night than at beautiful North Sydney Oval, under lights, mulled wine or a hot spiced ginger beer in hand and first class footy on field. We have heaps of fun and complimentary activities on for our Christmas in July round including Christmas craft and face paintings, bubbles and Bears temporary tattoos, light up and inflatable decorations plus a visit from the big man himself, Santa! Christmas in July festivities from 3.30pm with the main game kicking off at 5pm. This is one special night at Bear Park not to be missed. Adults $15, and Kids U16 Go FREE! Come on down, cheer on the Bears and enjoy the magic of North Sydney Oval at night.
Check out Head Coach Jason Taylor’s team named to get the job done >>
