With a strong north westerly wind behind them the Hawks ran in 4 tries in the first half to rack up a 22 -0 lead, crossed for their 5th and final try in the 50th minute before the Bears took control of the match with Rocky and Marty Edwards scoring converted tries in the 50th and 53rd minutes. Frustratingly Before the final whistle Dixon, Green and Guihot all crossed the try line but all were ruled to be held up over the line thus denying the Bears a possible 18 points and a potential win against the comp leaders.

While the wind was a factor in the first half, Braidwood didn't help their own cause with unforced errors and completing just 2 sets of six. Marty Edwards continued his great form scoring a great bulldozing try, taking the ball up with venom all match, making some telling hits in defence and deservedly he picked up the McGlone Constructions Players Player Award.

James Green made a difference off the bench with good yards around the ruck, denied what looked to be certain try and picked up the second Players Player Award. A Big Thanks to John and Kerry McGlone for their generous and continued support and Game Day Sponsorship.

Jason Kolber won the Coaches Award for his best game for the Bears to date. Kolber was never far from the ball in defence and attack and like Edwards played all but 5 minutes of the match.

While Coach Gee Giannasca would have liked the win he was far from disappointed with the result especially his charges came back in the second half and is confident the Bears will bounce back and defeat Binalong in the Major Preliminary Semi-Final at Binalong next Saturday at 2.30.

Bungendore take on Exchange in the Elimination Semi at 1pm also at Binalong. Ian Bensley is taking one of his 50 seat coaches to Binalong and there will be seats available at $20. The Bears finished 3rd with 10 wins and 6 losses, scoring 577 points at an amazing 36 points per match which is one of the best efforts by a Bears side.

The Bruce Stuart Building Scoreboard for Rd 18. Hawks 26 Bears 12 [Edwards 1 try, Rocky 1 and McCarthy 2 conversions]