The Braidwood Servicemen's Club Bears racked up a solid 66-18 win over the Gordon Highlanders at Goulburn on Saturday and puts them back into the top 5. Braidwood led 32-6 at oranges and scored 12 tries to Gordons 3. The Bears went into the match vulnerable, with only 2 on the reserves bench and Coach Newsome had to make a major positional changes to his side because of injuries. His decisions all proved fruitful. Scott Bakos move from wing to centre saw him bag 4 tries. McCarthy's switch from hooker to 5/8 saw the Bears backline hit their straps with 10 of the 12 tries resulting from set backline moves. Rowdy Augustin's first game at hooker for the Bears was solid with him giving slick service from dummy half and he relished the extra defensive duties around the ruck and Newsome's own change from 5/8 to fullback gave him the extra room to use his explosive pace racking up over 200metres in attack.

The game itself showed where both sides are at the moment. The Bears had no trouble in attack in scoring 12 tries but were disappointed in themselves in missing several other scoring opportunities as well as letting the last placed Highlanders score 3. Many of the Bears will have to lift their intensity if they are to dominate the teams above them in the competition and regain their early season form.

The Braidwood Butchery Players Player Award went to prop Danny White who carried on his last games form breaking the first line every time he carried the ball up and was ruthless in defence. Whitey inspired his fellow props, McGlone and Kelly who also had solid games. 2nd place went to Scotty Bakos for his 4 try effort and also his top support play. Thanks to Mick and Cheryl for their generous support this season and past years supplying their top quality meat for the after game Bar-b-ques. Coaches Award went to winger Jessie Harris who crossed for 2 good tries and constantly looked for work.

Next Saturday the Bears take on fellow semi-final contenders the Boomanulla Raiders at the Rec at 2.30. The Raiders got the Bears on the siren in round one and the Bears will be out for revenge.

The Bruce Stuart Building Scoreboard for Rd 11 Bears 66 (Bakos 4 tries, Guihot 2, Harris 2, Marty now 1, McCarthy 1,Kolber 1, Josh Turnbull 1and 2 goals, Newsome 7 goals) Highlanders 18.