Bears battle Devils

Bears battle Devils

A healthy crowd was on hand to witness the Braidwood Bears first home game in five years as they took on the Crookwell Green Devils in round two of the George Tooke Shield.

In what was a see sawing game in muggy & wet conditions, who ever could hold on to possession would win.  Unfortunately Crookwell were a fraction safer with the ball running out winners 26-16.

Justin Mitchell opened the scoring, diving over from dummy half just four minutes in, but Crookwell were quick to hit back locking up scores at 6 all.

Sam McGlone then finished a slick backline move flying down the right hand side to put the Bears back in front but it wasnt to last.  A Bears handling error gave Crookwell great field position which they capitalised on.  They backed it up with another soft try going in at the half leading 14-12.

Crookwell handed the ball over straight after the half and the Bears pounced with Nick McArthur scoring down the short side putting the Bears in front 16-14.  The end to end footy continued though with Crookwell going in again to take the lead.

The remainder of the half was a mix of tough defence & handling errors.

Braidwood had plenty of ball but were brought unstuck with poor handling. Crookwell scored one last try to seal the game on the bell.

The Bears can take plenty out of the game. They started an almost completely new look lineup after loosing five players from round one, including captain Jack McGlone for the season.  With some more luck with the ball the result could have been the reverse.

Players player Joey Obrien looked at home after his move into the backrow.  The 2 points went to big backrower Nick McArthur & flyer Sammy McGlone.  Luke Poynter & Rhys Weller-Lewis worked all day earning 1 point a piece.

The Bears would like to thank Rob Richardson who donated his time to be our first aid officer this week.

This Saturday the Bears are at home again to fellow newcomers the Gunning Roos.

Kickoff is 3pm.

Grizzly Bear