Bears biggest winning margin in
five years

The North Sydney Club are celebrating their biggest winning margin since leaving the NRL with the Balmain Tigers feeling the full force of a 10 to 2 try win at Bear Park on Friday night (12 Aug).

With the experience of Alex Chan, Ian Donnelly, Jamie Feeney and Tevita Metuisela up front, the Bears hammer headed their way through the Tigers line setting the platform for a euphoric performance from one of the best backlines in the league. It was a thrill a minute, but it was all the Bears in the first half as North Sydney kept Balmain scoreless with a 24 to nil lead at the break.

Lester Salanoa's performance was almost flawless. His perfectly timed running and passing leading him to score no less than 4 tries and contributing to 2 others. Aaron Heremaia pushed and prodded the Tigers line with a superb kicking and running game contributing to 5 tries.

Fullback John Russell produced another "Terry lamb" style performance - always in the right place at the right time. The forwards also contributed to the points, with Matt Thurston setting up the first try to Lester and Tevita Metuisela pushing aside no less than 5 tiger opposites as he scored right in front of a packed and appreciative Molly Dye Stand crowd.

In the end Balmain scored 2 tries only in the second half. One mid way through the half and the other right on the bell with the final historic score 48-12 to the Bears.

PHOTO: Ian Donnelly and Ben Ellis drive another Tiger opponent into the Bear Park turf.

NORTH SYDNEY BEARS 48 (Lester Salanoa 4, Metuisela 2, Heremaia 2, Russell, Feeney tries; Retimana 4 goals) defeated BALMAIN-RYDE-EASTWOOD TIGERS 12 (2 tries, 2 goals)

The Bears now have a well deserved break via a bye and will play their remaining match of the season at home against Manly-Warringah.

NORTH SYDNEY RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUB