Bears Come From Behind In Thriller

The North Sydney Bears have fought back from behind three times in the second half to record a 30-26 victory over the Raiders at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.

The winning try was scored in the corner by Beau Champion just two minutes from fulltime, and converted by Joe Williams to maintain his 100 percent record for the afternoon.

There was not much between the sides all match. Canberra took a 6-0 lead after ten minutes, but the Bears equalised midway through the half with a try by Troy Boston and took the lead after 30 minutes when Conrad Ta'akimoeka was put through a gap by Joe Williams as the team hit the sheds with North Sydney leading 12-6.

The Raiders got the first two tries of the second half, both unconverted, to take a 14-12 lead. At the 20 minute stage, The Bears got possession from a scrum on their 10 metre line. Two tackles later North Sydney were moving the ball well as the Bears made a great break down the far side. With players in support, he put a nicely weighted kick into in goal. Quick and on the ball Isaac Gordon won the race to the pill to score just beside the posts and regain the lead for the Bears, 18-14.

Just when it looked like North Sydney was getting on top, a simple knock on at dummy half put the Bears under pressure almost immediately. The scrum packed at half way and the Raiders scored three tackles later to make it 20-18. However, the Bears certainly did not lie down.

With ten minutes to go, they were attacking the Canberra line. Strong runs from Michael Greenfield were troubling the Canberra defence. A kick behind the line of defenders resulted in an in goal scramble which the Raiders failed to clear, and Ben Lowe scored near the post to help North Sydney regain the lead 24-20.

Norths look set to score almost immediately when Champion made a great break, but the final pass was loose, and Canberra gathered possession. Had it been clean, Isaac Gordon was waiting with a 40 metre run to score.

Canberra again went ahead just eight minutes from time to make it 26-24. Only minutes remained and it looked as if the Raiders had done enough, but again Norths hit back, and Champion finished off a fine attacking move by scoring in the corner.

But it wasn't over yet. The clock showed 4 seconds remaining, and Canberra threw the ball wide only to see the winger bundled into touch as the siren went.

The North Sydney team went wild and so did the fans. It was a great win for the Bears, a game where they stood up and showed that they are contenders for action in September. This win leaves North Sydney just out of the eight on points difference.

Ben Lowe, Joe Williams, Try Boston, Beau Champion and Daniel Irvine where some of the top performers for the Bears.

NORTH SYDNEY 30 (Troy Boston, Conraid Ta'akimoeka, Yileen Gordon, Ben Lowe, Beau Champion tries; Joe Williams 5 goals from 5) defeated CANBERRA RAIDERS 26 (5 tries; 3 goals from 5). Half time North Sydney 12-6.

Due to a postponement in round 13 this coming week Norths will face 2 matches in 4 days; Wednesday July 18 Premier League v Penrith, 7:00pm North Sydney Oval Jersey Flegg v Manly, 5:30pm North Sydney Oval Saturday July 21 Premier League v Parramatta, 2:30pm North Sydney Oval Jersey Flegg v Canberra, 1:00pm North Sydney Oval

PICTURED: Joe Williams kicked 5 from 5 to help the Bears to an exciting 30-26 win. Photo: Steve Little.

The North Sydney District Rugby League Football Club can be contacted on 9466 8860, by e-mail info@northsydneybears.com.au, or check out the website at http://www.northsydneybears.com.au.