Bears face up to tough battles at
beautiful North Sydney Oval

The Stars of The Bears Harold Matthews team shone brightly on North Sydney Oval on Sunday, as the Club held its first home matches of the year, with all four grades on show as well as the Honey Bears cheer girls (pictured).

The first half saw some fabulous play from front rower John Davis setting the scene for a crackerjack performance. John not only set up the Bears first try to captain and five-eight Mitch Pearce, but scored his own in the second half. Players' player Eddie Lavulo together with John Davis also contributed to the Bears terrific defensive effort to hold out the Roosters early on. A good performance too from half back Ashley Calvert-Evers setting up the John Davis try in the second half and scoring a try of his own with a tremendous run leaving 3 or 4 Roosters in his wake, the Bears loosing in a close finish 26-24 to The Roosters. Coach Steve Sullivan called John Davis' performance "outstanding!"

The Bears Harold Matthews team will make another appearance at North Sydney Oval this weekend on Saturday 9th April, at 11:00am against Manly-Warringah. Don't miss this magnificent talent on show at the world's most beautiful Rugby League venue.

Premier League

Gary Freeman's Premier League boys had the biggest test yet of their metal, courageously fighting back in the second half without their champion fullback John Russell, who was sent from the field after a scuffle late in the first. With an eager and strong running Kyle Arnold also sinbinned the Knights ran in 2 tries. Then coming from a 38-16 deficit with a man down the Mighty North Sydney Bears react to the pressure with an outstanding display of ball control and enterprising play. Scoring 3 tries to come within 8 points, the large and loud crowd at North Sydney Oval erupted in cheers and whistles as the Team headed for the crowd to acknowledge the great support. Tireless hooker Ben Ellis continued his great form, with good performances from centres Chris Tuatara and Namila Davui and skipper Anthony Kiro contributing to the amazing comeback.

Newcastle 44 (T Salkeld 2, M Bartlett, K Hancock, D Spiteri, D Tolar, J Mullen tries D Campbell 8 goals) defeated North Sydney 30 (N Davui 2, A Kiro, J Feeney, R Ratimana, C Tautara tries A Heremaia 3 goals)

Next weekend the Bears take on the Penrith-St Marys Cougars at Western Weekender Stadium on Saturday day at 4:00pm.

Jersey Flegg

Despite a 32-12 loss to the Newcastle Knights, Flegg coach Gavin Catanach felt his team was much improved. Coming back from a scoreless first half, the second half included a spectacular individual try from centre Danny Chiha running the length of the field. "We were boosted by the return of Lee Cameron and were better round the marker in play" said the coach, his other favourites included; fullback Oliver Saunders, second rower Mitch Erickson, hooker Pat Allendorf and centre Ryan Verlinden.

Newcastle 32 (M Steel 2, A Hartmann, J McManus, L Abel, H Laban, S Gordon tries S Dureau 2 goals) defeated North Sydney 12 (D Chiha 2 tries O Saunders 2 goals)

Next Friday the Bears Flegg team will play the Penrith Panthers in front of a big crowd prior to the Penrith V Storm match at Penrith Stadium.

S.G.Ball

In the other match at North Sydney Oval on Sunday the Ball had a loss to the Roosters 34-8. The Ball will join the Harold Matts next Saturday at North Sydney Oval as they challenge arch rivals Manly.

For more information on the Mighty Bears get to http://www.northsydneybears.com.au