Bears JF hit their straps

The North Sydney under 20s team has again improved on their previous form to play a competitive match against the Raiders who won 30-22. ?We are beginning to put opposition teams under a bit more pressure? Claimed Ex-Penrith stalwart and now Bears Jersey Flegg coach Steve Carter.

With an improved completion rate the boys hit the Raiders with more metres gained and more effective hits in defence. On a number of occasions the Bears defence forced errors in the Raiders attack. The Bears were unlucky in the second half when Canberra scored an intercept try against the run
of play.

There was a solid and vocal performance from Jason Saliba playing in the centres, good work from five-eighth Bladen Baird (who scored the Bears first try) and great work from forwards Pio Rokomaqisa, Michael Jones, Arnold Mano and Michael Morris. Arnold and Mick Morris were rewarded with promotion to the Premier League bench. Winger Ryan Wilson was terrific in attack including the scoring of two tries in the left and right corners of the Canberra in goal.

But Coach Carter reserved his praise for today?s fullback. ?It?s hard to single out anyone they all played well however, Matt McDougall who has been moved from winger to centre to fullback had an outstanding game?. Matt scored a fantastic try running 90 metres down the left wing to score, possibly inspired by the sight of one of the Honey Bears Cheer Girls having her picture taken at the score board end of the field.

?It?s definitely a performance to build on again for next week? said the Coach.

In a penalty stricken match the Premier League suffered a defeat to the Raiders 54-10. Without regular Storm players Ben Cross and Matt Bartlett, injuries to Jamie Feeney and Ryan Shortland and the continued loss of back John Russell the Bears were unable to repeat their enthusiastic performance against Manly.

PICTURED: Winger Ryan Wilson scored 2 tries against the Raiders for his steadily improving Flegg team. PHOTO: Steve Little