Bears win Challenge Cup

North Sydney has come from behind to snatch a superb last minute victory and snatch the Leagues Club Cup from long time holders Tweed Heads.

The ?Leagues Club Challenge Cup? became an annual contest between the North Sydney Bears and the Tweed Heads Seagulls Football teams after the North Sydney Leagues Club took over operations of the Tweed Heads Leagues Club six years ago.

In hot conditions on Saturday night The Seagulls proved more than a match running away with the first half 10 to nil.

But the reminder of a pact made by the North Sydney boys to ?win it for Flo? spurred them on in the second half with Aaron Trinder running in a try soon after the break.

Then Bears player of the year Ben Ellis ran in under the posts to allow Ryan Russell to even the scores at 10 all.

The game became a classic arm wrestle between the two rivals the score remaining even for most of the remainder. However in the last moments Andrew Moodie and Daniel Russell attempted to force a Tweed Heads player over the side line leading to a mistimed kick by the Gulls and a golden opportunity for Luke Fatnowna to run 50 metres and win the match as the final bell sounded 14 to 10.

There was some good work by John Kagi in the hit-up department. Also Ryan Russell, John Russell and Aaron Trinder made good contributions. While Ben Ellis heroically topped the tackle count at 40, despite him not playing the full 80 minutes.

Emotions were high in the Bears camp after the match the boys having made good their promise to North Sydney General Manger Greg Florimo.

?The commitment was outstanding? said Coach Josh White, But stressed he is still looking for improvements in execution.

THE 2006 LEAGUES CLUB CHALLENGE CUP ? NORTH SYDNEY 14 (Aaron Trinder, Ben Ellis, Luke Fatnowna tries Ryan Russell 1 goal) defeated TWEED HEADS 10(Jade McDermott, Joe Cudmore tries; Jade McDermott 1 goal).

PHOTO: North Sydney Captain Ben Black proudly savours the Leagues Club Challenge Cup. Photo: Paul Collins.