North Sydney continue their winning
way

The Mighty Bears produced a classic solid and workmanlike performance to beat a courageous Dragons outfit in a closely fought match at WIN Stadium on Saturday night, in front of a big crowd prior to the Storm V Dragons first grade match.

Outstanding performances from winger Joseph Swamy and centre Chris Tuatara showing superb maturity and judgement in attack to score 3 tries between them, 2 to Chris including a 75 metre run after an intercept to score.

In defence Ian Donnelly opened the game with an immaculate hit forcing the Dragons to lose the ball and continued another rip snorting performance for the Storm recruit. Wayne McDade had an unheralded but no less important performance topping the tackle count with 26 hits.

In the last 4 minutes the match had the crowd on its feet as the Dragons ran in a late try to bring the score to 24-22 in favour of the Bears. Breaths were held and eyes were covered as Norths held strong for the final 2 minutes proving their new found maturity. The Bears now remain outright leaders on the table. (pictured: Brenden Solomon)

Coach Gary Freeman congratulated his players saying "we're improving every week", as the Bears new victory song reverberated though the WIN stadium complex.

North Sydney 24 (C. Tuatara 2, J. Swamy, A. Moodie, L. Fatowna tries; A. Heremaia 2 goals) df St George Illawarra 22 (4 tries; 3 goals) (one of SGI's tries was scored by former Bear Lee Te Maari)

Next week is one of the most anticipated matches on the Calender when the Mighty Bears meet the Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on Sunday 27th March at 12:30pm. A win will not only put the Sea Eagles in their place but once again secure the top position of the table for the Bears.

Harold Mathews

The glorious and inherent talent of Brad Horder (great grandson of Norths great Harold Horder) was on show again at Belmore Sports Ground as the Bears Harold Mathews team lost in a close match to the Bulldogs on Saturday.

The Bears were down 18-6 at the half time break but an incredible 2nd half performance steer headed by Brad, Mitch Pearce and supersonic speedster Harrison Croghan produced 4 tries including 3 from the inspirational 5/8 Brad Horder. This exciting and entertaining performance not only wowed the crowd but proves beyond a doubt the strength of the North Sydney junior base and the future of rugby league on the North Shore.

Bulldogs 30 (6 tries; 3 goals) df North Sydney 28 (B. Horder 3, H. Groghan, M. Pierce tries; L. Bidols 3, B. Horder goals)

Next week the Bears travel down to WIN stadium to play the Dragons on Thursday night the 24th March, at 6:00pm. Make sure you're there to see this awesome talent on show again.

Jersey Flegg and S. G. Ball

In the other match at WIN stadium despite a courageous performance from Hooker Pat Allendorf and good work from Blake McLean, the Bears went down to the Dragons 50-6. However the Bears will be more than ready to redeem the loss when they meet the Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on 27th March at 10:45am.

St George Illawarra 50 (9 tries; 7 goals) df North Sydney 6 (P. Allendorf try; R. Wilson goal)

Earlier in the day at Belmore Sports Ground the Bears S.G. Ball had a loss to the Bulldogs 56-6. Next week they join the Harold Mathews team at WIN stadium on Thursday night, 24th March, at 7:30pm against the Dragons.

Bulldogs 56 (10 tries; 8 goals) df North Sydney 6 (B. Vengoa try; M. Tierney goal)

For more news and action photos of the Mighty Bears go to http://www.northsydneybears.com.au