With a sizeable travelling support, the Bears took to the field looking resplendent in their Saunderson Sponsored retro style strips. 

Our forwards competed well and held their own against a strong Northern pack and with the backs looking sharp we raced into a three try lead through left winger Nick (hat trick) Baron. With Peter Kempston kicking well, we were up 19-0 up in as many minutes.

That spurred Northern on and with us dropping our game intensity, Northern started to control the ball and the fringe area, making inroads using their strong ball carriers. Their endeavours eventually producing a well worked converted try. Just on half time, the Guest Chicago referee awarded a penalty against us and the Northern standoff kicked a fine penalty to make it 19-10 for us at the break but with the momentum definitely in Northern’s favour.

A strong team talk but the Douglas-Dryburgh twins (both wearing dark blue Teuchters and Bennets shirts this week) and a couple of forward changes meant the bears gaining the upper hand again and scoring another three tries through Ross Young, captain Rod Hutchison and Jason Russell’s long range interception score (running style and stride pattern reminiscent of a watching Peter Knight). All converted by Peter Kempston. Again after doing the hard work we dropped our intensity allowing Northern back into the game and they finished strongly scoring another couple of tries.

All in all a good day at the office. We didn't have it all our own way so good to see the hunger for the win. Our tight forwards competed well up front and special mention for Murray and Ross for their full 80 minute shift. Scott played well at Scrum Half with a big heart and appetite for contact belying his size and stature, his efforts helping our back row stay in the game.