The Snowy River Bears are on a winning roll after accounting for the Bega Roosters last weekend at home that sees them sit atop the table and undefeated.
As much as they celebrated the 28-12 victory in what was a fair performance, a sickening head clash with fellow player Tristan Hamilton left captain coach Josh Hitchens with a fractured jaw when they collided in a tackle.
The inspirational leader has steered the club in the right direction in 2024, and as they enter the back end of the regular season are starting to show good signs of improvement.
Hitchens had surgery mid-week and is expected to be side lined at least until the finals.
After Bega scored the first try in the early stages, it was all Bears from there on as they steadily gained the ascendency and capitalised on their chances.
Fullback Dean Wilson was on fire from the back, continually avoiding defenders, set up several key plays plus scored himself from long range. It seems uncanny he can run into defenders and bust straight through, game after game.
With the forwards making inroads in attack and producing good hits in defence, led by stalwart Adam Walters, the slick backline had room to move.
Nic Marshall had a strong game at centre as did elusive winger Akuila Masima who scored with a great individual and entertaining finish. They also both combined for a near length of the field try, Marshall making the break, passing to Masima who then passed back to Marshall to lead 14-6.
Liam Rankin ‘s conversion attempts were far from his best, and when Bega scored again the game was in the balance at 14-12. Wilson scored before half time but again no conversion, 18-12.
The Bears will need to refine their kick return after several misjudgements on their left side from Bega kick offs put unnecessary pressure on the Bears. Giving up possession with a line drop out when they should have been attacking was inexcusable. Bega scored one of their tries from this situation.
The halftime score of 18-12 in the Bears favour reflected the game. They were in front in the game and on scoreboard, but Bega were not out of the equation just yet.
Starting the second half, Rowland Mateyawa show guile to slip passes in heavy defence which ultimately led to Tristan Hamilton scurrying over for a try from dummy half. This was some consolation after his errors in kick return earlier in the game. Hamilton replaced Rankin for conversions, but the team needs to refine who is their best kicker to add the extra points.
To their credit, the Bears defence stepped it up in the final 40 minutes and defended any threat anywhere near their line.
When Rowland Mateyawa stormed through the Bega defence to score near the posts the game was as good as over. Hamilton would miss the conversion from near in front.
When a Bega player was injured with five minutes remaining on the clock, and it was evident it would be a delay while trainers attended to him, the referee called time on the game.
The Bears remain undefeated and sit two points clear of Eden on the ladder.
They play Bombala at Bombala on Saturday at 2.30.
Reserve Grade
The Snowy River Bears reserve grade will want to forget this performance where they succumbed to the Bega Roosters 38-12 in what was a disappointing performance.
Continued lost ball, poor possession and multiple mistakes allowed the opposition too many opportunities to pile on points. And they did just that.
On numerous attacking occasions players tried to force the pass or go for the hero offload only for it to backfire.
Discipline needs to be their key focus if they want to improve on the backend of the season. Trying for the individual big shot was not working, and with some team unity and more direction on the field, they have the squad to improve and contend for games.
Reserve grade have a bye this weekend.
(see more photos in scrolling gallery at top of page.)
