The Snowy River Bears have advanced to the Group 16 rugby league first grade grand final after a gritty and determined 32-22 win against Eden last Saturday.
Having been on the end of a flogging at their most recent game against Eden in July, going down 52-10, the Bears ventured to the coast for redemption and truly proved they are the main contenders for this year’s title.
Bears captain coach Josh Hitchens said it was a massive result to beat Eden and a massive turn around. “A bit of redemption day for us. We were missing some key positions last time we played these guys. And we had a game that we needed to lapse on. I think it was like a wakeup call for us and ever since that game, we have put together 80-minute performances. And I couldn't be prouder,” said Hitchens.
After letting in a soft opening try virtually from the kick off, much to the delight of the local Eden Tigers supporters, that was the last time the home team would be in front. The Bears showed their strength and despite a few stupid and somewhat frustrating basic errors, they were the better team by far.
When Nic Marshall crossed for the Bears first try in the 6th minute, and converted by Brendon Taueki, the Bears were in control.
Troy Freebody gave away a penalty from the ensuing kick-off adding unwanted pressure on the Bears defence, but luckily Eden could not capitalise on the opportunity.
“We have a motto this year, win the game early, score the points late and when they got their first try. We knew it was off a shitty error, and we knew we were going to out grind these guys. Today was about individual performance, out grinding them and getting into the arm wrestling and getting field position,” said Hitchens commenting on the game afterwards.
The Bears had opportunities with winger Maika Rovouvou having a disallowed try in the left corner, and then fullback Dean Wilson was held up over the line in the right corner. At this time, you had the sense the Bears were showing their dominance. Rovouvou had a great game and was constantly taking hit ups when he could, his metre tally would be one of the best of the day.
Taueki would score for the Bears to have the score at 10-4. But he would then go sour with his goal kicking and miss the next five try conversions. This could have proved costly especially as some kicks were in easier range to convert.
Laim Rankin changed the game for the Bears with his aggression to score in the 28th minute but not converted. The team celebrate as they sensed something special was happening. Bears 14-4.
Eden did score in the 31st minute and converted to be still in touch with the Bears at 14-10, but when Rankin crossed for a second try four minutes later, beating several defenders to score in the corner, the writing was on the wall even though the score was only 18-10.
Rankin had an outstanding game, with the two crucial tries, but also strong defence.
After the game captain coach Josh Hitchens said Rankin was down on form a few weeks prior, but coming into the last three games he was urged to lift. “We put the pressure on him. And he showed us what he's made of. He showed us a bit of gumption today. And he’s turned it around mate, he’s an unbelievable footballer,” said Hitchens.
The Bears were strong through the middle. Hooker Kadin Te Nana was shooting out from dummy half and forwards John Fields, Roland Mateyawa, Troy Freebody and Nic Marshall were having strong games. Marshall was especially punishing in defence with numerous big hits.
The Tigers lost two key players in the first half through injury, and they would not return for the match. This obviously hurt the Tigers, but was it game changing? The Bears had weathered and repelled most of the Tigers attack.
When the teams resumed for the second half the Bears picked up where they had left off. Fullback Dean Wilson again proved elusive and dragged several defenders over the line to score a crucial try in the 44th minute. He had no right to score that try, but determination goes a long way and typical of his stellar form this season.
The ascendancy was now well and truly with the visiting Jindabyne team, and their game to lose. Eden score and convert with 17 minutes remaining and are realistically back in the game at the 22-16 on the scoreboard. The Bears had a few anxious moments along the way, but their effort and composure were evident to still control the match.
Josh Hitchens makes a strong run into Eden territory which would eventually lead to Brendon Taueki throwing an aerial pass over the top to Jake Hedger who scores in the 65th minute. Hedger was brilliant under the high ball, and a threat every time an attacking bomb went skyward. His try would have taken its toll on the opposition as they were seeing the game now slip away.
Taueki puts up a high bomb and the Eden fullback knocks on. Followed by a penalty for a high shot on Corey Thomas and from the pursuing set Nic Marshall crosses for a crucial try, and the realisation the grand final berth was sealed up. Finally, a try was converted when Liam Rankin was handed the duty.
After the game Nic Marshall said, “yeah just a repeat from last week. We played really well, we were completing our sets”. He commented they could improve from some of their mistakes where they handed over cheap possession. “Apart from those mistakes it was a really competitive game for us.”
When complimented on his tough game he said, “yeah it’s my favourite part of the game, I love the physicality, so the big shots, the big runs, it has my name all over it. I was just glad I could put a mark on the game.”
The kicking duties will need to be sorted out before the grand final. In a closer game this could have been the difference between winning the game or losing. Taueki is usually good with conversions, lets hope it was just an off day.
Eden rally for a late try and now under five minutes remain and the score is 32-22.
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In The Sheds
Local junior Tristan Hamilton was asked about qualifying for his first ever first grade grand final. “Pretty special I don’t think it has really sunk in yet, having just come off,” was how Hamilton described the feeling at the game’s conclusion.
“I just love every single one of these boys, I’m just going to enjoy the next couple of weeks and rip in. The jobs not done, but we’re halfway there. Can’t wait, so excited.”
He was reminded he copped a few good hits being one of the smaller players in the side to which he responded, “I love that, it’s good fun, you know you played a hard game of footy when they hit you like that, I love it, give it to me all day.”
Commenting on the momentum from this game, Tristan said, “unreal, unbelievable, massive turnaround from a few weeks down here (previous Eden game). I think we are really hitting form at the right time, I’m stoked, and I think we will be hard to beat in a couple of weeks”.
When reflecting back on the game, Josh Hitchens said they knew Eden had not been tested all year.
“Every team they played, they've been ahead on the scoreboard at halftime and full time. So we knew if they were behind, that they would start panicking, they’d start folding. And we put the hammer on the throat, and we just kept going,” said Hitchens.
The Snowy River Bears are now through to the grand final in Narooma on Sunday August 25.
Eden now plays Merimbula-Pambula this weekend to decide who plays the Bears in the grand final.