Snowy River Bears 30 beat Cooma Stallions 28

Cooma United Stallions made a return to Group 16 Rugby League with a home game against arch rivals the Snowy River Bears, and while they won a close game in the reserve grade 24-22, their first grade side were pipped at the post by the Bears 30-28 in a thrilling finish at Cooma Showground.

In what is always a traditional hard and fiery match, the Snowy River Bears escaped with a tight win over the Cooma Stallions in a game that everything.

After tries to Bears winger Will More and prop John Field, the Bears ran up an early 12-0 lead during the first half but could not sustain the pressure. Cooma’s Levita Levita scored and Klies Kaiarake produced some evasive footwork to score, both converted to level up the scores 12 all.

The Bears made a huge error in kicking out on the full, but lucky they were not punished for the mistake. And with a lucky break Will Moore scored again from long range to allow a half time score of Bears 16-14.

In a topsy turvy second half that produced both mistakes and scintillating football from both sides, the game was always in the balance. It was who which team would take the advantage. 

Cooma’s Jaylen Hardiman scored to level the scores before live wire five eight Levita Levita scored a spectacular diving try that looked to have Cooma on their way to victory. It was converted, the score at 16-22 in Cooma’s favour.

The Bears would find themselves trailing having surrendered any early game supremacy and were staring down the barrel of defeat towards the end of the game.

There were big hits and strong defence from both sides. Besides a scrappy game at times, there was plenty of brilliance, the Bears utilising a speedy backline to try and gain an advantage. In the engine room, Field and the reliable Adam Walters were strong, and captain coach Josh Hitchens left his mark in defence with some crunching tackles.

In a positive for the Bears, they were well directed around the park by Liam Rankin. With some more cohesion and polish on their teamwork, they could have a good season ahead. Five eight Brendon Taueki also showed nice touches.

A converted penalty and then the Bears fullback Dean Wilson keeping his team in the game with a runaway 60 metre try now had the visiting team leading. Bears in front 24-22.

Cooma threatened the line on numerous occasions and then scored from dummy half with hooker Astin Nunan crossing the line to take the lead 24-28. To add confusion for the spectators, the on field digital scoreboard was not registering either the correct time or score, with the announcer keeping them informed of score and time.

With the game in the balance and time running out, the Bears scored a runaway try from Brendan Taueki who would convert to register a great first up win for the Bears.

Next Game Saturday 22 April

Snowy River Bears home game 2.30pm

JJ Connors Oval v Merimbula Pambula

(no reserve grade this week for Bears)

Reserve Grade

Cooma Stallions 24 beat Snowy River Bears 22

In a close fought match in reserve grade, the Cooma Stallions edged out their rivals Snowy River Bears 24-22.

The Bears with many new faces looked strong in parts, but mistakes being their main enemy. The Cooma side also would hope to tidy up their mistake rate.