Bears too strong for Wattles
THE Oakey Bears ran in five unanswered first half tries to lead 22-0 at the 28-minute mark of their TRL Round 19 match against Wattles on Sunday.
On their home turf, the Bears speed around the rucks caught Wattles on the back foot on many occasions. Hooker Liam Ross and back rower Glen McMillan were outstanding throughout for Wattles, five-eighth Jeff Nielsen also among the Warriors best.
A Glen McMillan try just after the half-time break lifted the Warriors spirits, before halfback Rob Woodbridge hoisted a towering up and under in the 53rd minute that bounced perfectly for winger Dale Dempsey to canter over to score.
Soon after, Russell McMillan slid in behind the defence on the Oakey 20-metre line to off load to five-eighth Jeff Nielsen for a try.
Wattles trailed 26–22 with just four minutes remaining after fullback Brenden Wilson put his body on the line to take a Woodbridge high ball to score.
While the Warriors had given away a 22-point start, they were within a breath of a surprise victory, until veteran Bears front-rower Jan Petrie scored. Brady Glass kicked two goals and Rob Woodbridge one for Wattles.
The loss has Wattles under major pressure in their quest to make a finals appearance in a year they were being tipped as wooden spooners having to win their last four 2011 season fixtures to possibly snatch a semi-final berth.
