THE Snowy River Bears sit mid-table in the George Tooke Shield with three wins and two losses, winning their last away game 20-10 over the Googong Goannas, and narrowly losing their last home game to the Binalong Brahmans 24-26.

Their next home game against the Crookwell Green Devils on Saturday, 28 June, should be a strong chance to gain another victory if the team can produce their best footy.

Both teams are equal in points on the ladder and have a chance to stay in touch with the top four teams with a win.

The Bears, on their best day, have an exciting team, but errors and defensive lapses have been their Achilles heel. In front of their home crowd against Binalong two weeks ago, they had the chance to secure the win, but dropped ball and handing over possession in their own half to the Brahmans allowed the away team to capitalise and come from behind.

In the first Andy Wallace shield between the two clubs, the Bears held a commanding lead at halftime, 18-4, but gradually gave up points. Andy Wallace passed away playing for the Bears against Binalong in 2001. Jay Weston, who started the idea to create a memorial shield for his friend offered kind words at the start of the game as many older players gathered to watch the inaugural shield match.

Captain Jess Jackson led from the front on the day, just one of strong performances from a big forward pack. With many younger players in the team, including the backline, the experience of every game this season has seen the team improve each week.

Last start against Googong, they outscored the Goannas four tries to two, making the drive home that much more enjoyable.

This weekend is the halfway mark in the season, and a solid performance in the round eight fixture could go a long way to maintaining a finals chance.

You can see all the action at JJ Connors Oval on Saturday, 28 June.

Women’s League Tag at 1.15pm

Open Men at 2.30pm

Photos are from the Bears v Binalong match two weeks ago.

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