{"id":139134,"date":"2016-11-24T06:58:02","date_gmt":"2016-11-24T04:58:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/?p=139134"},"modified":"2016-11-24T15:36:04","modified_gmt":"2016-11-24T13:36:04","slug":"bears-tackle-tough-opponents-and-bad-weather","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/sports-news\/2016\/11\/24\/bears-tackle-tough-opponents-and-bad-weather\/","title":{"rendered":"Bears tackle tough opponents and bad weather"},"content":{"rendered":"

The gloomy weather once again played a role in the Bears Rugby League Club\u2019s weekend fixture.<\/p>\n

The team faced the Broncos Rugby League Club, for the first time, in the Saturday afternoon match played at the Bears\u2019 second home ground of Bosman Stadium in Brakpan.<\/p>

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The Bears won the toss and opted to receive from the kick-off.<\/p>\n

It was a physical confrontation from the start with big hits and perfectly timed tackles, leaving the visiting team on their toes as they attempted to defend the Bears\u2019 onslaught.<\/p>

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The home team, however, were able to brush past their defences, scoring in the game\u2019s opening minutes.<\/p>\n

The game continued at a fast pace but the Bears\u2019 tempers started flaring which led to penalties for the Bronocs.<\/p>\n

The visitors were able to score from this opportunity and the game went into the half-time break with the score 12-10 in favour of the Bears.<\/p>\n

The second half proved to be as gruelling as the first in the opening minutes.<\/p>\n

Both teams were on top of their game after the half-time rest, with neither side giving an inch.<\/p>\n

However, dark clouds and lightning meant that the game had to be stopped for the safety of the players.<\/p>\n

The Bears won the match 12-10 and made use of the depth they have this season, resting most of the regular starters and providing much-needed game-time to others.<\/p>\n

The match\u2019s tries was scored by Quinton Bierman, who played his first match since 2012, and Ronald Botes, who also made the team\u2019s one conversion.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs we were ahead in points at the time the match had to be called off, we were declared the winners,\u201d said club chairman Andries van der Merwe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have some key areas to work on for the next match but I am happy with the way it went.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had a good combination between experienced players and newcomers, and the newcomers are definitely stepping up,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Captain of the day Marcelle Viljoen was also happy with the team\u2019s efforts and looks forward to this week\u2019s training sessions in preparation the club\u2019s next match.<\/p>\n

The Bears, who are currently second on the league log, will be taking on the Harlequins Rugby League Club at 3pm on Saturday, at the Elspark Sport Complex.<\/p>\n