It was exciting for local Elspark-based Bears Rugby League Club and Tuks Rugby League Club to come face-to-face again on Saturday.<\/p>\n
The last time they faced each other was in last season\u2019s final.<\/p>
With a lot of build-up before the match, the two teams were on everybody\u2019s lips and the stands were filled with supporters.<\/p>\n
Bears went into the game with six new players who were all making their debuts and they quickly had to learn and come to terms with all the rules and the increased need for fitness in this fast, running-styled rugby, as well as the physical toll this game has on a person.<\/p>
Tuks kicked off and Bears received showing their intentions from the start to play the ball and run hard, with an opening try in the first few minutes.<\/p>\n
As early as five minutes into the match there was already a tackle count of 40 tackles made from both teams.<\/p>\n
Bears went into half-time with a lead of 20-10.<\/p>\n
Tuks, gaining from their experienced players, made a comeback of tries in the second half as result of poor calls by the referee and the awarding of two yellow cards to Bears\u2019 players Ronald Botes and Dewald Smit.<\/p>\n
The game was tight until the final whistle, with the final score 32-30 in favour of Tuks.<\/p>\n
This was Bears first loss in eight matches.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Bears tackle their way to the top<\/a><\/p>\n Bears conquer nine\u2019s tournament<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Andries van der Merwe, the Bears Rugby League Club chairman said: \u201cThe new players were really impressive and made a huge impact on the team; they fitted in well.<\/p>\n \u201cI am proud of how my team performed and the big tackles they made.<\/p>\n \u201cThe team spirit is really a welcoming experience and the guys are excited about the season.\u201d<\/p>\n The Bears continue the 2017 season with Mahestic Pools and owner Hennie Stander as their main sponsor and partner in the franchise.<\/p>\n \u201cThe club thanks Mahestic Pools for the support as without them none of this would be possible,\u201d said van der Merwe.<\/p>\n Any new players wishing to join the club can call van der Merwe on 076 565 0483.<\/p>\n During the match Bears scored six tries by Ronald Botes, Jacques van Rensburg, Jacques van Wyk, Barries Vorster, Robin Howell and Johan Roodt and four conversions by Robin Howell.<\/p>\n The Bears will face the Scorpions from Brokhorstspruit in Centurion this weekend.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>, Leigh Hodgson (journalist)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or Puleng Sekabate (journalist) pulengs@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n