Sport
6 August, 2026
Bears keep finals hopes alive
The Oakey Bears came from behind to defeat Highfields in the local derby on Saturday night, setting up a blockbuster clash in Goondiwindi this weekend.
The Oakey Bears received a fright on Saturday night when a determined Highfields Eagles caught them off guard early in their clash. The Eagles led 22-10 at half time after Shannon Elara led his side with two tries.
The noise of Highfields’ travelling contingent of supporters could frequently be heard over a downcast home crowd who had seen so many disappointing efforts over the last 14 years when expectations were high.
It wasn’t until 10 minutes remaining that Oakey was able to regain the lead and Joey Alberts put the game out of reach of the Eagles when he scored a 75th minute try.
Coach Ash Taylor said his side played like they thought the game was won before it started.
“We knew it was a bit of a danger game, if our boys didn’t show up,” he said.
“A few people not playing on the weekend destroyed us a bit.”
Taylor says his side has changed their training nights from Tuesdays and Thursdays to Wednesdays and Fridays so that more players can commit to the cause of finals football.
“We’re building something here,” he said.
Oakey Bears 34 (Curtly Hammond, Richard Murray, Gerome Burns, Samuel Dowling, Dylan Chown, Joey Alberts tries; Dwayne Duncan 5 goals); Highfields Eagles 22 (Shannon Elara 2, Jake Sargood, Chad Lebsanft tries; Jake Sargood 3 goals)
WORD FROM THE DEN
A huge thank you to all our Oakey Bears, Old Boys.
The history of this club is what we’re all about, and our playing group has spoken all year about the importance of our community.
Yesterday was a day dedicated to our Old Boys.
Our A Grade team proudly wore the 2011 jerseys as a tribute to the last Oakey A Grade side to reach a Grand Final. It was our way of showing appreciation to those who helped build this club into what it is today.
One of the most special moments of the day was seeing our Old Boys form a guard of honour and clap the A Grade side onto the field.
It was a powerful reminder that while generations may change, the pride of wearing the black and white never fades. It was a moment our current players won’t forget. The support was incredible. We had a massive crowd made up of families, supporters, and Old Boys, and our Old Boys even sold an extra 40 memberships on the night.
Seeing so many former Bears who once wore the black and white standing proudly behind the club again created an atmosphere that reminded everyone what being a Bear is all about.
After arguably our worst half of football this season, the boys dug deep and produced a determined second-half performance, scoring 24 unanswered points to come away with the win. It wasn’t pretty, but it’s the type of victory that builds character and shows the resilience of this group.
Reserve Grade
Highfields Eagles 32 (Hayden Nicholson 2, Reily Land 2, Kyle O’Toole, Jesse Willmot tries; Reily Land 4 goals); Oakey Bears 24 (Kodi Federoff 2, Jalyle Riley, Zacharie Benson, Kaleb Anderson tries; Cameron Moodie 2 goals)
THIS WEEK
Goondiwindi Boars v Oakey Bears at Gilbert Oval, Goondiwindi this Saturday, August 8th
Reserve Grade: 4:30pm
A Grade: 6pm
