Sport
8 May, 2026
Bears pip Boars, can they challenge Brothers?
A Dwayne Duncan penalty goal proved decisive against Goondiwindi on Saturday night as the Oakey Bears recorded consecutive wins for the first time since 2022. The Bears will be tested further when they travel to Brothers this Sunday.
Super Saturday delivered from start to finish!
Our little Bears kicked things off bright and early at 8am, and our senior Bears wrapped up a huge day under lights at 8pm.
Massive shout out to all the volunteers who make days like this possible - we couldn’t do it without you!
Our Lady Bears had the week off, but the action on the field kept fans on the edge of their seats all day long.
A GRADE
What a game! The Bears came out flying, with Ashley Taylor and Dwayne Duncan pulling the strings, and the forwards laying the platform for a 20–0 lead.
The Boars fought back hard, led by Jack Pattie and Geoffrey Prince, even slotting a controversial field goal, but the Bears held strong.
With three minutes to go, Bears five-eighth and co-captain Dwayne Duncan stepped up to nail the match winning penalty goal, sealing a thrilling 32–31 victory.
Match winner Duncan said the Bears were lifted by the large home crowd.
“We knew we had to make up for that first round against Gatton,” he told Power FM’s Neville Cherry.
“We heard what everyone said. We took it personal. We want to make the Oakey town proud.”
Fullback Alex Hinch, who scored two tries, said the team wanted to gave the Bears faithful something to cheer about.
“The crowd is amazing, we can’t fault them,” he said.
“Even though we got pumped there against Gatton, they still came out for us.”
In his post match interview, coach Ash Taylor said the Bears starts were key to their wins in both Saturday’s match and last week’s contest against Highfields.
“Our start was very good, but we seemed to drift away there toward the back end of the half,” he said.
“When we start well like that, it puts us in position to win the game.”
Taylor said the club is trying to build a strong culture across both grades
“We had a game of two-up with the boys (on ANZAC Day),” he said.
“I think the difference this year to last year is we do have a lot of depth.
“We do have some boys in our Reserve Grade that could play A Grade.”
2026 Di Cronk Memorial Medal: Dwayne Duncan.
Oakey 32 (Joey Alberts 2, Alex Hinch 2, Dwayne Duncan, Harrison Burns tries; Dwayne Duncan 3 goals); Goondiwindi 31 (Travis Waddell, Jack Pattie, Geoffrey Prince, Malik Woodbridge, Jed Kindt tries; Malik Woodbridge 5 goals; Malik Woodbridge field goal)
RESERVE GRADE
After two weeks off and plenty of hard training, the Bears Reggies came out firing.
With spots up for grabs, the intensity showed as they went toe-to-toe with Goondiwindi in a gritty contest, just falling short by 3 points.
Di Cronk Player of Reggies: Joseph Eising.
Goondiwindi 29 (Isaiah Duroux 2, Michael Dennison 2, Hayden McGrady 2 tries; Kerrod Sampson, Barry Vaughan goals; Michael Dennison field goal); Oakey 26 (Lachlan Swan 2, Trey Fernando, Zacharie Benson, Cruz Williamson tries; Cruz Williamson 2, Joseph Eising goals)
NEXT WEEK
Oakey heads into town next Sunday at 2.30pm to take on Brothers – a benchmark club and strong contenders this year after winning their first two games.
The Lady Bears return to full strength as they travel to Chinchilla on Sunday to face an undefeated Bulldogs side – it’s shaping up to be a big clash!
Bus to Chinchilla – $20 per seat. Seats are available for supporters keen to get behind our ladies!
Reach out via Facebook or head down to training on Thursday to book your spot.
CLUB REMINDER
We know everyone is passionate about the game and we truly appreciate the support at our matches.
We ask that all players, supporters, and visitors continue to show respect to each other, officials, and our opposition.
Let’s keep our game day environment positive and family friendly.
- Oakey Bears RLFC with Power FM
