Sport
25 May, 2023
Bears women run up a score
A large crowd of several hundred was on hand at the Den to cheer on the ladies as they ran in ten tries to one against Valleys.
Women-
Oakey 48 d. Valleys 4
Oakey tries Antonia Vito 3, Clarissa Janes 2, Jarna Smeeton, Pearl Hood, Kyha Black, Mireka Young, Erikana Dean
A large crowd of several hundred was on hand to cheer on the ladies as they ran in ten tries to one.
Coach Eddie Dean said he was very impressed with his side’s defensive effort.
“They’re a good team, but when you put up a defence like that, you make it hard for them to score,” he said.
“Our halves did really good - Charmayne ‘Shark’ Pakura and Kylie Janes.
“To top it all off, our captain Mireka Young is always in the mix.”
Dean said despite going in as strong favourites next week, the team won’t be letting down its guard for the occasion.
“Highfields is who we’ll be playing next,” he said
“They just got done by 70 points.”
The Bears were gracious in victory, and gathered in
a huddle with Valleys after the match, and applauding their supporters for turning up.
- Max Mayer
A Grade
Valleys 30 d. Oakey 24
Undefeated leaders of the TRL Men’s A Grade competition Valleys received a scare on the weekend when the Oakey Bears, who are without a win this season, nearly snatched an upset.
The Roosters won 30-24 with an Alex Hinch try in the last three minutes of the match to break the 24-24 deadlock.
This enthralling game was locked at 12-12, 18-18 and 24-24.
The Roosters had to pull out all stops to overcome the determined Oakey outfit.
Both Komiti Vetemotu were excellent in the halves for Oakey, whilst Matthew Waites, Pat O’Callaghan and Alex Hinch were the best for Valleys.
It was heartbreaking for Oakey who have been working hard to obtain their get off their duck this season.
Going into the match, Valleys fielded close to their strongest side this season and it took plenty of concentration to come away with the points
Valleys 30 (Alex Hinch 2, Dylan Chown, Matthew Waites, Sam Betros, Hugh Sedger tries Daniel Bain 2, Sam Betros goals) defeated Oakey 24 (Komiti Vetemotu 2, Kamuta Siaosi, Letuia Eliu tries Dylan Adamson 4 goals)
Webcke Price Medal Points: 3 Matthew Waites (Valleys) 2 Joey Eising (Oakey) 1 Pat O’Callaghan (Valleys)
- Andrew O’Brien
Reserve Grade
Valleys 46 d. Oakey 14
It was a tough result for Oakey in the reserves as several players were out with injury and getting called up to the A Grade side.
Coach Laurie Stewart said some players who hadn’t had much experience at reserve grade level
before had a heap of responsibility dumped on their shoulders
“Especially coming off a draw in Goondiwindi the week before,” he said.
“We matched them right up until about half-time
“The effort was there until second-half.
Stewart said the errors began to compound in the second half as the score got away.
“We tried a few low-percentage plays and gave away ball in vital areas,” he said.
“I was proud of Benny Aeumu who stepped up at five-eighth”
“Two coming back from suspension, two dropping back from “A-Grade
“We’re going to make a few positional changes.
“Highfields are coming off a win, so it’s up to us to stand up as a team.”
“Still excited and optimistic about the games”
- Max Mayer
Under 19
Valleys 56 d. Oakey 10.
