Last week’s 36-0 upset over the North Devils may have just been the turning point for the UAA Burleigh Bears Intrust Super Cup season.

Coming off a strong win against the Papa New Guinea Hunters on Anzac Day, followed by a week off, seemed to work all too well for the Bears.

“We came back to training that week with a bit more intensity and energy that really rejuvenated the playing group,” Bears utility Jeff Lynch said.

It’s a level of intensity and energy Lynch said was all too familiar.

“In the sheds before we ran out onto the field against the Devils it honestly felt like we were the 2019 Bears again,” he said.

It hasn’t been the textbook start to the season that the Bears were hoping for, filled with an array of injuries and three easily reverted losses.

“It was like we were trying too hard and trying to force those new combinations with our playing group,” Lynch said.

“The PNG game where we got through 60 minutes with no bench, we bonded over that and grew from that experience as a team.”

For Lynch, he wants to continue that winning mentality this weekend against the Ipswich Jets.

“It’s all about doing those one percenters that we weren’t doing in the first couple of weeks.”

Despite the Jets only winning 2 games this season, Lynch said he’s not taking Ipswich lightly.

“We’ve got a pretty good record against the Jets but we can’t walk in there thinking it’s just going to happen for us.

“We need to have the same energy and the same focus that we have had in recent weeks and treat it like we are the underdogs again.”

Burleigh v Ipswich Jets

Pizzey Park

Saturday 15 May

BHP @12.20pm

ISC @ 2.10pm.

HDC @ 4.00pm

Burleigh v Helensvale

Pizzey Park

Sunday 16 May

U18 @ 10.45pm

U20 @ 12.00pm

Res Grade @ 1.30pm

A Grade @ 3.00pm

Saavanah Bourke

Full time scores for the Bears !

Intrust Super Cup UAA Burleigh 36 def Norths 0

BHP Burleigh 18 def WB Panthers 16

A grade Burleigh 48 def Tugun 26

Res Grade Tugun 20 def Burleigh 18

U20 Currumbin 34 def Burleigh 20

Colts Norths 34 def Burleigh 22

Saavanah Bourke

It’s been a disjointed week for the UAA Burleigh Bears, with a significant injury toll forcing a sudden restructure. 

Sunday’s test against the North Devils is not only a chance for developing players to step in, but for current player to step up.

And despite multiple team changes, Bears five-eight Josh Rogers is rising to the challenge.

With injury ruling out Guy Hamilton’s season, Conner Toia will pair Rogers in the halves.

“With Hamo (Guy Hamilton) out I need to stand up and lead the team,” Rogers said.

“Toia and I have played together in the past so now it’s just about reforming those combinations.

“Those boys who are coming through from A-grade have been playing really well and I think they deserve the call up,” Rogers said.

Still on a high after defeating Papa New Guinea on Anzac Day, Rogers is eager to continue that momentum.

“With no men on the bench and only two errors in the second half of that game we showed what we are capable of as a team,” he said.

Having only loss one game this season, the Devils are in top form, but the Bears are up for the challenge despite their injury woes.

“We know that they (Devils) are a very good side.

“Our focus this week is to control the ball and reduce errors,” he said.

“If we do that, we can get the result.”

Kick off from Bishop Park is at 3pm this Sunday.

Ok ladies it’s finally here … Our 2021 Ladies Charity Luncheon tickets are on sale NOW!

When: 4th June 11:30am-3:00pm

Where: Burleigh bears Leagues Club

Cost: $90 PP

Come join us at the Burleigh Leagues Club for the Bears annual Ladies Charity Luncheon in support of ‘Friends with Dignity’ and ‘Boots for One and All’ The day will be filled with raffles, auctions, giveaways, a pop up cocktail bar, music with Danny Fai Fai and more!

To purchase your tickets please visit the link below:

https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/274460ed-afbe-4b60-a4e3-6fbf716791a1?fbclid=IwAR2qgil_VceqDEcKowdUjNSlH6hXLPjnuyVe_BJIoh68F0V2YRAGRn8CZYI

***Please note all tickets will be sold online and you will be unable to purchase them from Leagues Club reception***

For all enquiries please contact Somha on 07 5617 6470 or [email protected]

Saavanah Bourke

Four game ending injuries and an empty bench didn’t stop the UAA Burleigh Bears from reclaiming the Kokoda Cup in a thrilling 25 – 18 Anzac Day victory against the Papa New Guinea Hunters.

Winning three from their last four games the Hunters were coming into the contest full of confidence and momentum, but the battered Bears hung on by their claws in what could be a ‘turning point’ to their slow start season.

“Considering the circumstances in today’s game we really showed what we are capable of doing on the field,” Bears skipper Luke Page said.

“Everyone played there own part and it’s good to see some reward from our hard work.”

Dropping back from the Titans and starting off the bench, the Bears injuries woes worked in favour of Beau Fermor, who scored a hat-trick.

“Obviously when I come back from the Titans I’m here as a Burleigh Bear so it’s important that I play well for the Bears,” he said.

Named as the Titans 18th man in their opening rounds, Fermor was pleased to churn out a consistent game of rugby league with the Bears.

“They (Bears) are so welcoming, you don’t feel like an outsider, which makes my job on the field a lot easier.”

It was Fermor who started the home sides scoring streak, making his way over the line for his first of three in the early minutes of the game.

It wasn’t long before Bears captain Luke Page followed, his impressive performance earned him player of the match.

“That is just a bonus for me, the hard work I put in today is all for the boys,” Page said.

Consecutive injuries to Cory Dennis, Jonus Pearson, Jacob Hind and Jack Stockwell quickly cleared the Bears bench, giving PNG the momentum to put their first points on the board minutes before half time.

The Hunters returned to the second half firing, winger Norman Brown crashing through the Bears poor defence line.

An impressive line break saw Beau Fermor secure his second, minutes before winger Greg Marzhew made it back-to-back tries for the home side.

The Hunters quickly responded and matched the Bears, Brandon Numa and Terry Wapi scoring tries of their own.

It was anyones game in the final 10 minutes of play, but Beau Fermor sealed the deal for the Bears, crossing over for his third.

“He was incredible for us, I’m very happy with his performance,” Bears coach Rick Stone said.

Players will enjoy a week off before the Bears take on the Devils in Round 6, while the Hunters line up against the Brisbane Tigers.

FULL ANZAC DAY SCHEDULE:

Gates Open | 11.30pm | Free entry to all servicemen and women past and present

BHP Premiership

Burleigh Bears v Capras | 12.25pm

Pre Game Ceremony | 2.00pm

Intrust Super Cup

UAA Burleigh Bears v PNG Hunters | 2.10pm

Hastings Deering Colts

Burleigh Bears v Mustangs | 4.10pm

Jersey Auction | 6.00pm | Proceeds from ANZAC Day Jersey auction will towards Gold Coast Legacy and Burleigh RSL

Leagues Club

The Burleigh Bears Leagues Club will open at 12pm with lunch being served from 12pm to 3pm, with Bar & Gaming open from 1pm.Sunday Raffles will be ON, with 30 x Meat trays + 10 x $20 Club Vouchers to be won. Straight after, Lann Levinge will be in for Sunday’s live and free entertainment. Followed by 2 key draws between 4-6pm for a chance to be in the final draw for the VW Polo giveaway.

Saavanah Bourke

The start of the Gold Coast A Grade season will either make or break the Bears, with coach Matt Foster concerned about complacency.

A later start to this year’s season means it’s been a long-winded pre-season for the Bears A Grade players.

“Majority of the boys in my side have been training with cup since last year,” Foster said.

Two big score-lines in the pre-season cup has labeled the Bears as ones to watch, downing Mudgeeraba 62-4 and Runaway Bay 36-6.

“To be honest it’s not something you like too see because you want competitive games.

“When you blow teams away like that it’s a little bit unrealistic to expect that every week.

“I don’t think it’s good for the development of players,” Foster said.

Seven trial matches and a 9s competition has given the Bears one up heading into the season.

“I think the longer preseason has given us the opportunity to hit the ground running a lot faster than majority of teams.”

His concern now is whether the Bears will maintain their hungry mentality.

“People can relax and definitely become complacent.

“It can work both ways and I guess it’s how hard we work on our mentality to not become blasé.

“It’s going to be up to the little things we do in games to create that result not just going out onto the field and expecting to win.”

The extra time spent together as a team has allowed some to stand out to Foster.

“They’re a pretty talented bunch, I genuinely believe everyone in our side has the potential to play in the Queensland Cup.

Lachlan Sheldon, Shallin Fuller and Taine Tuaupiki right at the top of that list.

“Those guys are running hot at the moment and I’m pretty confident they’ll get an opportunity at some point this year to play cup.”

Kick off against Currumbin is at 5pm on Saturday at Galleon Way, before they take on Tugun in their season opener on May 8.

Saavanah Bourke

Pizzey Park will play host to the annual Anzac Day Clash between the Burleigh Bears and Papua New Guinea Hunters this weekend.

While this Sunday will commemorate the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served our country, the day will also mark a significant milestone for one of the Bears own.

UAA Burleigh Bears forward Hayden Schwass will play his 100th Intrust Super Cup game for the club.

Making his debut back in 2013 against the Ipswich Jets, eight years in the competition has shaped the 25 year old into the player he is today.

“It’s a pretty big milestone to reach,” Schwass said.

“You just put your best foot forward each week and over time you learn different ways that the game is played and new things about yourself too,” he said.

This year, there’s only one thing Schwass wants to achieve.

“Obviously we want to make the grand final and win it again.

“For me I just want to go out each week and put my best foot forward and play good to keep my spot in the team.

“And if I can snag an NRL contract at the end of all of it that would be pretty good too.”

The Hunters are no easy task, winning three from four this season, they’re on a hot streak that will be tough to halt.

“They’re obviously a very physical and fast team. We obviously have to turn up and get everything right on the day, but we’ll be ready for it,” Schwass said.

But playing at home will work in the Bears favour, something Schwass see’s as an advantage.

“It definitely is, playing at home in front of your family and friends is always good and it’s pretty special considering it’s Anzac Day as well. “

The Bears women will kick off the Anzac Day action at Pizzey Park when they face the Capras in the BHP premiership at 12.10pm. Preceding the ISC game will be the Pre game ANZAC Day ceremony

The UAA Burleigh Bears will follow at 2.10pm against the Hunters, with the Hastings Deering Colts wrapping up the day in their clash against the Mustangs at 4.10pm. The

There will be free entry for current and ex servicemen and women.