Weekend Match Reports✍🏼 Michael Nunn

BMD Match Report

The UAA Burleigh Bears have finished their regular season with a statement, overpowering the Central Queensland Capras 34-8 in a performance that was a complete contrast to what their Burleigh brothers were about to endure later in the afternoon.

While the Burleigh men were struggling for answers against the Capras, the Bears produced the opposite — controlling the contest, defending strongly and finding enough attacking quality to run away with a convincing six-tries-to-two victory.

The Bears led 14-4 at half-time, but there was a sense that the result was still there to be taken.

Burleigh returned after the break with purpose and eventually broke the Capras’ resistance, adding 20 points to put the result beyond doubt.

At the heart of the performance was Burleigh centre Sarina Masaga, who was truly exceptional in everything she did for the Bears.

Masaga was a constant threat with the ball in hand and equally influential when the Bears were forced to defend. Her performance provided the spark and determination that helped Burleigh maintain control throughout the afternoon.

The victory was exactly the sort of performance they needed to carry into the finals — disciplined, determined and capable of turning pressure into points.

The regular season is now history.

After finishing the regular season with a comprehensive the Bears have every reason to believe they can make plenty of noise when the real business begins.

Hostplus Cup Match Report

The UAA Burleigh Bears have gone down 42-6 to the Central Queensland Capras in the final round of the season.

The Bears could not have asked for a better start.

Just four minutes into the contest, Mitch Watson finished brilliantly in the right corner to put Burleigh on the scoreboard and give the Bears an early foothold.

It would be their only try of the afternoon, but Watson continued to work tirelessly, finishing with an impressive 148 metres.

Luke Gale was enormous for Burleigh in defence, producing 48 tackles as he battled to stem the relentless Capras attack.

The Bears will finish fourth and now face the minor premiers, the Sunshine Coast Falcons, in the opening week of the finals.

It is a massive challenge.