Bears Claw Back Into Contention
By DAVID
ROWLANDS
NORTH SHORE
TIMES - 28/4/2004
North Sydney Premier League captain Ben Black is convinced
his vastly- improved line-up has what it takes to leap from the wooden
spoon to the semi-finals in just 12 months.
After being flogged in their first three outings, the Bears have re
bounded in stirring fashion.
Saturday’s 22-16 win over Western Suburbs at North Sydney Oval
was their second in three games and comes immediately before this
weekend’s round eight bye, for which they will collect another
two points.
Not only are they veering away from the cellar, but they are now doing
something that seemed unthinkable a month ago — eyeing off the
semi-finals. Depending on other results, they could find themselves in
the top eight after next weekend.
“I definitely believe we can make it,” Black declared.
“A lot of teams will be worried about us now and looking over
their shoulders.
“We’ve now put three good games back-to-back. We’re
controlling the ball and completing our sets, which puts a lot of
pressure on opponents.
“We’re sticking to our game plan and it’s paying dividends.”
North Sydney’s Premier League squad has another reason to be
cheerful. Their solid showings have been rewarded with a week off
training, to freshen them up before five straight away matches,
beginning with a visit to Newtown’s Henson Park on Sunday week.
“It’s a big challenge because there’s some hard games
coming up, but it won’t be a problem,” Black said.
“It’s always good to play at North Sydney Oval, but the
traveling won’t worry us because we’re on a high at the
moment and everyone’s really enjoying their footy.”
The Bears’ Jersey Flegg (under-20) team recorded their third win
of the year, outplaying the Magpies 30-16 in the top grade
curtain-raiser.
AT A GLANCE
The Bears are back!
• FIRST THREE GAMES: lost 38-16 v Balmain, lost 42-26 v Canberra, lost
30-0 v Manly
• PAST THREE GAMES: won 24-20 v Cronulla, lost 36-24 v Bulldogs, won
22-16 v Wests
• NEXT GAME: versus Newtown, 3:00pm Saturday, May 8, at Henson Park.
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