05/05/2026
A Grade-
We had been looking forward to this one as clashes against Dalby are always well fought out. Bears started well, after controlling possession and field position, and were the first to score with Number 8, and Bears spiritual leader, Brian Chong Nee crashing over. Will Jackson converted and the old connection combined to put Bears up 7 nil. Bears continued to dominate with Will Jackson’s expertly directed kicking game keeping the Dalby team pinned in their half. However Dalby’s well organised line out managed to keep Bears out until Will converted a penalty to put Bears 10 nil up. Together with Will’s kicking game, the Bears pack provided a solid attacking platform and managed to nullify the experienced Dalby scrum. Dalby was never going to stay quiet for long and managed to roll deep into the Bears half and scored a try in the corner just on half time to make the score 10 to 5 in Bears favour. The second half was always going to be a challenge as Bears had had the advantage of a strong wind at their backs and the fortunes were now reversed. Unforced errors started to creep into the Bears game as Dalby lifted their intensity. Dalby was made to work hard but was able to eventually score and after converting the try, Dalby went ahead for the first time at 12-10. That is where it ended in a game that was hotly contested and quite physical, as Bears-Dalby usually prove to be. It was an encouraging performance by Bears who did well against a Dalby side who will be one of the leading teams again this year. Lots of honourable mentions for the likes of our French international, Pierre Fenech, and flankers Jack Patterson and Will Mann and loose head prop Dan Biscoe, A special shout out to young guns like Tom Scutt, Gilbert Goddard, Brock Johnson and Sunnie Tunstead who all turned up and have bright futures ahead. And for an older hand like the experienced and popular Robert Donnelly who yet again spilled blood for this Bears team but the 3-2-1 went the way of one point to Will Jackson whose kicking and running game was of a high level, two points to our polished halfback Remmo Van Rooyen whose passing and support play kept the opposition guessing and the three points to Brain Chong Nee who has been playing well all year and was just reward for his forward charges and never say die attitude. The player’s player was also Brian. Time to reflect, reset and prepare for the next big one as they don’t get any easier with Goondiwindi at Bears next weekend. If we can get everyone on the paddock and prepare well this week then anything is possible from the Bears team.
B Grade -
The Toowoomba Bears B Grade side took another positive step forward this weekend in their clash with Dalby, continuing to build both depth and culture within the squad.
This week saw another opportunity for our B grade team to invite a mate and encourage someone new to come and give rugby a try. With a team full of new and returning players, the boys impressed early, showing strong intent and cohesion to remain firmly in the contest, trailing by just a converted try at halftime.
The Bears played a clean and simple structured game, sticking to their systems and executing well in key areas. Their discipline and willingness to work for one another kept pressure on Dalby and ensured the game remained competitive throughout the majority of the match.
Unfortunately, as the game wore on, match fitness and experience began to tell. Dalby capitalised late, running in a number of tries to extend the scoreline beyond what the contest had reflected for much of the afternoon.
Despite the result, it was a highly encouraging performance from a developing group. The continued growth in combinations, alongside the strong club focus on inclusivity and bringing new players into the game, highlights a promising trajectory for the Bears’ B Grade side.
