The Snowy River Bears Rugby League Football Club had a successful Saturday against the UC Stars during round 3 fixtures in the George Tooke Shield competitions. Not only did the Bears’ men secure an emphatic victory, but the women’s League Tag squad clinched a thrilling win that carried special significance, being played on the weekend of Mother’s Day.
PHOTO: The Bears men had no trouble finding space against the UC Stars CREDITS: SRB
Saturday May 10, 2025 saw the Bears’ men face a UC Stars team that was understrength, with only 11 Stars players able to travel and take to the field. The SRB kindly offered to play 11 on 11 to ensure the match was a viable hit out for both sides. Jason Dyball, the SRB President said the match started off well through the Bears forwards.
“Our forwards pushed hard up the middle, opening up space early for our backs. UC suffered some further injuries and we continued playing 10 on 10. Strong running, combinations from the halves and some great offloads allowed for impressive 2nd phase play, leading to more points from the Bears,” said Dyball.
PHOTO: Kohen Pearce – precision from the side line in front of home fans.
Due to further injuries, the UC Stars were unable to continue the match with around 15 minutes left. The UC Stars were under the legal requirement for playing numbers, handing the Bears an early 46-6 victory and a well earned early shower.
The match featured strong performances from young talents Max Naisby and Kohen Pearce, both just 17 years old, who demonstrated maturity beyond their years. Matty Kilgannon impressed once again, and Nic Coleman showed excellence from the conversion line.
The Bears’ women not only had a gritty win, but a heartfelt Mother’s Day moment as well, as Secretary of the SRB Kate Dyball got to play alongside her daughters Claire and Leila Dyball for the very first time. The women held their ground steadfastly after scoring two early tries, as the UC Stars responded strongly, scoring points of their own.
PHOTO: The SRB women have had a strong start to their season in 2025.
The match became a tense, back-and-forth battle until Summer McGladrigan secured a late try, granting the Bears a narrow 2-point lead. Dyball spoke fondly of the effort, saying, “A strong defensive stance from the ladies saw them hold on to seal the win.” Among the women, Leonie Burnes and Shannon Harvey shone brightly, leading the charge for the Bears and helping their side to a tight 16-14 win.
With a promising start to the year, the Snowy River Bears look ahead to their next challenge against the Bungendore Tigers following a general bye next weekend. Anticipating a tough contest, Dyball noted, “The Tigers are one of the competition’s heavyweights. We’ll need to be at our best in both attack and defence.”
The Bears will welcome the Tigers to JJ Connors Oval in Jindabyne on Saturday, May 24. The women will kick off proceedings at 1:15 pm, followed by the men’s match at 2:30 pm, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating day of rugby league action.