Cougars fall to Bears on home turf

Despite the final score, the Cougars produced another encouraging performance, continuing to show the improvements they’ve been working hard on throughout the season.

The team completed their sets, got to their kicks and played with great composure and patience.

Defensively, the effort was good, with the line holding strong for lengthy periods.

Most of the Bears’ tries came from one-on-one missed tags rather than sustained defensive lapses, showing just how hard the Cougars competed across the park.

There were still a few fundamental areas that proved costly at key moments, but the determination, resilience and willingness to keep fighting until the final whistle never wavered.

While the wins have not come this season, this group continues to show up every week, back one another, and play with heart.

The scoreboard doesn’t always tell the full story; the growth, resilience, and enjoyment this team continues to display each week is something everyone at the Cougars can be proud of.

The women head back to Baranduda next weekend to play Tumbarumba, kicking off at 11:35am on Sunday; they would appreciate the support and would love to see the black and white in the crowd cheering the ladies on for their last game of the season.

Awards

Player’s player: Laura Daw

Runner-up: Cath Wood

Special mentions: Chelsea Stubbs and Cass Mason

Sportspower: Montana Hargreaves

Old Boy’s: Chelsea Stubbs

Men’s Tackle

Cougars 14 def by Bears 44

The Cougars looked ready to go on their home turf, playing some slick football and producing huge defensive efforts to set the tone early, earning the first points of the match.

However, the Bears' halfback played outstanding eyes-up football, repeatedly putting in clever short attacking kicks that resulted in try after try.

Poor handling errors and a lack of discipline didn't help the Cougars' cause, allowing the Bears to take a commanding 24–4 lead into halftime.

The second half began much the same, with more errors leading to another Bears try.

To the Cougars' credit, the boys never dropped their heads and continued competing until the final siren.

It was an unfortunate loss that all but brings their season to an end.

While there were some particularly good passages of football from the Cougars, the Bears, despite missing eight key players, stepped up and played quality football, deserving their comfortable victory.

This was the Cougars men’s final match for the season as they will not be playing at Barunduda next week due to the sad folding of the Tumbarumba men’s team.

Awards

Player’s Player: Emelio Leti

Runner-up: Manu Sililo Tuisalogo

Special mention: Sosaia Pita Kirisimasi ‘Christmas’

Sportspower: Abimelch Terry

Old Boy’s: Quinton Roach

The Cougar’s season would not be able to run without the support from their 2026 Sponsors, we thank you again.

Sharon Willman and her staff from Industrial Café and Staff are in the canteen every game day, making delicious food to serve and catering to every taste.