The First Grade Bears came out firing against Cargo who sit eight places ahead of them on the Woodbridge Cup ladder to limit them to a 30-24 win.

It was a great effort from the Bears who showed vast improvement in comparison to previous weeks.

Womens coach Peter Campbell attributed the turnaround performance to the return of several players including Jirrah Freeman-Rasu, Josh Fogg and Tom Cole who he said brought back defence and increased options for the team’s halfback. 

Cole’s return to the team was short-lived as he endured a season-ending leg injury – a suspected broken ankle – in the final 10 minutes of the game.

While Campbell said Burrangong should have won the game, he admitted a penalty count of 14 to three against the Bears, as well as one player being sinbinned and another sent off didn’t help their cause.

Meanwhile in league tag the Bears were beaten in another close game, 22-16.

Young were understaffed for the Round 11 match but didn’t let that stop them from testing the Blue Heelers.

The teams were inseparable in first half until a late try in the corner put Cargo ahead 10-4 come half time. Second half was much the same until Cargo wrapped it up with a try on full-time to take the points.

Campbell was full of praise for his team, saying the girls scored some quality tries.

Three tries by Kaitlyn Ross earned her players player and two points, while Crystal Collier took the three points, and Nicola Hambilton one.

“It was a much improved performance for the Bears and a massive turnaround from the weekend before when Grenfell flogged us,” Campbell said.

“But on the weekend it was a 500 per cent improvement.

“We have to keep it going now and get some consistency into our game.”