Memorable match for milestone Bears in defeat of Tigers

Burleigh Bears made it an afternoon to remember for milestone players Sam Coster and Guy Hamilton with today’s match marking special centuries for the duo.

Hamilton’s century of Cup games has featured stints at multiple clubs whilst Coster 100 games for the Bears has been a one club man since joining the competition in 2017.

Tigers winger BJ Aufaga-Toomaga seemed eager to spoil the party, exposing the Bears left edge early and opening the scoring for the away side in the fourth minute.

It didn’t take long for the Bears to respond however with Hamilton rising to the occasion and getting across the line a few minutes later.

The Tigers proved to be a threat from anywhere on the park after going 80 metres with some ad-lib football, capitalised on by Jayden Nikorima at the quarter mark in the match.

The Bears then went on to score another four unanswered tries before the break, through Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Greg Marzhew, Josh Rogers and Sami Sauiluma to lead 28-10 at halftime.

The Bears showed no signs of slowing down in the second half with a pin-point pass from Rogers sending Sauiluma over the line for his second try of the day minutes after the break.

Titans signing Aaron Booth ensured his presence was noticed after placing a well-weighted kick close to the line for Dylan Kelly in the 50th minute as well as securing a try of his own later in the half.

Taine Tuaupiki proved the Tigers weren’t the only threat from long distance as he showcased his attacking prowess off a kick-return, extending the Bears buffer to 34 points with 20 minutes left on the clock.

A perfect kick from Hamilton ricocheted off the goal post helped to set up his halves partner Rogers for a double later in the half, before the Tigers resorted to proven tactics with a cross-field kick to prolific try-scorer Aufaga-Toomaga shortly after.

Despite the lead, the Bears showed no sign of remorse before the siren as a break from Khan-Pereira put the Bears back within try scoring range in the final minutes allowing Rogers to capitalise on the following play and grab himself a hat-trick.

The Bears have now won 15 of their past 16 games at home and will look to take this winning form on the road next weekend as they prepare for their top-of-the table clash against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.