Willagee Bears 56 – Ellenbrook Rabbitohs 14
By PETER ROWE
It wasn’t their best performance of the year but the Bears put on a solid second half showing to see off a spirited challenge from Ellenbrook at Webber Reserve to maintain their unbeaten run in the Fuel to Go & Play Premiership on Saturday.
“I wasn’t happy despite the win,” coach Nelson Davis said. “We made a few changes and it definitely wasn’t our best and fair play to Ellenbrook, they came to play and pushed us all the way.”
The Bunnies were in the game early and held their opponents at 12 apiece before the red and black machine got into gear to take a 24-16 lead at the halftime break.
Debut boy Jono Saradar and lock Rangi Thompson were on the board for the Bears with tries for Ellenbrook coming from hooker Zion Wetere and Jacob Crossley.
“Credit to them, they never gave up and physically they tried to match us and did at times,” Davis said.
Backrower Vilve Sawaalu, winger Saimoni Qaranivalu, halfback Matty Lansdown and Qaranivalu again gave the home side a solid lead at the break – a lead they extended further in the second half as centre Sarader, John Leota, backrower Andrew Bannister and centre Tommy Fifita all crossed for four-pointers.
Landsdown showed his experience to steer the Bears around the field and deservedly was named best on field, closely followed by Bannister and Sarader.
“Matty ran the show and guided Isiah (Lolohea) as the youngster made his debt in the halves,” Davis said.
“It was a brutal game at times, so it was good to get the points as we go into the bye.”
For Ellenbrook coach Dan Manning the loss was disappointing but it also served as a test for his new-look side.
“We showed up and gave them a physical game for sure,” he said.
“Had a good start and put pressure on them, but in the second half they ran away with it.
“We just made too many mistakes in the second half and didn’t complete our sets. That cost us. But we learnt a lot and I was happy we stayed in the fight for long periods.
“A lot of sore bodies and the bye couldn’t have come at a better time – to rest and reset.”