After winning their past two games, the Diggers were confident of a good showing against the reigning premiers but were overcome by some early injuries, the Bear defence and the cold and wet conditions.

“We didn’t handle the wet weather football,” Diggers captain-coach Jamie Trindall admitted.

“We also lost four players to injury in the first half and just couldn’t control the ball.

“You can’t give a side like them that much ball.”

The Bears did have plenty of ball and crossed for nine tries, converting a 22-nil half- time lead into the 46-nil success.

They had plenty of ball and did waste it at times but also scored some simple tries, some good tries and some excellent individual efforts such as Scott Blanch’s solo 60m effort from dummy half.

He also set up an easy try for five-eighth Richard Clegg while Stephen Graham and captain-coach Zac Russ also crossed twice.

While delighted with the way the Bears used the ball,  Russ was more impressed by the fact his side kept the Diggers silent on the scoreboard.

“The last two weeks have been great,” he said.

“We kept West (Lions) and them to just eight points.

“We have been concentrating on our defence at training and I’m happy it’s been working so well.

“Our communication has been good and the attitude is great.

“The boys are turning up for each other.

“Credit to Oxley Diggers too, they threw some footy at us, but when they had the ball we suffocated them.”

Russ was one of his side’s best with a strong effort along with Blanch, Nic Dobson and halfback Kieran Fisher, who defends like a prop.

Chris Hunt, despite a 10- minute sin bin for a sharp left-cross punch, Iowane Divavesi,  Trindall and Robbie Bergen were best for the Diggers with young winger Kieren Williams showing he has some talent that can be nurtured.