Even with the propellant of a 14-2 penalty count their way, it would be unfair to begrudge Bundarra the hard-earned two points they collected after travelling to Kootingal on Saturday and shredding the Roosters’ unbeaten record with a 22-16 triumph.
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Certainly, there was nothing but respect for the Bears among the Roosters players at the end of the match, an acknowledgement, perhaps, that the better team won.
It wasn’t the prettiest game of footy, the constant whistle-blowing a key contributor to that. But there was a real intensity that permeated throughout the match.
The fact that Kootingal-Moonbi had a chance to keep their unblemished record intact right to the end, and tried their hardest to achieve it, added substantially to the spectacle and ensured the Bears faithful will remember it as one of the club’s better wins.
It was the Bears’ fourth win in six matches and leaves them trailing the Roosters, who went into the match leading the competition, by two points.
Down 16-12 at the break, Bundarra took the lead for the first time in the match early after the break when five-eighth and coach Luke Deaves went himself close the line – the decisive play slingshotted by a penalty.
Hooker Jake Deaves converted and the Bears led 18-16, the final try scored by winger Beau Ridgwell in the corner following sharp, pointed attack.
Full match report online Sunday and in Monday’s Daily Leader.