Mounties have knocked off the third-placed Bears comfortably by 20 points at Aubrey Keech Reserve in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.
From the outset, Mounties began to assert their dominance as winger Watson Heleta found his way over the line inside the first two minutes. However, the try was ruled back for an obstruction in the build-up.
Mounties' defensive pressure held the Bears down in their half as they continued to force errors.
Relentless repeat sets close to the line finally broke the Bears as lock Joe Stimson burst through a gaping hole in centre field to score under the posts.
Continuing to hold all the ball, quick hands and a lofted ball from playmaker Brandon Wakeham saw Watson Heleta pick up a try.
As pressure continued to mount, North’s goal-line defence turned to water. Wakeham turned the screws as Dean Matterson strolled through a gaping hole on the right side to extend Mounties' lead to 18 points after 30 minutes.
Josh Ralph’s dancing feet looked as if they had put the Bears on the board, but the try was called back as there was a clear obstruction.
NSW Cup Round 6 Match Highlights: Mounties v Bears
North Sydney threatened towards the end of the half, but couldn’t find a way past Mounties as they ran into the sheds leading 18-0 at halftime.
Out for the second half, North Sydney attempted to force their way back into the contest. Close to the line, the Bears muscled their way over through a determined Fletcher Baker, bringing the deficit back to 12 points.
The arm wrestle continued as both sides conjured up some desperate defensive efforts.
It took the class of halves Brandon Wakeham and Rhys Davies to again push Mounties further ahead. Davies' bullet-like pass to centre Declan Casey allowed him space to dive over on the left-hand side of the field.
The Bears continued to keep the door on a miraculous comeback open. A well-placed kick from Ronald Volkman close to the line found its way into the hands of fullback Brad Abbey, who picked up his second try for 2021.
Drawing towards the final minutes of the clash, Mounties added to their lead through a well-executed crash play close to the line.
Not finished just yet, Mounties flexed their muscle once more, scoring as the full-time hooter sounded. Mounties' impressive game management saw them record a comprehensive 32-12 victory over the Bears.
Mounties 32 (Joe Stimson, Watson Heleta, Dean Matterson, Declan Casey, Ava Seumanufagai, Watson Heleta tries: Brandon Wakeham 4 goals) def. North Sydney Bears 12 (Fletcher Baker, Brad Abbey tries: Ronald Volkman, Tom Carr goals)
