28 April 2025
The ANZAC Day long weekend saw plenty of action, starting Friday with Norths Basketball shining against rivals Sydney Comets, and then doing it again on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Bombers boys and Shoremen ran up huge scores on their way to bounce back victories.
Norths Basketball
Four games, four wins. It was a wonderful weekend to be a Bears basketball fan, starting on Friday with what was a highly anticipated clash with cross-bridge rivals Sydney Comets in Alexandria. Despite a close first quarter, Norths’ women were too good, winning 64-84, led by Carla Pitman who put up 25 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals on 11/18 shooting. Soon after, the men were also in the winner’s circle, grinding out a 60-65 victory. Norths Mikey Yoong scored 17 points and 5 rebounds, hitting 5/12 from long range. Hunter Goodrick continued his huge season so far, adding 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Two big wins for the Bears, repeating their form from the same exact match-ups last year.
On Sunday, the Bears hosted Sutherland Sharks and came out on top in both match-ups. Carla Pitman again showed out, this time with a triple-double to go with big performances from Maddie O’Hehir and Emma Donnelly. The trio combined for 42 points as the girls stayed unbeaten for the season with a 113-69 result and are at the top of the table.
The Sharks men boasted NBL-level talent, but the Bears were too good, trumping the boys from the shire, 84-75. Yoong and Goodrick stood up yet again. Yoong had 19 points and 5 rebounds, while Goodrick provided 16 points and 13 rebounds. Robbie Moore chipped in 15 points, as well as Jake Weinstein who had 13 points. With this win, the men made it three wins in a row for an improved 3-3 record.
Norths Rugby
The Shoremen went bush for the ANZAC Day long weekend, heading to Cowra to face Eastwood. A four-hour drive from Norths’ traditional home ground, Cowra has become their second home, hosting a game a year in NSW’s Central West. Coming into the game, Norths were looking to bounce back after two consecutive losses. Tries to James Margan, Tom Bacon, Callum Sirker, Theo Vukasinovi and Ratu Apolosi Kuitakeivuravura, along with a game-winning kicking performance by Matt Minogue, was enough to just lift the side to a 45-48 win. With the victory, the club also reclaimed the Sir Roden Cutler VC Shield for the first time since 2023. Cutler was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry in Syria in 1941 during WWII, knighted in 1965 after many diplomatic postings, and is the longest-serving governor in the history of NSW. Norths’ next game will be against Southern Districts back at North Sydney Oval.
North Shore Bombers
There is no love lost between the Bombers and East Coast Eagles. Not quite local rivals, but the two clubs boast some of the best talent and programs in the state.
In the men’s match, the Eagles kept pace with North Shore in the first half. However, the reigning premiers asserted their dominance after the break, scoring 11 goals to 1 to secure a resounding 90-point victory in front of their supporters. The final score was North Shore 18.19.127 to East Coast’s 5.7.37. For the Bombers, forward Matt Buskariol delivered an impressive performance, kicking 5 goals. Forward-ruckman Thomas Drum also proved influential in attack, contributing 4 majors. Dual Phelan Medallist Ned Campbell added 3 goals.
The Bombers’ best players included Angus Loebel, Max Toohey, Matt Buskariol, Ned Campbell, Thomas Drum, and debutant Nick Pavlou, who played last year in the VAFA.
In a hard-fought contest, the reigning three-time premiers on the women’s side, East Coast, defeated North Shore 8.5.53 to 5.6.36, unable to replicate the men’s team’s success. Bombers skipper Tilly Eder scored two goals, while Eagles fullback Bailee Hourigan delivered a superb performance, keeping Adrienne Keeffe scoreless. For North Shore, Zoe Hurrell was outstanding across half-back. Other noteworthy Bombers players included Sophie Kavanagh, Ella Daniel, Shannon Smit, Ariel Belger, and Liv O’Donnell.
North Sydney Bears
It was a huge week for the Bears off the field with a return to the NRL looking highly likely. However, they were unable to capitalise on the momentum on the field during a trip down to Canberra. Matt Komolafe had Bears fans cheering just 2 minutes in with a try in the corner. The winger would go on to score again in the 74th minute, for his fifth try this year. This early try was the only bright spot of the half as the Raiders scored four unanswered tries to make it 24-4 at half-time.
The second half started with a Harradyn Wilson try for the Bears, yet defence was an issue, as Canberra kept running up the score. Tries to Norths’ Jesse Marshke, Ben Taly and Komolafe’s second just weren’t enough to lift the red and black to victory, going down 36-26. If the Bears had hit a few more of their conversions, they may have stayed in touch. Despite the loss, Bears fans ought to still be smiling about the NRL news with a huge crowd expected at next Sunday’s game at North Sydney Oval.