Sport
30 July, 2026
Slim chances snuffed out
AN UNDERMANNED Newbridge was no match for Bears Lagoon Serpentine in a game that finally snuffed out the Maroons’ slim chances of finals football.
AN UNDERMANNED Newbridge was no match for Bears Lagoon Serpentine in a game that finally snuffed out the Maroons’ slim chances of finals football.
The Bears took control after a tight first quarter and ran away with a 63-point win.
Newbridge was missing coach Jayden Cordy, key defender Jon Coe, and captain and centre half-forward Brandon Dimech.
Coe (ankle) and Dimech (knee) are done for the season, with Cordy (shoulder) hopeful of returning before the year ends.
While tempted to play some talented youngsters, Cordy is wary of impacting the third-placed Maroons’ Under 18 side.
So, instead he will give games to players from the reserves who deserve a crack at the seniors.
“We’ll give those blokes who haven’t missed a training session an opportunity,” Cordy said.
He bemoaned a lack of experience and leadership on the field, with Coe, Dimech and himself missing.
But Cordy, who has been reappointed as coach for 2027, already has one eye on the future.
For the Bears, the perennial Nathan Twigg and young star Jaxon Addlem were the best in a solid team performance.
Ruckman Twigg sneaked forward to kick three goals, with the scoring led by Luke Crawford, who booted five in only his fourth game for the season.
He has scored 11 goals in those games for a side that has struggled in attack all season without spearhead Josh Mellington.
Serp’s fourth win in a difficult year was only its second against a team above it on the ladder after beating Maiden Gully in round five.
The Bears meet Pyramid Hill this week before a clash against Mitiamo, which won its only game this year against them in round eight.
Newbridge faces a tough battle at home against Marong.
- GARY WALSH
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