The Coonamble Bears Senior league launched their 2026 campaign facing a challenging opening clash, taking on two strong Dunedoo Swans sides in the Ladies Leaguetag and Senior matches.
The Ladies Leaguetag side were first onto the field and were immediately tested, running out with reduced numbers which made an already tough assignment even harder.
Dunedoo capitalised early, piling on points and crossing for 40 in the first half while keeping Coonamble scoreless.
In the second half, the Bears lifted their intensity and handled the Swans fast paced style more effectively, applying pressure and slowing the home sides momentum.
Despite this improvement, Dunedoo managed to add a further 20 points to extend their lead to 60, with Coonamble unable to breach the defensive line.
To the Bears credits, the girls showed immense determination, playing out the remainder of the match without a bench and never giving up.
Despite the scoreline, Coach Sam Turnbull took plenty of positives from the performance.
Aware of the challenges ahead with limited numbers, the team largely stuck to their game plan and translated much of their training into match play.
Sam couldn’t be prouder of the girls resilience and effort, digging deep for the full game.
Coonamble will enjoy a general bye over Anzac weekend before returning home to host the Gilgandra Panthers following junior league in Round 2 on Saturday 2nd May.
By THELMA LEONARD