Sport
23 April, 2026
Are the Bears back?
An upset 36-28 win over the Highfields Eagles at Kuhls Road has left Oakey Bears supporters wondering whether their team can consistently compete week-in, week-out this year.
Oakey Bears had a 96 point turnaround on the weekend with an impressive win over neighbours Highfields.
The Bears came out of the blocks better to lead 28-6 at half time and never looked back.
Highfields finished the game well to make the score respectable, but their first half came back to haunt them.
Anthony Bell was their best coming off the bench.
Coach Ash Taylor started the match, and it seemed to lift the Bears, with halfback Dwayne Duncan outstanding in a Player of the Match performance.
Sam ‘Nuggo’ Dowling lifted in a big performance for Oakey against the team he left last year, racking up a tally of 300 metres gained.
Ash Taylor said the decision was made for him to play during the week following some soul-searching after Round 1's 50-0 loss to Gatton.
“We had a chat within the coaching staff and thought it was best if I had a run around,” he said.
“We thought I’d be able to get my point across a lot easier being on the field.
“I’ll try and play again.
“I’m not going to play every week.”
Taylor said he was happy with the attitude of his players from the start of the game, but said there was room for improvement.
“It was disappointing letting tries in at the end when they didn’t earn the right to score,” he said.
TRL action takes a break for ANZAC Day, before returning in a fortnight.
Oakey will host Goondiwindi at the Den on Saturday night, May 2nd.
- Max Mayer, with reporting from Andrew O’Brien
Oakey 46 (Dylan Chown 2, Dwayne Duncan 2, Joey Alberts, Alijah Duncan, Richard Murray, Anthony Gray tries; Dwayne Duncan 7 goals); Highfields 28 (Montell Newman 2, Luke Jurd, Bailey Nash, Jaycob O’Toole tries; Jake Sargood 3, Cory Haywood goals)
UNDER-STRENGTH BEARS WOMEN TAKEN APART
Missing multiple players, the Bears women capitulated to Highfields in a 46-0 loss at Kuhls Road on Saturday.
Chontelle Orcher, Ashlie Wyton, Hayley Simmons, Teghan Salase, and Paige Edwards were all missing from Oakey’s Round 1 win over Gatton.
Their absence showed against a dominant Highfields side, which took full advantage of the gaps in the line.
At times, the Bears women played with just 11 or 12 players due to injuries and a lack of suitable replacements.
Central Queenslander Zoe Robson was outstanding on the left edge for Highfields, scoring five tries.
An Oakey club spokes-person didn’t seem overly concerned about the result.
“(There was) plenty of heart shown, and with a full squad returning in the coming weeks, they’ll be ready to bounce back."
Highfields 46 (Zoe Robson 5, Chloe Seefeld, Reagan McMillan, Eliza Morcom, Poppie Collins tries; Abbey Markey 5 goals); Oakey 0
- Max Mayer
RESERVE GRADE
The Reggies came out firing, crossing first after some strong back-and-forth play.
They stayed competitive throughout but eventually went down 36–14.
The effort couldn’t be questioned, but it’s back to the drawing board this week.
With spots up for grabs, training commitment will be key.
- Oakey Bears RLFC
Highfields 34 (Anthony Watts 2, Cooper Land, Dylan Crump, Kyle O’Toole, Dennis Bohm tries, Reily Land 5 goals); Oakey 14 (Samuel Jackson, Jordon Anderson, Russien Nisperos tries; Cruz Williamson goal)
