Sport
14 June, 2024
The Den gets dug-outs
Oakey Bears have added dug-outs to the long-empty eastern side of the ground thanks to help from a local builder in the reserve-grade team.
Reserve grade player and local builder Greg Ryan was the principal supporter of the project, and was able to build the dug-outs over a couple of weeks.
Oakey Bears Senior President Jason Shannon said the project had long been on the agenda.
“It’s something we’ve been talking about for a while,” he said.
“It’s always been a problem having the dug-outs on the crowd side.
“The crowd are boisterous, things get yelled and ref makes the mistake of thinking it’s coming from the box rather than the crowd.
“Having the box over the other side of the ground will be safer and quieter for all concerned.”
It’s been a busy time at our local TRL club, with changes on the menu and in the clothing department
“We’re experimenting with Great Country Pies now supplying pies on game day,” Shannon said.
“Their products are getting well taken up.
“Also, winter stock is coming in the next two weeks - it’s online in the next two weeks, but pre-ordering is open.
“We’ve got nice big jackets, puffer jackets again, hoodies, beanies and scarves.”
One important partnership for the club is its relationship with the Grand Hotel, and members are often spotted at the pub.
“We have been heading to the Grand most Sundays. Bears Lotto draws kicked off on Friday,” Shannon said.
“Barbecue on Sunday arvo at the Grand has been weekly, but it won’t be on this weekend due to (the club playing at home) on a Sunday.”
In other news, former player Laurie Stewart is no longer coach of the reserves team with club stalwart Brendan Dolan taking over for the remainder of the season.
Cameron Donaldson and Wes Ah Mau will remain in their positions for the rest of the season.
The President said a number of off-field setbacks had dented the club’s performance on-field in recent weeks, including multiple players sidelined with injury complaints.
“In terms of results, we’ve sustained a lot of serious injuries which has hampered our season,” he said.
“That’s meant we’ve had to restructure and move players into different positions.
“At the moment, we’re taking it game by game.”
Shannon said his aim for the rest of the season was to improve the bonds between the shuffled sides, with new players coming into new positions.
“Our aim is to see both sides be competitive and improve,” he said.
“And seeing that week by week.
“It’s always tough, it’s cold but if we can keep our numbers up at training, (that’ll help us succeed).”
Crowd numbers, while still leading Toowoomba clubs, were noticeably down on the weekend
“Unfortunately the Souths women forfeited and the gap (between the games) hurt us,” Shannon said.
“We had intended to run the Super Saturday straight through, but the gap (left a space in between games)
“We’d encourage people to come down for our next game - Warwick Cowboys coming to town this Sunday afternoon.
“We appreciate every-one’s support, and everyone coming out to see us.
“We’re chipping away, and we’re sure the wins will come.”
Oakey Bears play Warwick Cowboys this Sunday afternoon at The Den. Reserve grade kicks off at 5pm and A Grade at 6.30pm, but check Oakey Bears Facebook for updates.
