The lead changed seven times throughout the see-sawing match with neither team able to gain ascendancy until the last minute when the Bears crossed in the corner.

Supporters of both camps were kept on edge throughout the game which demonstrated what finals football is all about?

In the fourth minute the Bears crossed and converted to take an early lead before Shaun O’Neil scored in the Hazelgrove corner in the 8th minute. Trevor Long scored a determined try converted by Shaun and Oberon led 10-6.

In the 23rd minute Mitch Graham finished off some nice teamwork with a good try which was converted by Jarrod Millar and the Bears were in front 12-10. Another try to Trevor and an outstanding try by John McGrath which was converted by Shaun in the 38th minute had the Mountain men ahead 20-12 at lemons.

The Bears came out growling in the second half with nothing to lose, putting on 18 unanswered points with three converted tries. Oberon contributed to this with many unforced errors in their red zone and the score was 30-20.

The Tigers rallied and tries to Luke Christie-Johnston and Shaun O’Neil, which were both converted, wrestled the lead away from the Bears - Oberon 32-30. With five minutes remaining the Bears scored a soft try after an Oberon mistake, score 36-32 Bears.

In the dying minutes Scott Brennan made a searching run towards the line which brought the large crowd to its toes, but again Oberon was stopped short.

As the hooter signaled the end of play the Bears scored in the corner and Jarrod Miller converted, making it seven goals for the day, a fine exhibition of goal kicking.

Final score Bears 42, Tigers 32.

It has been a very successful year in many ways. A special thankyou to the footballers who create the entertainment for their supporters. Thanks also to the sponsors who make it possible for Oberon to put football teams on the paddock.