Old Bears take over the Mollie Dive Stand

UTS North Sydney District Cricket Club | February 28, 2025

Day two of the UTS North Sydney vs Northern District First Grade fixture saw former North Sydney players descend on North Sydney Oval for the first of – hopefully many – Old Bears Days.

 

The fixture certainly delivered as North Sydney celebrated Bears from every era. A string of late partnerships in Norths’ pursuit of 296 anchored by Jimmy Greenslade’s 82 off 156 put the Bears in a position to pounce on Old Boys Day.

 

The bar staff in the Mollie Dive had their work cut out for them as the day went on. Dishing out Bears Lager like Woolies coupons as the game got closer and closer.

 The former Bears started getting more and more boisterous as Greenslade edged Norths closer and closer, depositing sixes all over North Sydney Oval, willing the tail to go with him.

 

It wasn’t to be for Norths, Greenslade finding the man on the square leg fence, ultimately falling 12 shy of the NDs total.

 It was great to look up and see so many past bears in the Mollie Dive. They were a big part of what kept us going throughout the day as we ebbed and flowed,” Greenslade said.

 

“It felt like they were riding that wave with us. From the roaring laughter to the encouraging cheers, they brought North Sydney alive, which doesn’t happen often in a grade cricket context.”

 The cricket was ultimately secondary, as you will see through the fantastic images collected during the day.

 

The First Grade side rolled into the stands to have a beer with their fellow clubmen before the night went to the North Sydney Hotel, where the other grades joined and beyond… shout out to a few Old Bears who led the way at The Honeyrider Karaoke Bar into the wee hours of Sunday morning.  

It was a fantastic display of connection between past and present and something the club is looking to build on in years to come.

 

“It was great to welcome us ex-players back to North Sydney Oval,” North Sydney First Grade Cap 689, Justin Rodgie said.

 "It was the most significant catch-up since Bevyn White’s luncheon in 2012; it was a stark reminder of the value this cohort can play in shaping a positive future for the current players through mentorship, friendship and, most of all, memories of playing for the Bears,” he added.

– Callum Hill.

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