Bears to keep faith despite shellacking

BURLEIGH coach Paul Bramley has vowed not to weild the axe despite the Bears' demoralising 32-6 Queensland Cup loss to Redcliffe this afternoon.

In a match with few bright spots for the home team, Anthony Don's return from a shoulder reconstruction was a highlight, with the speedster touching down for the Bears' only try late in the game.

Don won a late call-up to the side after Bodene Thompson was drafted into the Titans for the injured Jamal Idris on Friday.

And he is likely to be pushed into the starting side next week after getting through today's clash unscathed off the bench.

The Bears, along with last year's grand finalists Tweed and premiers Wynnum-Manly were the bookies' favourites heading into the season.

"I never drop a player on one game. One game's not bad form," said Bramley.

"No one will be dropped for a performance like that, it was just a poor team effort."

Tweed Seagulls opened their Queensland Cup account with a point from a 12-12 draw with Norths at Bishop Park today.

Titans winger Kevin Gordon continued his comeback from a knee reconstruction with a try after scoring in the Seagull's grand final rematch loss last week.

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