THERE hasn’t been much for March Bears Rugby Club to smile about so far this season after being on the receiving end of 87-3 and 69-0 thumpings.

But the Bears were finally grinning from ear to ear on Saturday after they destroyed Ely Thirds 62-0 to pick up their first win of a miserable campaign.

“The lads were getting down because hammerings don’t do anyone any good,” said Bears’ president, Barry Feetham.

“This win has put smiles on everyone’s faces and it has given the lads a lift.

“The lads have kept positive although the results haven’t been good but they have stuck to it. They deserve this win.”

A hat-trick of tries from new-boy Lee Brookes started the 10-try rout.

Simon Altoff, John Heady and Matty Day scored two tries each to make the game safe before seasoned campaigner James Pepper added the icing on the cake with a rare try.

It was his first for the club in years and helped the Bears’ move up to fourth from bottom.

Feetham was delighted with the result and hopes the side can now continue to progress with their three-year plan.

He said: “We go into this weekend’s hard game with a more positive attitude.

“It’s nice to get our first win in the league this season because the hard work of coaches Richard Horne and Carl Moore has been rewarded.

“We’re slowly getting more players and it seems like we’ve turned a corner.

“Lee Brookes is someone who can add that spark which was missing and may be the find of the season.

“We’ve still got a long way to go but the age of the squad is dropping which bodes well for the future.”

The Bears host Renegades, who are currently top of the X.X. Super Deuxieme Nord Merit Table, on Saturday. Kick-off: 2.30pm