A NEW era began at March Bears on Saturday as the rejuvenated rugby club fielded a side for the first time in weeks... and caused an upset.

A month ago, the Bears were on the brink of folding with dwindling player numbers and forfeited fixtures.

But the revival got under way at the weekend as they stunned the high-flying Renegades at Elm Road Sports Field.

The 24-7 victory was their first Greene King Premiere Merit win of the season - and it left a smile on the face of club president Barry Feetham.

“Hopefully we have turned a corner,” he said.

“I don’t think the Renegades were too impressed because they had obviously turned up expecting to put a lot of points past us.

“Everybody played their part and it was great to watch. We have proved what we can do.”

March’s memorable win came courtesy of an inspired performance from South African brothers De la Rey and Darryl Veenendaal.

Fly-half De la Rey, an England Counties Under-20s international, opened the scoring with a try which was converted by his brother.

He followed that up with another try and a drop goal before Darryl sealed the win with his boot, slotting three penalties. Ross Neale was named man of the match for a solid performance in the back row.

Captain Rob Woollard, who has taken over from Aaron Boxall, said he was delighted with the win.

“After the troubles we’ve had recently, it was encouraging just to get a side on the pitch,” he said.

“To have come away with a win is amazing and I just hope we can build on this and keep moving forward.

“I have some tough boots to fill as Aaron has done a cracking job in the last few seasons.”

March Bears are still on the lookout for new players. They train every Thursday, from 6.45pm, at Elm Road Sports Field.