Bradford Bears ended the year on a high and kept their hopes of reaching the play-offs alive with a narrow 12-6 away win over Newcastle Raiders in the BUCS North East American Football Conference.

The game started well for the Bears as they drove downfield after receiving the opening kick-off to score a touchdown through Steven Zurheide and take a 6-0 lead.

Newcastle’s response was quick as they scored a touchdown on their opening drive to tie the scores at 6-6.

Neither team could find the end zone again though for the rest of the half.

The third quarter ended scoreless and as time ticked down in the fourth, the Bears made the breakthrough, with Zurheide once again getting on the scoresheet with a powerful run.

The Bears then hung on to the lead to secure the win and go into the Christmas break knowing they have a good chance of competing for silverware this season.