The Roosters opened the scoring early with a strong backline movement on their home turf at the Bega Rec Ground.

It saw centre Zac Cuzner make a strong run of 40 metres down the left side of the field, beating the defence with pace. He was able to then turn the ball inside to Hank Kennedy for a good team try just five minutes into the match, the try converted by Clay Ellison.

The yardage made by both sides saw play evenly shared until the Bears scored a converted try after 15 minutes to take the scoreboard to 6-6.

Cuzner continued to impress through the first half, with good speed and step to find plenty of gaps.

Both new Bega recruits Toroa Rapana and Shae Gray were very good in attack and defence and will only get better as the year progresses.

Wingers Reece Moulder and Jesse Duchesne also showed plenty of promise with their attacking plays.

The halves Josh Sheperdson and Clay Ellison have a good combination with good service to outside runners, while all forwards combined well.

Back rowers Darnell Andy, Hank Kennedy and Dan Hyland were sound, and the front row of Jordy Balcombe, Todd Ingram and Scott Fuller kept the centre of the field tight with strong defence.

For the second half, both sides continued the end-to-end tussle, each denying tries to their opponents on several occasions.

Bega was the first to break through after good runs by forwards Gray, Balcombe, Kennedy, Todd Ingram, Hyland and Andy. Cuzner was then able to find the line with his elusive running.

Ingram made good ground after a strong run to give Kennedy his second try for the game, scoring under the posts.

Bega ran on a couple of reserves from last year's under 18s and looked impressive in their 18-6 victory. All players combined well in a good exhibition for early in the year.

Following the men's game the league tag girls played, which was a tough contest with some great footy between the Bega Chicks and North Canberra visitors.

In a game that couldn't be split, they finished 4-4.