In a tough match the Bears went down 36-16.

Their task of upsetting the competition leaders was made all the more difficult when Bears’ centre Tim Hughes suffered a dislocated kneecap in the first 10 minutes.

Hughes has been the Bears’ major try scorer this season and his absence will be crucial.

Two first half tries to Jeremy Fittler saw the Bears trailing 18-12 at half time with defensive lapses again costly to Lithgow with Kandos taking full advantage.

The second half began disastrously for the Bears when Kandos scored in the first minute of play to extend their lead to 24-12 and it appeared that Kandos were going to run away with the match.

However, Bears’ forwards Heath Egan, Scott Doonan, Daniel Reynolds and Ben Spittles worked hard in both attack and defence to keep their side in the game.

Winger Isrele Williams finished off a good back line movement for Lithgow when he scored out wide to take the score to 24-16.

Further injuries to Kyle Willmott and Michael Burgess meant the Bears’ reserve bench was very limited.

Kandos dominated the remainder of the match, scoring another two tries to win 36-16.

Bears’ coach Mark Denley was pleased with his players efforts, especially his brother Shane Denley, Simon Mobbs, Jared Miller, Steve Slaven and Wes Monds.

Lithgow, at times, showed they are capable of being a challenger for the competition premiership — that’s if they can eliminate their mistake rate.

The Bears play Wallerawang this weekend at Wang and will not be taking them lightly after the Warriors’ good win last week against Blackheath.