Despite the loss, Sydney put in a much improved performance after a heavy defeat at the hands of the Mustangs the night before.

The tone of the match was set from the beginning with fast-paced end-to-end play, and Bears fans didn’t have to wait long when attacking captain and Michael Schlamp showed superb reflexes to score from a deflection off the Adrenaline keeper.

A late goal in the first period saw the Adelaide draw level heading into the break, with fellow imports Josef Rezek and Mike Werner combining to produce a cracking goal from in front.

The second period saw no goals despite both teams having numerous chances to take the lead.

Schlamp had a great opportunity on a breakaway powerplay after an excellent through-pass from Bears teammate Daniel Shaw to split the defence, but the Adrenaline keeper was more than up to the challenge, stopping Schlamp in his tracks.

Sydney goalie Gabriel Robledo kept the Bears in the hunt whilst a man down with three stunning saves in quick succession, including a brilliant glove save which was heading straight for the net.

Adelaide took the lead midway through the final period thanks to captain Greg Oddy, the goal almost identical to their first.

But that wasn’t all she wrote, with Bears fans erupting when player-coach Vlad Rubes received a well-weighted cross from forward Brett Nelson-Bond to slam it home with just over a minute remaining to force an overtime shootout.

However, Sydney failed to score in the shootout, with Rezek sealing the win for the South Australians.

Bears captain Schlamp admitted his team are struggling after two straight losses at home, but is confident for the future.

“At the start of the year we’re short on numbers, so it’s tough”, he said.

“We’ll go back and sharpen our skills to be ready for the next game.”

The Bears will host the Newcastle North Stars next at Penrith Ice Palace on 8th May at 5pm.