The Monarchs made a statement of intent in their regular-season opener against the Bears, winning 27-3 in a one-sided affair on Thursday evening. It was a comprehensive victory for the home side, who dominated from start to finish. The Bears, by contrast, looked out of their depth throughout.
The final margin tells the story. Twenty-seven unanswered points for the Monarchs left the visitors with nothing to show for their efforts. To be fair, the Bears never really threatened to mount a comeback. The Monarchs controlled the tempo and the territory.
For the Monarchs, this is a strong start to their campaign. They'll fancy their chances in what lies ahead if they maintain this level. The defense was particularly impressive, keeping the Bears scoreless. Things came to a head early, with the Monarchs putting on a clinical display.
The Bears now face a rebuilding job. They'll be looking to regroup and find some momentum before their next fixture. Ground out the win though they may have struggled, the Monarchs are already setting the pace. By then, they'll have had time to reflect on a job well done.