Coventry Bears match report
York City Knights v Coventry Bears
Bears fail to show up in the second half at York
York 64 Coventry Bears 12
Those who have seen Coventry Bears this season will know that when they are at their best, they can match anyone in League 1, whether playing at home or away. Unfortunately it is also true that the Bears cannot seem to perform at their best for a full 80 minutes and this was borne out again at Sundays game at Bootham Crescent, York.
York started well, kicking off to the Bears but soon gaining possession and getting a very early try which was easily converted. They increased their lead a few minutes later after a well taken penalty. Neither this nor a third try was converted, but the score was already at 14-0.
But then the Bears showed the spirit which has endeared them to their fans as Matt Reid came close, and then Hayden Freeman succeeded in crossing the line. Brad Delaney was successful with the conversion, and the fightback was on. It was Hayden Freeman again who scored next and after the kick the score stood at 14-12 to York. Bears continued to press and the home team were glad of the respite as the half time hooter sounded.
Half time: York 14 Coventry Bears 12
The second half was entirely different, and the Bears struggled to get into the game at all, with their opponents keeping a firm grip on possession, and scoring one try then another, then another.
It was all now slipping away from the Bears, as even the referee’s decisions seemed to go against them as they chased their opponents in vain.
By any standards this was a very poor second half and in stark contrast to other games where they have lost but at least showed flashes of their potential.
This was always going to be a tough game and likely to have ended in defeat, but now Head Coach Tom Tsang has to refocus the team on one of the seasons key fixtures, at home next Sunday against Gloucester All Goldswho in contrast had a good victory on Saturday against North Wales Crusaders.
Next home game: Coventry Bears v Gloucester All Golds, Sunday 21st May kick off 3pm
Adults £12, Concessions £10, Youths £5, Kids go free.
photo by Oliver Breslin