Coventry Bears

In the seering heat the Bears Premier team and Wonmen’s team were beaten in thrilling encouters by Nottingham.

In a compelling and fiercly fought contest the Bears Premier team were edged 38-32 by a Nottingham side who reacted better than the Bears to an ‘interesting’ display by the referee to open up a 6 point gap at the top of the table.

Match report

The Bears travelled to Nottingham in search of their 7th straight win and redemption for the defeat The Outlaws inflicted on us back in Round 1.
The day started well enough with a very good team taking the Park and Tom Watts making his Premier team debut for the season in place of Kurt Johnson who is absent at International duties. Again The Bears started the game with good control and high completion rate. Before long Coventry was leading 16-6 and it were playing great football against a much bigger and more physical pack. It was at this point that old habits started sneaking into the game and players started questioning the some of the referee’s decisions. It’s a mystery why this referee is stuck in the Premier division with his clarity and control of the game I can’t work why he isn’t controlling the 3rd State of Origin next week in Melbourne!
The Bears have no-one to play blame but themselves, and will feel like they lost the game rather than Nottingham winning it. Mark Challis and Matt Allsopp both had excellent games with strong running and lots of work in defence. Scott Clendenning – Fenton never gave up and scored a great try early on with a patented “Benji” totally bamboozling the fullback.

Overall it was a relatively poor performance from the Bears who will no doubt want to give South London a lesson in rugby league this Saturday at OC Stadium.

The Bears eventually lost 38 -32.

Stuart Lee had a another strong game and was safe at the back. Clever and evasive running made sure The Outlaws were watching him closely.

Pete Parker continues to improve on the wing and his commitment in defence puts a few forwards to shame. Only criticism of young Parker is that he should back himself a bit more and go for the corner instead of trying to cut back in all the time.

Tony Alcock was doubtful all week leading up to the game, but a quick visit to our Club (Love) Doctor saw the Scarborough Studmuffin “ready for action”. Great spirit shown by Tone Loc.

Tom Watts made his debut and staked a strong claim for a permanent spot. He showed his class with some powerful running.

Tom Shaw was a little quiet but his own high standards but still was a force when running the ball up and must strike fear into opposite wingers.

Graham Healey was targeted in defence and must have made 5,000 tackles by half time. The Outlaws as their name suggests were playing dirty and constantly targeting Healy’s head and after the 20th such knock he too needed to see the Club Doctor. Clearly a game breaker and with Clendenning-Fenton make an amazing halves combination.

Scotty Clendenning-Fenton is back baby and back in a big big way! Another dynamite game and would be my choice to play half in the upcoming State of Origin decider.

Neil Lightower again tried his hardest and did some great things, like all bigmen found it hard going in the heat but like a grizzly bear he kept going.

Joe Smith thrived in the heat and ran all over the park like he was on a quest? It’s a good thing he knows a thing or two about epic adventures and may not have finished the day with ring but he ran his out!

Alan Boomer fresh back from a International debut and a week in Scarborough sunning his ample frame was bursting at the seems to get stuck into The Outlaws. I think Boomer struggled to accept some of the refs decisions and one stage was heard saying to the competent official – “ Do you know who I am?”

Mark Challis – what can you say about this kid. New to rugby league and picking it u as effortlessly as John Nicholls does women! Seriously what a player!

Clem Muchiti born with the fighting spirit of the Massai Warrior and plays each game like it’s his last. Despite giving away several stone to most of his opposing forwards this well tanned player is one of the first second rowers picked each week.

Iestyn Pratt had another good game – probably a bit down on his usual form but still worked like an absolute demon and must be in line for Lock of the Conference this year?

Matt Allsopp is loving his new found freedom as a running forward and is making it look easy! A real plus to the club to have this former Lion Heart coming off the bench.

John Nicholls was fired up for this game and didn’t let anyone done and is fast becoming a fixture in the top team.

Tim Stevens played his last game for the club today and signed off in style. We wish Tim the best as he embarks on a 6 month tour of night clubs and hostels in sunny Australia.

Ty Watson was woeful from the start and was lucky not to get hauled by the coach and publicly flogged for his inept display. Will no doubt start again as seems he is one of the coaches favourites.

A big thank you goes to Nathan Harrison who was the 18th man today.

Womens team

A much depleted Bears Women’s team also made the long journey up to Nottingham to be pipped by their hosts. Full match report to follow.