RUGBY LEAGUE: A STRONG and vocal crowd couldn’t help Coventry Bears home on Sunday afternoon as Tom Tsang’s men came out second best to North Wales Crusaders.
Bears, who have put up so many valiant battles this season, were missing Jason Bass and Kieran Sherratt – both on international duty – as Tsang decided to experiment with his starting line-up.
A nervous opening few minutes daw Bears lose possession twice through fumbles.
However they continued pressing, but in doing so left themselves exposed to a long run down the middle as Crusaders broke from their half.
With numerical options available, Crusaders’ Taylor Frell put the ball down between the posts while Tommy Johnson easily converted with just six minutes on the clock.
Coventry responded well, but Crusaders defended strongly as Mikey Russell was put into touch during one promising attack while Jack Morrison was held up after crossing the line moments later.
Crusaders showed some frailty and juggled clumsily with the ball on a couple of occasions, but were still defending well.
One mistake was all Coventry needed though as fans’ favourite Jamahl Hunte completed one of his trademark runs to cross the line on the far right.
Brad Delaney successfully converted to level the scores at six apiece.
Jordan Gale then handed Bears the initiative with a drop goal, putting them one point ahead.
However, with 37 minutes gone, Tommy Johnson replied for the Crusaders and converted as they gave themselves a five point lead at half time.
Bears’ habit of losing touch with their opponents in the second half continued as Crusaders started the second half much stronger.
A wayward pass seconds in the opening half denied Crusaders a third try, but that was soon made up for when Joseph Bate powered across the line after receiving the ball from close range.
Earl Hunt added a fourth try for the visitors before further tries from Simon Atherton and Danny Price wrapped up the game as North Wales took their total to 36.
A last minute try from Matt Reid rescued some pride for Coventry as the game ended 13-36.