Over the next few weeks, we’re getting to know a few of the stars of our recent season launch video a little better, starting today with flying winger Reece Rance.
If ever there was a moment in the 2018 season of Betfred League 1 action that convinced Coventry Bears fans of Reece Rance’s talent and athletic ability, it was 15 seconds of magic in early September.
North Wales Crusaders were in town, on the attack and on their last tackle. As you would expect, they sent a kick into the Coventry air and moved up in a line towards the Bears player who was poised and ready to catch it.
That player was Reece Rance and he catch it, he did. But, that wasn’t all.
Then, he did this.
15 seconds later, Reece had beaten half of opposition and raced the length of the Butts Park Arena to score a scintillating try. It was athletic, thrilling and nothing short of fantastic.
“All I wanted to do was just beat the kick chaser,” Reece explained, “I got past him, saw a gap, ran for that, thought I was going to get tackled, put a step on and realised that I had the full pitch to run.
“I just kept on pumping and ended up scoring - I was quite surprised with it but really pleased!”
We recently announced that Reece has re-signed to the Bears for the 2019 season, so fans will be hoping he carries on where he left off last year.
Reece joined us with an injury, so unfortunately missed much of the early part of 2018. However, as his try against the Crusaders showed, he managed to get back to full fitness and pull off an excellent second half of the year.
He said: “I’m happy to be signing for the Bears for a second year and look forward to starting the season from the off this time around having missed out on parts of last year due to injury.
“There’s a great structure in place here at the club, proven by some top quality performances from the team in the previous season and I’m looking forward to being a part of more performances like that in the upcoming season.”
Bears head coach Tom Tsang added: “Reece was unlucky with injuries last season and as a result wasn’t able to get a full pre-season under his belt, but once he gained fitness, he turned into an outstanding option for us on the wing, scoring many memorable tries.
“I am looking forward to another year working with Reece and seeing if we can add some more elements to his game. He has both the mental and physical attributes we look for in a player and has a lot more potential than he has shown so far.”
Now, Bears fans everywhere can’t wait for the next time Reece finds some open field to run into.
Reece Rance is available for sponsorship in 2019 - click here to explore all of our fantastic sponsorship packages.
Fixtures for the 2019 season will be released on Sunday 25 November - if you want to join us for the next year of rugby league in Coventry, then snap up your season ticket now. They include access to all of our Betfred League 1 home matches, any home pre-season games, access to a members’ bar and free parking at all home games.