Bears defeat Scorpions to get back on track
Bears Irish prop Kenny Kelliher was awarded Man of the Match for a powerful performance. Picture by Paul Jenkins
South Wales Scorpions 14 Coventry Bears 42
Kingstone Press League One Round 11, Mountain Ash, South Wales.
The Bears got their season back on track with the second away win of the season versus South Wales Scorpions on Sunday.
It was a slow start after a few mistakes early on gifted the spirited Scorpioins two trys through Yannic Parker after some clever kicking and space was made by Paul Emanuelli.
But on 12 minutes the Bears woke up and Billy Sheen picked up a good pass from Dan Parker to go in under the posts while Stephen Coleman converted to make it 10-6.
Handling errors gave the Bears good field position and Richie Hughes added another as he forced his way over from close. Coleman added the extras to take the Bears into the lead. 10-12.
The Bears looked to be gaining momentum as Jamahl Hunte scored in the corner from another deft pass from Dan Parker. The kick was missed but it was the Scorpions 10 Bears 16.
On 34 minutes the Bears further extended the lead as Billy Sheen was on hand again after a great break from Chris Barrett sent him under the sticks. With Stephen Coleman converting it was 10-22 to the Bears.
Just before half time Bears Tom Hall cruised through the line to add to the Scorpions woe.
Half time South Wales Scorpions 10 Coventry Bears 26.
The second half was a much scrappier affair as the Scorpions ill discipline got the better of them with a player yellow carded early on. After 15 minutes the Bears took advantage and prop forward Kenny Kelliher charged over on the left. The conversion was missed but the Bears were in control now. 10-30.
Against the grain the Scorpions managed to grab another from good field position which was gifted by the Bears allowed Andy Joy to go over. 14-30.
But any hope of any comeback was quashed as the Scorpions Brad Hill was red carded for a double infringement and the Bears took advantage as prop Jack Francis charged over from the resulting penalty. Dan Parker converted and it was. 14- 36.
The Bears then finished the game just before the hooter as Morgan Evans took three defenders with him and scored on the left. The conversion was good by Parker and the second away win of the season was registered by Coventry Bears.
Final Score: South Wales Scorpions 14 Coventry Bears 42.
Coventry Bears Head Coach Tom Tsang commented:
"It was good to get our second away win it was a scrappy performance but much improved once we got into our grove and our middle unit dominated and gave us great go forward. We finished some good tries but now need to keep our momentum and back this up with a strong performance next week against Oxford."
BEARS TEAM
1 Andy Winfield (28)
2 Jamahl Hunte (20)
3 Dan Parker (30)
4 Stephen Coleman (21)
5 Reece Chapman-Carry (41)
6 Billy Sheen (6)
7 Cameron Boulter (7)
8 James Geurtjens (27)
9 Richie Hughes (24) Capt
10 Jack Francis (46)
11 Kenny Kelliher (32)
12 Chris Barratt (12)
13 Matt Cooper (26)
SUBSTITUTES
14 Liam Thompson (29)
15 Tom Hall (38)
16 Andy Unsworth (L)
17 Morgan Evans (50)
Bears Man of the Match: Kenny Kelliher
SCORPIONS TEAM
1 Jordan Sheridan
2 Yannic Parker
3 Paul Edwards
4 Jonny Leather
5 Ben Jones
6 Ryan Millington
7 Paul Emanuelli
8 Anthony Symons
9 Zak Williams
10 Neil Dallimore
11 Kyle Scrivens
12 Andrew Joy
13 Bradley Hill
SUBSTITUTES
14 Connor Farrer
15 Tala Petelo
16 Chris Speck
17 Barrie Phillips
Referee: Callum Straw
Scorpions Man of the Match: Yannic Parker
Att: 307
League table as of this week 21/6/2015
Bears travel to Oxford on Saturday next week full of confidence and will be going all out to gain another win on the road. The Bears Reserves also play prior to the First team in a big community Sky Try event at Iffley Road in what should be a big day for the club.
Saturday 27th June, Iffley Road, Oxford.
Oxford Cavaliers v Coventry Bears Reserves Kick off 2.00pm
Oxford Rugby League v Coventry Bears First Team Kick off 5.30pm