CHALLENGE CUP MATCH REPORT

Bears beat the weather, but lose the match

RUGBY LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP ROUND 3

Hunslet 36 Coventry Bears 4

South Leeds Stadium, Sunday 9th February

Coventry Bears put up a battling first half performance against a very strong Hunslet side, only to succumb to an onslaught of atrocious weather and a powerful attacking display by the home team.

That the game went ahead when most other games were postponed due to Storm Ciara was testimony to the efforts of Hunslet’s ground staff, and even then the pitch was inspected by match officials, taking an hour in the process.

But the match did go ahead, and the game started in surprisingly bright and sunny conditions, but with a blustery wind.

Hunslet has never been a good hunting ground for the Bears, and the home side took the lead with a try by Kiedan Hartley. In the conditions, kicking was always going to be an issue, and no conversion was forthcoming.

The Leeds based side then had Zac Braham sinbinned for a dangerous tackle and the Bears had a temporary numerical advantage.

After a period of tense and evenly matched play, the Bears drew level as Hayden Freeman was set free on the left hand side in the 24th minute. There was no conversion, but at 4-4 the Bears were looking strong.

Hunslet’s Hartley regained their lead with a try, again not converted, and a scrappy first half ended at 8-4.

The second half proved disappointing for the Bears as first Straugheir, then Chrimes crashed over for tries. 

Briefly the conditions allowed for successful conversion attempts by Brambani followed by further tries from Andrade, Tonksand and Lee

The Bears had nothing in reserve, and were unable to reply.

A worrying event then happened in the swirling rain as Brad Sheridan appeared seriously injured after a very late and very high tackle. He was checked out at hospital but thankfully no bones were broken.

Whilst this game went ahead, most others did not, including at Rochdale who the Bears were due to play this Sunday. 

Their postponed Cup tie against York Acorn will now take place instead of them coming to Coventry, meaning the Bears eagerly awaited return to League action at the Butts will now be on Sunday 1st March against Newcastle Thunder