Hunslet Match Report

 Bears flop in second half against ruthless Hunslet 

Hunslet 56 Bears 10

For the third time this season, Coventry Bears played Hunsletaway from home, and once again their journey was not a happy one.

Hunslet, a long established and proud Northern club, often in the shadow of their Leeds neighbours, are favourites to lift the League 1 Shield, and on this display appear unstoppable.

Bears two previous visits had ended in heavy defeats. Howeverthe Bears are effectively rebuilding their side this season, and fielded new recruits Paul Emmanuelli and Zac Williams alongside other comparative newcomers Brad Brennan and Luke Frixou.

Also back in action again were the two student Internationals Kieran Sherratt and Jason Bass with the three on-loan young Broncos players also in contention.

So, the Bears started with more talent on the pitch than before, but the question was would this young line-upbe able to operate as an effective unit against strong opposition.

Despite conceding after 16 minutes of evenly matched play, it was a strong first half showing andin reply Brad Brennan powered his way through the home defence before Zac Williams was able to get the ball out to Paddy Jones for him to cross the line. Brad Delaney converted and the score was 6-6.

A lack of discipline by the Bearsthen gave their opponents two penalties in succession, resulting in a try and conversion for Hunslet to put them back in the lead.

Bears were not yet out of the game as with just over half an hour gone, Kieran Sherratt offloaded the ball for Hayden Freeman to score out on the left wing but this time Brad Delaney couldn’t get the conversion, leaving the score at 12-10

Unfortunately, the comeback was short lived, as Hunsletscored and converted two minutes later, putting the scorelineat 18-12,

Half time Hunslet 18 Bears 12

Having matched their opponents for long sections of the first forty minutes, the second half witnessed a disappointing show by the Bears

Missed tackles and needlessly giving away penalties allowed Hunslet to ruthlessly punish their visitors.

The frustrations were evident as Bears’ James Guertgensreceived a red card, reducing the beleaguered Bears to twelve men.

Hunslet’s ensuing try blitz was led by MufaroMvududu who scored five tries with Joe Sanderson adding eight conversions. The lead steadily and remorselessly extended for the home side with the Bears producing little in reply.

The final hooter sounded leaving the Coventry side well beaten and needing to regroup and work better together in their next encounter. 

Full time Hunslet 56 Bears 10

Bears return to Butts Park to take on rivals Hemel Stags next Sunday 6thAugust 3pm kick-off.