Newcastle Preview
Charlie O'Mara
Coventry Bears Match Preview
Newcastle Thunder v Coventry Bears,
Sunday 9th July Kick-off 3pm Kingston Park, Newcastle
Bears on the road again this weekend
There is no respite for Coventry Bears as they travel up the M1 again this weekend following last Sunday’s tough fixture against Leeds side Hunslet.
This weekend it’s a longer journey still up to Newcastle, and if anything, it’s an even tougher mission.
Newcastle Thunder were formerly known as Gateshead Thunder, and can trace their history back to a franchise operating in Super League.
Much has happened since then and the new set up is building something much more stable and sustainable, with a big emphasis on community development. Much like our own Bears.
Indeed, with their city location, groundshare with a Rugby Union side, and growing crowds, they are perhaps a role model for Coventry Bears in the next two or three years.
Thunder have improved each year and are now well established in the hunt for play off places, sitting in fifth position in the league.
And while their sights are set on the Championship, one of their players, Derrell Olpherts is set to leave Thunder to join Salford next season. Interestingly, Derrell was formerly with our old foes Hemel Stags, which just shows how the game is developing outside of traditional areas along the length of the M62.
But Back to the Bears, who were decidedly ‘threadbare’ last weekend, losing players to injury and other commitments. Three players still face fitness issues, giving opportunities for new recruits Luke Frixou and Jordan Gale to further blend into the squad.
Without doubt this will be a tough test before a welcome return to Butts Park for the home game against North Wales Crusaders on Sunday July 16th.
Bears Squad to face Newcastle Thunder this week:
Harry Chapman
Hayden Freeman
Charlie Omara
Luke Frixou
Jamahl Hunte
Jordan Gale
Brad Delaney
James Geurtjens
Mikey Russell
John Aldred
Matt Reid
Chris Barratt
Paddy Jones
Jack Morrison
Brad Brennan
Zak williams
Harry Kaufman