Coventry Bears Ready for North Wales Crusaders Test

[deluded pom?]

http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/other-sport/rugby-league/coventry-bears-ready-north-wales-9583782

Bears return to the Butts Park Arena for a tricky encounter against the North Wales outfit. Coventry Bears are aiming to bounce back from their frustrating 24-20 defeat against Oxford when they take on North Wales Crusaders at the Butts Park Arena on Sunday.

“We were very good in terms of performance and did some really good things throughout the game,” said Bears coach Tom Tsang. “In certain patches, it was as good as we’ve played but having said that, the 15-minute period when Oxford came back into it was probably the worst we’ve played.

“You’ve got to give Oxford a lot of credit, their defence was nothing short of sensational at times but 18-6 up with 25 minutes to go, we should be winning those games. But we’ve got a young team and it’s those game management type elements that inexperienced guys don’t necessarily have. But as long as we can use that as a learning process we will get something out of it.

Crusaders are currently seventh in Kingstone Press Division one, three places and seven points clear of their hosts, but Tsang stressed: “Their position in the league probably isn’t a reflection of where they’re going to end up.“They came into the league as one of the favourites and I think that’s deserved. They’ve got good players across the park, are clearly well-coached and have done it in the big games having won the iPro Sport Cup.

“It’s going to be a good test for us but if we can replicate some of those really good things we did against Oxford and iron out those bits and pieces we didn’t do so well, we think we can give ourselves a chance.”

[clwydianrange]

Should be a good game but Cru are starting to motor and I think they'll win by 16

[gogledd]

A massive thank you to all the Bears fans and staff at Butts Arena for a fantastic warm, friendly welcome.

 

Thoroughly enjoyed visiting your lovely stadium. Sorry I missed Bearman who was apparently looking for me in the bar afterwards but I'd been enticed into the Broomfield Tavern near the ground - what a pub - 7 ciders, 8 hand pumps, mild, bitter and stouts to choose from and NO DRAFT LAGER - absolutely wonderful.

 

A real shame theres no chance for you to enjo our hospitality.

 

Thanks to the gate staff who looked after my bike on arrival. 73 miles on Saturday (to Dudley) and 30 miles (from Dudley to Coventry) before the game. Lovely ride in great weather too.  I only got wet returning from the pub to our coach!!