RUGBY LEAGUE: A SIXTEEN point half time lead was surrendered by Coventry Bears at the weekend as they lost out to Gloucestershire All Golds.
The Bears suffered an agonising two point loss as Gloucester chipped away at Bears’ half time lead to wrap up the win with only minutes remaining on the clock.
Rocked by the decision from their coach to leave the club, All Golds started the match as clear favourites having recorded a number of victories on home turf already this season.
Bears were hoping for the psychological boost that a first away win of the season would give them as the game started in front of a sparse Cheltenham crowd.
A good kick from Billy Gaylor saw Coventry gain ground in the early stages as Matt Reid opened the scoring for Coventry while Brad Delaney successfully converted.
Paul Emanuelli was next to score for the Bears as he intercepted a pass and touched down after a dazzling 70 yard run.
With two minutes remaining in the half, Chris Barrett crossed over while Delaney’s conversion meant Bears went into the dressing room with a 16 point lead.
A team talk was what All Golds needed though as they started the second half with intent as Parry put their first points on the scoreboard with a converted try.
Emanuelli, Delaney and Mikey Russell then combined to put the latter over for an immediate reply – and Delaney’s conversion restored the 16 point margin.
An end-to-end game ensued as Kidd scored for the All Golds before Hayden Freeman replied for the Bears.
With Bears leading 28-12, the All Gold piled on the pressure to score three converted tries in a row.
The three tries meant All Golds led 30-28 with minutes to go – and despite a desperate late fightback, Bears fell short by two points.
Bears are next in action at the Butts Park Arena on Sunday, August 20, at 3pm as they host London Skolars.