RUGBY LEAGUE: A SECOND half comeback from Coventry Bears proved in vain on Sunday afternoon as Tom Tsang’s side slipped to a narrow one point loss to Workington Town.
In one of the closest encounters of the season, Bears may consider themselves fortunate to have got so close to the visiting side’s total after Workington opened up an early 22 point win.
Determination and resilience shone for Bears though as multiple tries opened up a way back into the game.
But a last minute drop goal from Workington’s Carl Forber while the scores were level was enough to separate the teams but just one point as Bears were left to rue a poor start.
Despite the loss, the game was full of positives as Bears welcomed through their largest crowd of the season, and coach Tsang praised his side for the character they showed after fighting back from such a poor start.
Workington kicked off and immediately signalled their intent with a try in the early stages courtesy of a spectacular dive by Joe Hanley on the far right.
Town’s lead was then double minutes later as Gordon Maudling touched down before Carl Forber made easy work of the conversion.
Joseph Hambley was next on the scoresheet while Jamie Doran weaved through a static Coventry defence as the visiting side led 22-0.
A determined Coventry side re-grouped though and by half time they had already reduced Workington’s lead to just 12 points after tries from Delaney and Russell.
Harry Chapman went over the line within three minutes of the second half to further reduced Workington’s now fragile lead.
An unlucky bounce then went against Bears as Workington bagged their first try of the second half when Danyal Rasool scored to make the score 28-16.
But Workington were soon down to 12 men following a sin -binning, once again allowing the Bears back into the game as Mikey Russell scored his second try.
Then on 58 minutes, Bears’ Hayden Freeman added to the home side’s tally – and Delaney’s conversion put the score at 28-28.
Knowing they could lose their earlier 22 point lead, Town responded and Carl Forber successfully kicked a drop goal to earn Workington a vital point – which proved to be match winning.
Coach Tom Tsang said: “I’m so proud of the boys today.
“Last week was a real low point of the season.
“To pick ourselves up and turn in a performance like that was great to see.
“For such a young team the character we show at times is superb.
“In terms of the game, we gave them a headstart which we can’t afford to do.
“I did feel that there were a couple of decisions from the officials which could have gone the other way, but we always kept the faith that we could get back into the match.
“As ever we will analyse the game and see where we can improve.”
