RUGBY LEAGUE: A POOR second half performance from Coventry Bears saw them lose by 52 points against York in their latest League One clash.
Tom Tsang’s side ended the first half trailing York by just two points, however they conceded a massive 50 points in the second half – leaving the final score at 64-12.
Bears travelled to Bootham Crescent knowing an improvement was needed on last weekend’s performance where they struggled to compete for a full 80 minutes.
However it was a case of Déjà vu for the Bears as a solid first half performance couldn’t be matched.
York started the game well when quickly gaining possession and earning an early try which was easily converted.
They increased their lead a few minutes later after a well taken penalty.
Neither this nor a third try was converted, but the score was already at 14-0.
Bears put on a spirited fight back as Matt Reid came close to scoring before Hayden Freeman eventually succeeded in crossing the line.
Brad Delaney was successful with the conversion, and the fightback was on.
It was Hayden Freeman again who scored next try – and after the kick the score stood at 14-12 to York.
Bears continued to press and the home team were glad of the respite as the half time hooter sounded.
The second half proved entirely different though as Bears struggled to get into the game.
With York taking a firm grip on possession, the game started to slip away from Bears.
By any standards the second half show from Tsang’s side was poor – and in stark contrast to other games where they have lost but displayed flashes of potential.
Tsang now has to focus his side ahead of one of the season’s key fixtures at home to Gloucester All Golds.
The game kicks off at the Butts Park Arena at 3pm on Sunday (May 21).
Picture: Oliver Breslin.
