10/10/04 - LHF Healthcare National League 3 Grand Final

Coventry Aquatics Bears 48-24 Warrington Woolston Rovers

At Halton Stadium, Widnes

Weather fine, breezy

Referee -  Mr Ashley Klein (London)

Click on pics to see larger version

The magnificent Bears came out of the starting blocks like a whirlwind yesterday afternoon to smash the trophy holders out of sight in a blistering fifty minutes display of rugby league football - and by the time Woolston finally got into their stride it was all as good as over.

Troy Perkins' pre-match plan was fully vindicated, and the well-rested squad - who had travelled the day before and stayed in a local hotel - simply oozed style and class as they brushed aside reputations on the way to their biggest ever victory in their short history, in front of a large and voluble west midlands following.

Adding the championship to their league leaders pennant was never going to be an easy task, but the manner of the victory shocked even the most one-eyed Cov fans.

Just three minutes into the game LHF National 3 player of the season Adrian Veamatahau went in at the right corner following a superbly-weighted chip over by stand off Clinton Scott Knight to banish what butterflies may still have been fluttering. Full back Mark Hyslop converted superbly and gave himself and his team mates the confidence to pile on the pressure and rapidly build what would become an unassailable lead.

What followed was 50 minutes of champagne rugby league as the Bears really turned on the style and ripped the Rovers defence to ribbons. Three tries - two converted by the on-song-again boot of Hyslop - in quick succession from scrum half Scott Clendenning-Fenton, winger Tony Allcock and Man-of-the-Match centre Kurt Johnson virtually killed off the game as spectacle as the Bears raced to 22-0 in the first quarter.

Woolston eventually responded however, and a try by Cole gave them a glimmer of hope - but further tries by the Coventry rugby union duo of Kurt Johnson and winger Simon Brocklehurst saw the first half close at 36-4 to the Bears

During the interval many Bears supporters were celebrating their side's first half performance and by the time they returned to their seats a couple of  minutes late Johnson had added two further tries - the first one absolutely out of the top drawer - to his first half tally and Cov were cruising with a 38 points cushion.

Ten minutes later Simon Brocklehurst again scored  following a thunderous run and superb pass out of the tackle from Ian Grime, setting Brocklehurst away on a race to the corner that he was never going to lose.

With the hard work now done, and perhaps tiring a little after their exertions, the Bears could be excused for letting their foot off the gas slightly, and the reigning champions started to come back. Throwing the ball about, and keeping it alive as we all knew they could, they rattled in 20 unanswered points to bring some credibility - but it was all too little, too late.

Team

Mark Hyslop, Tony Allcock,  Kurt Johnson, Adrian Veamatahau, Simon Brocklehurst, Clinton Scott-Knight, Scott Clendenning-Fenton, Chris McBride, Alex Brown, Alan Robinson, Matt Wright, Ty Watson, Troy Perkins, John Fairhurst, Ian Grime, Ian McGregor, Lee Ashford.

Scorers

Tries: Johnson (4), Brocklehurst (2), Veamatahau, Clendenning Fenton, Allcock. Conversions: Hyslop (6)

Man of the Match - Kurt Johnson

After the game many good judges commented on the style and manner in which Coventry had played. Widnes Chairman Tony Chambers said that Coventry Aquatics Bears had given a masterclass in open rugby. The chairman of the British Rugby League Association Maurice Oldroyd said that “ That was the finest displays of rugby league in the first half I have ever seen in a final at any level”

Coventry coach Troy Perkins said. “We were awesome today for 50 minutes," said Bears player-coach Troy Perkins after the match. "While I was disappointed that we let them in at the end we had easily done enough. I am really proud of what we have achieved. We have just blown away the second best team in the league, and they had no answer to our style of play.”

Celebration Picture Gallery - HERE

2/10/04 - LHF National League 3 Final Play-off - Coventry Aquatics Bears 32-18 Bramley Buffaloes

Butts Park Arena, Coventry

Referee Mr Paul Stockman (Selby)

Click on pics to see larger version. (Apologies for lack of pics/general poor quality. Those floodlights just ain't good enough!!)

Coventry Aquatics Bears won their way through to the LHF Healthplan finals next week with a hard fought win over the Bramley Buffaloes. 

The Bears took the lead with a Mark Hyslop penalty following a high tackle after just two minutes., but it was Bramley who scored the first try when scrum half Marc Gibson crashed over. A conversion by Darryl Forster took the Buffaloes further ahead.

The Bears roared back though, and prop Chris McBride went in under the posts to give Hyslop another two points with the conversion.

The Buffaloes looked dangerous, using a clever kicking game, and again scored from short distance when prop Tim Orr broke through the Bears' defence - but Coventry sub Lee Ashford made a break down the left two minutes later and forced his way over to restore the lead for the Bears.

Ginge gets some unwanted attention

The match continued in see-saw fashion as once again the Buffaloes snatched the lead with another try when stand off Paul Cummings went in on 26 minutes.

With the Bears trailing by 16 points to 12 it took a try by Coventry centre Kurt Johnson on the stroke of half time to send both teams in to take stock at 16 points all.

Coventry started the brighter in the second half and again Johnson went in for his second try. Five minutes later Lee Ashford went in - also for his second - and the Bears seemed to be starting to gain the upper hand.

Tempers had been simmering for some time, and the game suddenly boiled over following a late tackle on Coventry’s Clinton Scott-Knight. Two players, one from each side were binned for fighting.

Bramley really started to increase the pressure now, and for ten minutes Coventry were unable to get out of their own half. The defence stood firm however and Bramley could only manage a two pointer following a penalty kick.

While being pushed back in defence a speculative kick down field saw Johnson again outpace the buffaloes' fullback Ryan Taylor. Johnson kicked the ball on and  managed to score right under the posts to complete his hat trick for the afternoon.

A 'character-forming' period of resilient Bears defence then ensued as the clock ran down, and it was with a tangible show of relief that the referee blew for full time.

Final Score - Coventry Aquatics Bears 32-18 Bramley Buffaloes.

Celebrations at the Glasshouse

Coventry Team - Mark Hyslop, Tony Allcock,  Kurt Johnson, Adrian Veamatahau, Simon Brocklehurst, Clinton Scott -Knight, Scott Clendenning-Fenton, Chris McBride, Alex Brown, Alan Robinson, Matt Wright, Ty Watson, Troy Perkins, John Fairhurst, Mick Curtis, Ian McGregor, Lee Ashford.

Bramley Buffaloes - Ryan Taylor, Shaun Flynn, Steven Gill Gavin Buckley, Darryl Forster, Paul Cummings, Marc Gibson, Tim Orr, Simon Bowker, Danny O’Connor, Luke Sellars, Chris Gardner, Mark Butterill, Ross Gratton, Jon Beanland, Daniel Mitchell, Keiron McDermott.

Coventry scorers - Tries; McBride, Ashford (2) Johnson (3).  Conversions; Hyslop 3, Penalty; Hyslop 

Bramley Scorers - Tries; Gibson, Orr, Forster. Conversion; Forster. Penalties; Forster (2)

Men Of the Match

Coventry - Matt Wright

Bramley - Simon Bowker

Game breaker - Johnson’s last try that sealed the win for the Bears and ended a period of Bramley domination.

Scoring sequence

2 Minutes Penalty Coventry 2-0

9 Minutes Try Gibson (Bramley) and conversion 2-6  

11 Minutes Try Mcbride (Coventry) and conversion 8-6

18 Minutes Try Orr (Bramley) 8-10

20 Minutes Try Ashford (Coventry) 12-10

24 Minutes Penalty (Bramley) 12-12

26 Minutes Try Cummings (Bramley) 12-16

40 Minutes Try Johnson (Coventry) 16-16

45 Minutes Try Johnson (Coventry) 20-16

50 Minutes Try Ashford (Coventry) and conversion 26-16

65 Minutes Penalty (Bramley) 26 -18

70 Minutes Try Johnson (Coventry) and conversion 32-18

18/9/04 - LHF National Division 3 Play-Off 1 - Coventry Aquatics Bears 32-26 Birmingham Bulldogs

Broadstreet RFC

Referee Mr C. Dickinson (Oldham)

Birmingham Bulldogs must be wondering what they have to do to beat the Coventry Aquatics Bears, the Bears never having lost to the Bulldogs at first team level in four clashes between the two West Midlands sides.

If ever the Bulldogs were to change that dismal run this should have been the day.

The Bears were barely able to field 17 fit men. Coventry RFC stalwart Sub Mick Curtis who had limped in to the changing rooms asked to be left on the bench if possible and Irish international, inspirational skipper and prop Alan Robinson was nursing a dislocated shoulder, the omens did not look to promising for the Bears.

For ten minutes there was nothing between the two sides. Then Coventry opened up and it looked as though the Coventry outfit were going to win at a canter. Robinson crashed over to open the scoring and then stand-off half Clinton Scott-Knight wrong-footed the Bulldogs defence to go in under the posts.

A good handling move saw the Bears really throw the ball about for winger Tony Allcock to score on the right.

At 16 points to nil the Bulldogs seemed out of it, but they had other ideas and full back John Hefford powered his way through the home defence to score on the right. This was quickly followed by Birmingham’s star man Adam Cawley who went in under the posts before adding the extras himself.

With the score at 16-10 the Bulldogs were beginning to turn the screw when the half time whistle gave the Bears some much needed relief.

Half Time - Coventry Aquatics Bears 16 Birmingham Bulldogs 10

Buoyed by their storming performance in the latter stages of the first half the Bulldogs came out with all guns blazing. Birmingham winger Mike Jones went in on the right and this was answered by Coventry’s Tony Allcock who added his second try of the afternoon.

The Bulldogs kept coming back and a try by centre Iestyn Pratt and a Cawley conversion tied the game at 20 points all. A superb 70 metre try by winger Simon Brocklehurst restored the Bears lead. Again Adam Crawley pulled the Bulldogs level with a try from short distance under the posts and another conversion.

The Bears were looking ragged and seemed incapable of playing out a set of six. Sub Mick Curtis who had been required to play, made a storming run up the centre only to lose the ball in the tackle. But he had the opportunity to make amends with five minutes to go when he powered his way over the line despite the close attention of three Bulldogs players.

Dean Thompson’s conversion gave the Bears a six point cushion which ultimately proved enough for the Bears to secure a place in the Semi Finals in two weeks time.

Final Score - Coventry Aquatics Bears 32 Birmingham Bulldogs 26 

Coventry player coach Troy Perkins speaking after the game said “We went into the game with the need for a win firmly in our thoughts. We were hit so hard by injuries that we knew it would be hard, but a win today would secure us a week off to recover before the semi finals in two weeks time. We have done what we set out to do and now we can gather ourselves for another hard game in a fortnight’s time”

Teams:

Coventry - Kurt Johnson, Tony Allcock, Simon Brocklehurst, Adrian Veamatahau, Dean Thompson, Clinton Scott-Knight, Joe Smith, Alan Robinson, Alex Brown, Lee Ashford, Ty Watson, Tim Stevens, Troy Perkins, Stuart Lee, Garath Allan, Mick Curtis, Ian Grime.

Birmingham - John Hefford Dunne, Brett Toole, Sam Woodward, Dominic Birchall, Richard Morris, Gareth Pratt, James Topham, Kevin Mannion, Ed Perry, Wesley Perkins.

Scorers

Coventry Tries - Robinson, Scott- Knight, Brocklehurst, Curtis, Allcock (2). Conversions - Thompson (4)

Birmingham Tries - Hefford, Jones, I. Pratt, Cawley (2). Conversions -  Cawley (3)

Men-of-the-Match

Coventry - Ty Watson,

Birmingham - Adam Cawley

12/9/04 - LHF National Division 3 - South London Storm 18-28 Coventry Aquatics Bears

At Streatham & Croydon RFC

Weather - Cloudy, blustery.

Click on pictures to see a larger version

A few more pictures HERE

Coventry Aquatics Bears secured first place and the 'Minor Premiers' Pennant in the LHF National division 3 with a hard-fought win over South London Storm on Sunday afternoon.

Already missing the influential Aussie pairing of Matt Wright and Chris McBride, and quickly deprived of the services of wingers John Fairhurst (hamstring) and Tony Allcock (dead-leg), the Bears raced into an early lead and had the Storm on the rack at 20 points to nil after only 12 minutes.

Tries by Prop Alan Robinson, centre Kurt Johnson and two by stand-off Clinton Scott-Knight -both men confirming their pedigree yet again - had the Storm reeling and it was quickly looking as though the result was a foregone conclusion. But Storm had other ideas and began to fight back and pulled back a try - only to see it cancelled out by a  typical rampaging Johnson effort as he left the London defence standing, racing in from 70 metres.

The home side rallied again though and - playing some good rugby - managed to pull back two tries before the break to go in trailing by 12 points to Coventry’s 24.

The flourish that the Storm had produced at the end of the first half obviously had a positive effect and they came out with all guns blazing and really put the Bears' defence under pressure. It was the Bears, however, who broke the second-half deadlock when substitute Joe Smith scooted home to give the visitors a breathing space.

London again responded with a try and the game, and the Bears' hopes of the top-spot, were suddenly on a knife edge. Storm were desperate to secure a win that would have taken them into the play-offs and threw everything they could at the Bears defence. Coventry dug deep though, and were looking dangerous on the counter-attack and at the final whistle both teams could congratulate themselves on a tremendous effort.

This win secures for the Bears the 'Minor Premiers' Pennant and home advantage in the play-offs. With Storm losing, local rivals Birmingham Bulldogs have made the play offs in their debutant season, and now must face the Bears next weekend in the first round. A win for the Bears means they will progress straight through to the semi finals - again at home.

After the game Player Coach Troy Perkins said “That was as hard a game as we have had all season and is a taster for what is to come over the next few weeks.

"However we have finished top of the league and the other teams will not relish playing against us.

"It will be hard, but there is no reason why we cannot go all the way in this competition”.

Not this time Kurt

Captain Alan Robinson commented “How good was that? It is another step in our development. Since we founded this club we have made steady progress and are doing our bit to raise the profile of Coventry RFC” . 

Team - Hyslop, Fairhurst, Johnson, Veamatahau, Allcock, Scott-Knight, Clendenning-Fenton, Stevens, Brown, Robinson, Ashford, McGregor, Perkins, Smith, Watson, Grime, Brocklehurst.

Scorers: Tries - Robinson, Smith, Scott Knight (2) Johnson (2)

Conversions -  Hyslop (2)

Man of the Match - Kurt Johnson

Gamebreaker - Joe Smith's second-half try that ended a promising South London fight-back

5/9/04 - LHF National Division 3 - Coventry Aquatics Bears 36-18 Hillsborough Hawks

Butts Park Arena

Weather - hot & sunny

Rugby League returned to the Butts stadium after a break of 90 years on Sunday at the newly revamped Butts Park Arena, and on a hot and sunny day Coventry Aquatics Bears and their visitors Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks put on a sparkling display of attacking rugby at this the best attended game of the season.

The Bears opened the scoring on two minutes when scrum half Scott Clendenning-Fenton scooted in near the posts;  Mark Hyslop, the Coventry fullback, adding the extras.

A penalty to Sheffield reduced the deficit when winger Bryn Evans took advantage of some poor Coventry discipline, but then Coventry winger Tony Allcock jinked his way past four Sheffield defenders to score a memorable try under the posts - Hyslop again converting.

Another penalty, followed by a try by Sheffield centre Alby Atkinson ensured that the game was on a knife edge at half time, and with the Hawks missing a further goal attempt it could so easily have been all square at the break.

Half Time Coventry 12 Sheffield 10

The Bears again started the brighter of the two sides with centre Kurt Johnson scoring under the posts, and the conversion and a penalty by Hyslop finally gave the Bears some daylight at 20-10.

The Bears started to turn on the style and two tries in the next ten minutes took the game beyond the Hawks reach . Prop Alan Robinson broke through the hawks defence and unloaded to stand-off Clinton Scott-Knight who went in under the sticks, and both Allcock and Johnson added to their earlier tries. Tony Allcock forced his way over before Kurt Johnson ran in from 75 metres, cutting in from his wing to outstrip the cover and also touch down under the posts.  With the game beyond Sheffield’s reach the Hawks nevertheless came back and rattled in two tries from hooker Adam Carroll and substitute Steve Hunter.

Final score Coventry Aquatics Bears 36 Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks 18

Teams:

Coventry Aquatics Bears - Mark Hyslop, Rich Pepperell, Kurt Johnson, Adrian Veamatahau, Tony Allcock, Clinton Scott Knight, Scott Clendenning Fenton, Chris McBride, Alex Brown,  Alan Robinson, Ian McGregor, Matt Wright, Troy Perkins, Stuart Lee, Mick Curtis, Lee Ashford, Nick Vassallo.

Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks - John Birt, Graham Batty, Tim Russell, Alby Atkinson, Bryn Evans, Matt Mulholland, Jon Nicholls, Rob North, Adam Carroll, Chris Plume, Sion Williams, Mathew Burgess, Dave Beever, Mark Slatter, Steve Shaw, Steve Hunter, Darryl Jackson.

Gamebreaker

The two tries scored immediately after the break that finally broke the deadlock

Coventry Scorers: Tries - Allcock (2), Johnson (2), Clendenning-Fenton, Scott-Knight. Goals - Hyslop (6)

Men-of-the-Match:

Coventry - Mick Curtis

Sheffield - Adam Carroll.

Back row L to R: Mick Curtis, Troy Perkins (player/coach), Lee Ashford, Nick Vassallo, Chris McBride; Matt Wright, Kurt Johnson, Mark Hyslop, Rich Pepperell, Wayne Box (Team Manager), Rob Hopkins (Main Sponsor).

Front Row: Adrian Veamatahau, Alex Brown, Ian McGregor, Alan Robinson, Clinton Scott-Knight, Scott Clendenning-Fenton, Stuart Lee, Tony Allcock

28/8/04 - LHF National Division 3 - Essex Eels 2-68 Coventry Aquatics Bears

At Basildon RFC

Referee - Paul Stockman (Selby)

Weather - Cloudy.

Coventry Aquatics Bears Suffered a frustrating afternoon in Basildon on Saturday after arriving three hours late (but half an hour before the referee) due to the M25 being closed following an accident.

The Bears were acutely aware of the need to post a high score against bottom-of-the-table Essex, with the top three teams in the table vying for home advantage in the 'play offs', the points 'for and against' may prove to be the difference between finishing in the top two.

They were severely hampered in their chance to improve their points total when the referee announced that due to the late start he would only allow 30 minutes each way. And, despite a strong protest from the Bears' Secretary, and a point blank refusal to speak to the LHF League supremo Niel Wood, the game went ahead on those terms.

As the game finally got under way The Coventry Aquatics Bears attacked with gusto and tried to ensure they scored with every attack. It was a tough task, and perhaps it was a plan doomed to failure before it even commenced, but it made for entertaining footie as the ball was thrown around - and the whitewash was crossed six times in the opening stanza.

First blood was drawn by LHF League 'Player of the Month, centre Adrian Veamatahau, and this was quickly followed by a try by the other centre Kurt Johnson, who despite only having played rugby league four times has still managed to secure a place in the LHF league 'dream team' for September.

Scott Clendenning-Fenton, Clinton Scott-Knight, Tim Stevens and Troy Perkins added the other tries, and five of these were converted by Clendenning-Fenton.

Essex' only contribution to the half - points-wise - was a penalty, and the Bears went in leading 34-2 at the break.

The second half was marred by some strange refereeing decisions which confused both sides. The Bears again posted six tries - one each from scrum-half Joe Smith and winger Tony Allcock, and Clendenning–Fenton and Johnson completed their hat-tricks. Again full back Clendenning-Fenton converted five times.

Much to ponder then, as the 'normal' season enters its final month before the play-offs.

Team - Clendenning-Fenton, Allcock, Veamatahau, Johnson, Vassallo, Scott-Knight, Smith, Robinson, Brown, McBride, Ashford, McGregor, Perkins. Muchiti, McBride, McNair, Richards.

Scorers: Tries -  Allcock (2), Perkins, Scott Knight, Clendenning-Fenton (3), Johnson (3), Stevens, Smith.

Conversions - Clendenning-Fenton (10)

Man-of-the-Match - Kurt Johnson

21/8/04 - LHF National Division 3 - Coventry Aquatics Bears 32-20 St Albans Centurions

Old Coventrians RFC

Referee - Mike Reid (Halifax)

Weather - cloud/sunny.

Coventry Aquatics Bears finally laid to rest a hoodoo with this defeat of St Albans Centurions on Saturday – avenging the earlier loss at Woolams.

Just as in that first game both sides displayed no lack of attacking flair, but the difference was that the Bears defended far better than in that earlier encounter.

Coventry started the brighter of the two sides, and two tries in the first ten minutes by winger Tony Allcock gave them just the boost they needed. However, with Mark Hyslop uncharacteristically missing both conversion chances, the visitors wasted no time in trimming the lead as winger Matt Thomas went in at the corner.

And then a penalty was eagerly snapped up by Centurions hooker Dave Harries and the scoreline was back to a slender two points lead for the Bears.

Hyslop quickly made amends for his missed opportunities with the boot and scampered in for a four-pointer, quickly added to by loose forward Troy Perkins, finishing off a good move to touch down under the posts. This time Hyslop made no mistake with the extras.

Just on half time Centurions sub Brian Hendry pulled a try back and the Bears went in leading 18 points to 10.

The Bears, now playing down the slope, quickly made their advantage tell, and two minutes into the half opened the scoring as a neat move was finished off by stand-off Clinton Scott-Knight – Hyslop adding the extras.

St Albans began throwing the ball about and unloading in the tackle and were making good yards with every attack, but the home side held out for a further 28 minutes, and it was they that made the breakthrough. Gamestar Adrian Veamatahau received a pass near halfway and jinked inside two despairing defenders before sending in Scott Clendenninning-Fenton for a fine try beneath the sticks. With Hyslop adding the two points the Bears were holding a totally commanding lead of 30-10 with only ten minutes remaining, but the Centurions proved to be far from finished.

To grave warnings to ‘watch the short kick’ the visitors duly obliged from the restart – and Matt Thomas ran the ball straight in for his second try of the afternoon. All of a sudden it wasn’t looking quite so comfortable.

Worse was to come.

Two minutes later the pressure that St Albans had applied again saw their just reward when their man-of-the-match Dene Miller pounced on a mistake following a crossfield ‘bomb’ and the Cents were within ten points with six minutes on the watch.

The Bears were clearly rattled – but fortunately the visitors had left themselves with too much to do, and it was with palpable relief that Mark Hyslop stepped up to slot a 45 metre penalty with two minutes remaining to close out the game…and soothe frayed nerves.

Final score - Coventry Aquatics Bears 32-20 St Albans Centurions

Teams

Coventry: Hyslop, Allcock, Veamatahau, Johnson, Brocklehurst, Scott-Knight, Clendenning-Fenton, Robinson, Brown, McBride, Ashford, Wright, Perkins. Smith, McGregor, Dowding, Allen.

St Albans: Warner, Thomas, D. Miller, Azam, Zonta, Wortley, Drewe, Harries, Kwong, Bell, A. Miller, Cox, Hendry, Castle, Dube, Lamb

Coventry Scorers: Tries - Allcock (2) Hyslop, Perkins, Scott-Knight, Clendenning-Fenton

Conversions: Hyslop (3)

Penalty: Hyslop

St Albans: Tries - Thomas (2), Hendry, D. Miller

Conversion – Harries

Penalty - Harries

Gamestars: Coventry -  Adrian Veamatahau. St Albans - Dene Miller

Gamebreaker: Scott Clendenning-Fenton’s try that just took the game beyond St Albans - despite a gallant late fight-back.

14/8/04 - LHF National Division 3 - Birmingham Bulldogs 24-46 Coventry Aquatics Bears

At Moor Lane Sports Ground, Birmingham

Referee - Chris Nicholls (Pontefract)

Weather - hot & sunny

Coventry Aquatics Bears kept up the pressure at the top of National Division 3 with a stuttering yet ultimately deserved win over local rivals Birmingham Bulldogs yesterday afternoon.

McBride crashes over to

start the scoring

The Bulldogs have never beaten the Bears at the top level and were determined to change that record, yet it was Coventry who took the game to the Bulldogs in the early phases, and were denied a try when Lee Ashford broke away only to be pulled back by the referee.

From then on the game was finely balanced in the first half, and it took a strong run from McBride on 17 minutes to break the deadlock crashing over under the sticks from 10 yards out with two Bulldogs defenders hanging on.

Birmingham replied ten minutes later to tie the score at 6-6, and that's how it stayed until nearly half-time.

Perkins Breaks for his

second-half gamebreaking score

Just before the break the Bears regained their lead when centre Adrian Veamatahau broke through the defence and again went in under the posts Hyslop topping up again to make it 12-6 - a slightly disappointing scoreline for the visitors who had threatened the bulldogs' line on several occasions but seemed unable to find that ruthless touch

Playing downhill in the second half the Bears posted an early warning of what was to come when fullback Mark Hyslop went in to increase the lead, adding to his own try to take it out to 18-6. However, Birmingham rallied almost from the restart and went in to pull another try back.

It was by now obvious that the Bulldogs were flagging and some good handling culminated in loose forward Troy Perkins going in on the left and running unopposed to score under the sticks. And when prop Alan Robinson forced his way through the defence to score,

the Bulldogs were clearly defeated. Second rower Lee Ashford and stand-off half Clinton Scott–Knight posted further tries to put it out of the home side's reach, and the game was over as a spectacle.

To their credit though, the Bulldogs didn't give up, and a try by them was cancelled out by a try by Bears' hooker Alex Brown who raced through from 40 yards.

The Bulldogs had the last word scoring close to the final whistle, with the Cov side well in control points-wise, but letting their guard slip slightly - something they can ill-afford to repeat in the run-up to the play off phase.

Team: Mark Hyslop. Tom Shaw, Adrian Veamatahau, Tony Allcock, Nick Vassallo, Clinton Scott-Knight, Scott Clendenning-Fenton, Chris McBride  Alex Brown, Alan Robinson, Matt Wright, Lee Ashford, Troy Perkins, Joe Smith, Ian McGregor, Garrath Allan, Ian Grime

Scorers: Tries - McBride, Veamatahau, Hyslop, Perkins, Robinson, Ashford, Scott-Knight, Brown.

Conversions - Hyslop (7)

Gamebreaker - Loose forward Troy Perkins’ try that opened the floodgates in the second half for the Aquatics Bears.

Man-of-the-match - Chris McBride.

31/7/04 - TOTALrl.com Rugby League Conference Harry Jepson Trophy Play-off

Coventry Aquatics Bears 12-30 Leicester Phoenix

At Old Coventrians RFC, Tile Hill Lane.

Referee - Martyn Haigh (Southport)

Weather - hot & sunny

On a hot and sunny day the Coventry Aquatics Bears second string were beaten in the play-offs by neighbours Leicester Phoenix.

Phoenix opened the scoring on 16 minutes when Centre Karl Wesley went in, but the Bears drew level five minutes later after a slick pass from prop Rich Davies sent winger Steve James over.

And the Bears took the lead when a John Nicholls cross-field bomb was collected by Neil Lightowler who scored in the corner.

At the break it was looking good for the hosts as they went in with an eight points to four lead.

Unfortunately for the Bears it was not to be, as again Kurt Wesley opened the scoring for the Phoenix, as he had in the first period. A further try by centre Dean Parnell and  conversion by stand off Dan Yuill saw Leicester take the lead again - from which point they never looked back.

Karl Wesley went on to complete his hat trick, and by now the visitors were bossing the show and further tries by Harrtby and Rogerson took the game well beyond the Bears' reach.

However. it was the Bears who had the last word with hooker Dave Bowen completeing the scoring and taking the final tally to Coventry 12-30 Leicester.

Teams - Coventry: Ben Hands, Noel Daly, Neil Lightowler, John Nicholls, Steve James, Stuart Lee, Daniel Mottram, Rich Davies, Dave Bowen, Garath Allan, Jason Pyott, Jason Wetton, Clem Muchiti, Scott Carver, Jason Power, Kurt Gunn, Nick Vassallo, Nick McNair.

Leicester: Chris Haines, Craig Hewitt, Kutr Wesley, Dean parnell, Garry Jones, Dan Yuill, Matt Ginvert, Darren Murray, Darren Johnson, Garry rogerson, Steve Harrtby, Austin Watts, James Bateson, Ashley Lynost, Phil Albut, David Wilkins

Scorers: Coventry tries: James, Lightowler, Bowen.

Leicester tries: Wesley (3) Parnell, Harrtby, Rogerson.

Conversions: Yuill   (3)

Gamebreaker: Parnells try that started to take the game beyond Coventry’s grasp

'Parkhouse Recruitment' Men-of-the-Match

Coventry - Clem Muchiti

Leicester  - Kurt Wesley

31/7/04 - LHF National Division 3 - Coventry Aquatics Bears 54-28 Hemel Stags

At Old Coventrians RFC, Tile Hill Lane

Referee - Peter Brooke (Hull)

Weather - hot and sunny.

Deano's Grooming Tips. No 23: Always remove all

traces of lettuce from the teeth before taking the field..

Click pics to see a larger version

A decidedly understrength Coventry Bears managed to maintain their recent good run with a win over a Stags side that had been unbeaten in their last eight games – since their 40-30 home defeat against Coventry back in May in fact. Again missing several first-choice players - including Jon Fairhurst and free-scoring back AJ Veahamatau, both injured in last week’s epic battle with Woolston, several Conference players stepped up and played a full part in this emphatic win – Ian Grime particularly catching the eye with a never-say-die display full of grit and determination.

Coventry started brightly enough when centre – and current success story - Kurt Johnson went over in the corner in the first minute, and five minutes later the Bears increased their lead through second row Matt Wright’s efforts. Both tries were improved by ‘dead-eye Hyslop’ to make the score 12-0.

Hemel then proceeded to show why they are one of the best teams in the league, fighting back with two tries from scrum half Andy Champ following a fifty metre break, and 2^nd row Vural Aglamaz forcing his way over.. Both tries converted for 12-12 and game on….

A high tackle in front of the posts resulted in two further points to the Bears as they elected to take the points and once again Hyslop fired over in typical style.

Rich Pepperell joined the action from the bench to make his first appearance of the season, and  broke through to give the Bears some breathing space by crossing under the posts. Hyslop once again did the honours to take the scoreline to 20 points to 12.

Once again though, Hemel hit back with centre Jimmy Daines and winger Phil Aiken scoring good tries in quick succession following good play by the Stags, and tying up the scores at 20-20.

Just on the half time though, Coventry hooker Alex Brown scooted through to score and with the almost inevitable conversion the Bears went in leading 26-20.

The first half had been a real head-to-head with the Stags refusing to bow down and there was no reason to doubt that the second half was set to be the same – until Brown

again went in for the Bears after two minutes. Hyslop doing the business yet again. At 32-20, the Bears had a little breathing space for the first time, but nobody really expected what happened over the next nine minutes.

Centre Kurt Johnson took up the gauntlet and showing signs of the power he seemed to be lacking last winter blasted his way over for three tries to add to his first half strike. The third effort in particular had the crowd – and the various Cov RU personnel – purring as he weaved his way from the half way line to under the Hemel posts through half of the bemused Stags defenders to make it  46-20 and put the game well out of the visitors’ reach. Probably the biggest shock of the afternoon also came in this period when the full-back (who’s name escapes me) scuffed a conversion attempt wide of the posts.

The heat and the effects of both sides’ efforts in the tackle now started to take their toll, and the standard, understandably, dropped a little.  Both teams were guilty of handling errors, the Bears perhaps through trying to be too fancy and the Stags from having to play catch up.

Hemel winger Phil Aiken scored again for the Stags on 72 minutes as gaps began to open up in the tiring Cov defence, but Alex Brown followed suit with his third of the afternoon, Hyslop redeeming himself with the conversion to take the scoreline out to 54-24.

Johnson sets off for try

number four in typical style..

However, it was only fitting that the Stags - who had contested the game so well until Johnson’s second half hat-trick - should score the final points of the afternoon when Winger Phil Aiken also completed his well-deserved hat trick.

Eat dirt..

Teams. Coventry: Mark Hyslop, Tony Allcock, Kurt Johnson, Rich Pepperell, Joe Smith, Clinton Scott-Knight, Scott Clendenning-Fenton, Ken Dowding, Alex Brown, Alan Robinson, Matt Wright, Lee Ashford, Troy Perkins, Chris Neal, Ian McGregor, Chris McBride, Ian Grime.

Hemel: Barry John Swindells, Peter Clarke, Jimmy Daines, Scott Roberts, Phil Aiken, Ben Wykeman, Andy Champ, Mark Manito, Andrew Curtain, David Marskell, Neil Manito, Vural Aglamaz. Chris Caws, Kae Harris, Ben Neilson, Ian Rose, James Ellershaw.

Scorers. Coventry tries: Johnson (4) Brown (3) Wright, Pepperell.

Conversions: Hyslop (8) (only)

Penalty: Hyslop

Hemel tries: P. Aiken (3), Champ, Aglamaz, Daines

Conversions: Swindells (2)

Gamebreaker

Kurt Johnson’s, second half hat trick that took the game beyond Hemel’s reach

'Nursery Tavern' Men-of-the-Match

Coventry - Kurt Johnson

Hemel - Phil Aiken

24/7/04 - LHF National Division 3 - Coventry Aquatics Bears 19-18 Woolston Rovers

At Old Coventrians RFC, Tile Hill Lane, Coventry

Weather; warm, sunny but breezy

Referee – Mr Nigel Taylor

(Click on pics to see larger version)

This was a crucial clash for both sides, with Woolston determined to maintain pole position in National 3, and with Coventry equally determined to close the gap behind them. Both sides reported players missing through injuries and other commitments, and Cov were short of influential prop Chris McBride, along with wingers James Hunt and Dean Thompson, and forwards Dave Campton, Ian McGregor, Tony Wildsmith and Mickey Curtis.

On the face of it then, this was always going to be an uphill struggle for the home side – if they were not seen as underdogs already - and when winger Jon Fairhurst left the field of play early on with a badly dislocated thumb, the Bears had a real mountain to climb.

Playing with the occasionally-stiff breeze for the first half it was obvious that the home side would have to come out all guns blazing if they were to have a decent chance of success – and this they did.

After five minutes and a short period of pressure the hosts forced a drop-out from under the sticks. Collecting the ball, out-half Clinton Scott-Knight took it forward before slipping it to Adrian Veamatahau who jubilantly crossed the whitewash to the right of the sticks. The ever-deadly Mark Hyslop added the extras, and the Bears were rumbling at 6-0.

However, as expected, Woolston came back at the home side with renewed vigour and only a superb chase and tackle foiled Rovers’ second rower Steve Warburton just five metres from the line. Pressure continued unabated and by now Rovers were starting to establish themselves as the side that everybody recognized as the league leaders. Odd perhaps then, when awarded a penalty on ten minutes they opted to slot it over the woodwork instead of maintaining the pressure on the goal line. Chris Mellor duly obliged and suddenly the Bears were looking over their shoulders at 6-2.

Cov came back – helping establish a pattern of breathtaking end-to-end rugby that had the crowd spellbound yet curiously quiet for a Tile Hill Lane match. After fifteen minutes, pressure seemed to have paid-off as the line was breached by Cov, but Mr Taylor called it back for a forward pass after consulting both linesmen. It was soon Cov’s turn to show respect to the opposition and when a penalty was conceded, up stepped Mark Hyslop to convert and re-establish a six point lead at 8-2.

The ebb and flow continued however and Rovers scored through James Brabin in the right-hand corner after a superb cross-field kick just evaded Cov’s Kurt Johnson. The conversion went wide, but it was getting mighty close now with just two points in it, and when a try for Rovers was disallowed near the death, the home side were grateful to hear the referee blow for the break.

Half Time: Coventry 8-6 Woolston 

Coventry seemed to benefit most from the rest period, and although now facing the breeze, looked the more dangerous in the opening stages, and after seven minutes a superb dummy-half break from hooker Alex Brown finished with him touching-down wide out on the left with three defenders hanging on desperately – 12-6.

Back came the visitors once again, and Cov were forced to defend grimly against repeated sets close to the line – but eventually pressure told and James Brabin went over under the posts, with Mellor topping-up to tie things up at twelve-all.

Yes it's a try Alex

It was all now high-powered stuff, but with the warm weather taking its toll, it seemed inevitable that mistakes would be made, and some weak tackling allowed Rovers winger Paul Berry to round the Cov defence wide out on the right before galloping in to straighten the angle for Mellor to add the two points.

Did I say 'bone-crunching'?.

'ave some of that...

...my son!

Coventry seemed to be flagging, and it appeared that Woolston, having settled into a comfortable groove, may well stretch away. However, just when things were looking desperate, Man-of-the-Match centre stamped his mark on the match in no uncertain terms and unleashed a couple of absolutely bone-crunching tackles which had Woolston looking around to see what had hit them. The ‘Gamebreaker’ moment? Not on your life – that was to come right at the death in truly dramatic fashion.

The rejuvenated Bears – taking inspiration from Johnson perhaps – stepped up a gear or two, and all of a sudden started to look like the team that wanted the spoils. And so it proved when some superb approach play and quick hands sent second-row Matt Wright in close to the right-hand corner. All that was needed now was for Mr Reliable to come up trumps with the conversion and a truly ferocious last seven minutes would be on the cards – but the woodwork intervened – for the second time in the match, and it appeared that it was just going to be one of those matches.

However, that never-say-die Cov attitude was not about to fade, and more pressure led to a penalty in a scoring position. At this late point of the game it was all about tying things up and taking a well-deserved share of the spoils, and up stepped Hyslop again to do so at 18-18 to delirious cheers from the now wide-awake Coventry faithful.

Just a minute later though and they were wondering what was going to happen next as player-coach Troy Perkins saw yellow after expressing a difference of opinion with Mr Taylor, and retired to the bench for the remainder of the proceedings.

That appeared to be it then – as long as the re-shuffled Bears could maintain focus and concentration for the last three minutes, then the point should be safe….but…there’s a gamebreaker to report on yet, as promised, and what a doozy it was. Cov mustered their very last reserves of determination and threw everything at the visitors in one final attempt to grab the spoils. Working the ball forward patiently and waiting for the exact right moment, an inch perfect pass was laid off to Scott Clendenning-Fenton, perfectly positioned and 15 metres out. It’s a cliché, but the collective breath of all present was suddenly held, and over the bar it duly sailed to put the Bears back in front at the very last moment of a pulsating game of rugby league football.

Final Score: Coventry Aquatics Bears 19-18 Woolston Rovers

Teams

Coventry: M. Hyslop, J. Fairhurst, K. Johnson, A. Veamatahau, T. Shaw, C. Scott-Knight, S. Clendenning-Fenton, K. Dowding, A Brown, A. Robinson, L. Ashford, M, Wright, T. Perkins, C. Muchiti, I. Grime, S. Carver, S. Lee

Woolston: M. Roughneen, P. Berry, J. Brabin, I. Fowler, M. Taylor, C. Harris, S. Smythe, C. Rylance, W. Lawton, D. Powlesland, S. Warburton, C. Mellor, D. Kelly, Keane, A. Addison, M. Patterson, N. Wallace

Men-of-the-Match

Coventry: Kurt Johnson

Woolston: D. Kelly

Gamestar: Kurt Johnson (Cov). Immense in defence and consistently punching holes. 

Gamebreaker: Scott Clendenning-Fenton’s last-gasp field goal to seal the home win.

 17/7/04 - LHF National Division 3 - Gateshead 10-62 Coventry Bears

Weather: Sunny, warm and humid.

Referee:  Mr M. Kidd

Click on pics to see bigger version

Coventry Aquatics Bears made the long trip to Gateshead hunting for an encouraging performance leading into next Saturday’s top-of-the-table home clash with Woolston (Old Coventrians RFC Tile Hill Lane, 2.30 KO).

'Barbadian RU International

makes debut impact'

Coventry started with a try on three minutes from the outstanding Adrian Veamatahau, handing an ominous warning to the home side.

Gateshead tried to respond after the early setback, but resilient Bears defence kept them out, and  the hosts’ day went from bad to worse with further tries from winger Tom Shaw, Scott Clendenning-Fenton, John Fairhurst and Clinton Scott-Knight all in the space of ten minutes.

Mark Hyslop added four conversions during the half taking the score to 32-0 at the break.

The second half was more of the same with Coventry playing like a well-oiled machine. Coundon Road favourite Kurt Johnson, making his long awaited debut at the thirteen-man code, crossed immediately after the break after a well worked move gave him a long sprint to the line and the game was as good as won.

More tries followed from Hyslop, Scott-Knight and Clendenning-Fenton - for his well-deserved hat trick - showing the gulf between the top and the bottom of National League Three.

“Today’s was a fine performance", commented coach Troy Perkins. “It’s great to see lots of enthusiasm, fantastic support play and some fine tries scored.

“Our backs performed well and it is great to see seventeen year old local lad Stuart Lee playing well in his first-grade debut.” 

'Youthful ex-RU full-back

makes smoky debut'

Can you tell that they won?

Gateshead finished strongly with two tries to make the final score 62-10 to the Bears.

Probably the best performances on the day were by Adrian Veamatahau and Scott Clendenning-Fenton, while good forward domination provided the backs with the platform to shine.

Line-up: Mark Hyslop, Tom Shaw, Kurt Johnson, Adrian Veamatahau, John Fairhurst, Clinton Scott-Knight, Scott Clendenning-Fenton, Chris McBride, Alex Brown, Alan Robinson, Lee Ashford, Matt Wright, Troy Perkins, Stuart Lee, Ian Grime, Rich Davies

Scorers:

Tries - A.Veamatahau(2), Tom Shaw,  Scott Clendenning Fenton (3), Clinton Scott-Knight (2), Kurt Johnson, Mark Hyslop (2), Jon Fairhurst.

Conversions - Mark Hyslop (7)

The Angel of the North...and if you look just under its wing you can see a ghostly egg. Or is it Boomer?

17/7/04 - TOTALrl.com Rugby League Conference - Wolverhampton Wizards 12-44 Coventry Aquatics Bears
After two crucial players for the Conference side stepped up to the National side for their fixture against Gateshead at the last minute, the 'A' side still managed to raise a very strong side to take on the Wizards and ultimately clinch the South Midlands Conference title.

Wolverhampton got off to a good start and went over after four minutes, but Damian Keogh replied with his first try for the Bears.

The rest of the first half was hard-fought by both sides and with Wolverhampton leading 12-8 at half time, and the Bears knew they needed to step up a gear to secure the win.

In the second half the Bears duly did just that with Dave Bowen scoring his hat-trick and Man of the Match Joe Smith creating holes for the Bears to attack the line through.

The Wizards defence was immense throughout -  but wave after wave of Bears attacks made the eventual scoreline inevitable, even though the scoreline probably didn't totally reflect the balance of play.

Tries - D Keogh, T Wood, C Muchiti , J Power, D Mottram, S James and D Bowen (3)

Conversions - N Lightowler (3) & J Power

10/7/04 - LHF National Division 3 - Coventry Bears 24-18 Manchester Knights
at Old Coventrians RFC

In a close match Manchester belied their lowly position with a full-blooded assault on the Coventry Aquatics Bears.
Manchester took the lead on 15 minutes when stand-off John McAttee broke through near the posts - but Coventry replied four minutes later when his opposite number Clinton Scott-Knight pulled off a similar move.

Coventry improved their score with tries from centre Adrian Veamatahau and stand-off Clinton Scott-Knight, and it should have been all over. Manchester however had other thoughts in mind and second rower Jason Viller closed the half with another fine try to keep the visitors well in the hunt.

Half Time - Coventry 18- Manchester 10

Manchester again came out fired-up and it was nip and tuck for 10 minutes before hooker Luke Brookes brought the Manchester outfit right back into contention
Manchester Sub Martin Flynn was sent off just before Coventry prop Chris McBride powered over to score a try that gave the Bears some much needed breathing space, but the Knights finished the game as they had started with the last try of the match. Winger Andy Lewis going over in the corner after fending off a couple of weak challenges.
Ultimately it was the kicking of Coventry full back Mark Hyslop that was the difference between the teams, converting all four tries against Manchester’s 1 from 4 attempts.

Final score - Coventry 24 Manchester 18

The Bears have been out-of-sorts for the last few weeks and this win will have boosted their confidence.
After the game coach Troy Perkins commented, “It’s hard to put a finger on why we as a team are struggling to perform. "The team today was pretty much the team that started the season so well.

"We have a long trip to Gateshead next week to play against a team we will be expected to win easily against, and we need to do that as we then face three home games against teams that are really going well - including top-of-the-table Woolston.

"It is because we have such good players that I get frustrated when they do not perform as well as we all know they can. "Lets hope that from here on in we can kick-on to consolidate our position in the table. We are joint second and I guess at the start of the season I would have been delighted at that, so we can face the rest of the season with confidence".

Team: Hyslop, Hunt, D. Campton, Veamatahau, Shaw, Fairhurst, Scott-Knight, McBride, Clendenning–Fenton, Ashford, Curtis, McGregor, Perkins, Brown, Robinson, Wright, Allcock
Tries: Scott-Knight (2) Veamatahau, McBride.
Conversions: Hyslop (4)
Man-of-the-Match - Lee Ashford.

10/7/04 TOTALrl.com Rugby League Conference.  Leicester Phoenix 24-28 Coventry Aquatics Bears

The Bears' second string pulled off a sensational win against Leicester Phoenix on Saturday. Heavily beaten earlier in the season at home, the Bears were good value for this great result.
Phoenix started brightly when experienced Nigel Arizmendez gave them the lead on four minutes, but the Bears - playing uphill - hit back when stand off half Stuart Lee went over eight minutes later. Lee then added the extra two points from the conversion. Bears' continued pressure paid off with a try to hooker Joe Smith. On the half hour Leicester pulled a try back but the Bears went into half time leading 12 points to 10.

After the break Leicester again took the lead only for Bears' fullback Daniel Mottram to score with a great individual try. Leicester then hit back again and at 18 points each the game was finely balanced. Again Joe Smith scored but this was again cancelled-out by another try for the Phoenix. With just two minutes to go Coventry sub Ken Dowding sealed the win and Lee duly added the extras.

Final Score Leicester Phoenix 24-28 Coventry Aquatics Bears

Team: Daniel Mottram, Noel Daly, Steve James, Ben Shepherd, Jason Wetton, Stuart Lee, Clem Muchiti, Rich Davies, Joe Smith, Scott Carver, Gareth Allen, Ian Grime, John Nicholls, Ken Dowding, Kurt Gunn, Jason Pyott, Nick Vassallo
Tries: Smith (2), Lee, Mottram, Dowding.
Conversions: Lee (4)
Parkhouse Recruitment Man-of-the-Match - John Nicholls

03/7/04 - LHF National Division 3 - Dudley Hill 44-18 Coventry Bears

Experience in key areas from Dudley Hill was the ultimate difference in a game which lacked defensive consistency from the Coventry Aquatics Bears.

In a blustery first half Coventry opted to run with the wind at their backs. Dudley Hill scored first against the run of play when their centre ran clear from clever play by influential half back Chris Robinson.

Hill scored again on 18 minutes when the ball was spread wide and the Coventry centre Tony Allcock slipped as his attacker breezed through to put the home side clear by 10 points. =

A mistake and knock on  gifted Coventry a try as  scrum half John Fairhurst gathered the ball well within his own half to race clear to score under the posts - but the home side hit back once again, and three further tries saw them go into the break leading by 28 points to 10.

The second half began with more determination in defence from the Bears but a clash of heads left Coventry prop Alan Robinson leave the field with concussion, putting the Bears under yet more pressure losing a much-needed forward.

Despite being against the wall the Bears hit back when Coventry Man of the Match Clinton Scott Knight wriggled his way over the try line. Further mistakes by the Bears lead to a sin-binning for 2^nd row Dave Campton for holding down and with a man down Dudley Hill went on to amass 48 points.

The last quarter saw some scrappy play from both sides but through the melee Coventry found some composure and winger Dean Thompson scored Coventry’s 3^rd try.

Unfortunately the game ended with the referee yellow carding three more players as control and composure waned on both sides.

Overall the Bears will be disappointed as their defence must improve if they are to make any further impact at the top of LHF national Division 3.

Team: Mark Hyslop, Tom Shaw, Adrian Veamatahau, Tony Allcock, Dean Thompson, Clinton Scott-Knight, John Fairhurst, Alan Robinson, Scott Clendenning-Fenton, Chris McBride, Ian McGregor, Dave Campton, Troy Perkins, Alex Brown, Lee Ashford, Charles Hands, Ian Grime

Scorers: Tries:  Fairhurst,  Scott-Knight, Thompson. Conversions - Hyslop

Man of the Match Clinton Scott-Knight

27/6/04 - LHF National Division 3 - Coventry Bears 46-14 South London Storm

At Old Coventrians RFC

Weather sunny/cloud, strong breeze

Referee Mr Brandon Robinson

Coventry Aquatics Bears got back to winning ways today at a blustery Tile Hill Lane – and gave a debut to Coventry RFC centre Mick Curtis, utilizing him as a forward, and Mickey’s experience and strength consistently punched holes in the South London Storm defence.

The Bears started brightly when centre Adrian Veamatahau went over in the first minute, and when loose forward Troy Perkins went in three minutes later it looked as though the Storm were going to suffer a heavy defeat. They dug in well though, and started to cause the home defence some problems. Storm’s Man-of-the-Match Andy Jackson pulled a try back, which was cancelled out by the Coventry scrum half Clinton Scott Knight. But Storm were not going to be pushed around, and again Andy Jackson responded with a try. With the game finely balanced at 16-10, the Bears managed a try just before half time when Scott-Knight went in for his second of the afternoon to see the Bears just about deserving their 22-10 lead at the break.

Coventry Man-of-the-Match Scott Clendenning–Fenton broke the second half deadlock and from then on the Bears started to ease away. Further tries by Tony Allcock, Dave Campton – running back a dropout from under the sticks - and Adrian Veamatahau saw the Bears take the game beyond the visitors’ reach.

The Bears were then guilty of ‘overegging the pudding’ when time after time with the line beckoning they somehow managed not to score, and it was only fitting that the Storm should score the last points of the match when Andy Jackson completed his hat trick.

South London had competed gamely throughout and were never less than competitive in a match that they probably could have done without.

Team - Mark Hyslop, Dean Thompson, Dave Campton, Adrian Veamatahau, Tom Shaw, John Fairhurst, Clinton Scott-Knight, Chris McBride, Scott Clendenning-Fenton, Lee Ashford, Mick Curtis, Ian McGregor, Troy Perkins, Alex Brown, Ty Watson, Tony Allcock, James Hunt

Scorers – Tries: Veamatahau (2), Perkins, Scott–Knight  (2), Clendenning-Fenton, Allcock, Campton. Conversions: Hyslop (7).

Man-of-the-Match - Scott Clendenning -Fenton

Gamebreaker - Coventry Man of the Match Scott Clendenning–Fenton’s opening try of the second half which saw the Bears ease into an unassailable lead.

19/6/04 - LHF National Division 3 - Hillsborough Hawks 16-12 Coventry Bears

(Click on pix to expand)

Coventry Aquatics Bears went down to Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks on Saturday in a very evenly matched game – with only kicking proving to be the decisive factor as the teams shared six tries.

The match started off in blustery conditions with a typical forwards battle and this continued for the first 20 minutes with scoring opportunities few and far between. It was Sheffield who crossed the line first, however, with a well worked try to give the Hawks a 6-0 lead. Five minutes later a forward pass prevented the Hawks going further ahead before the most controversial point of the match. Coventry started to show some real passion and the forwards were laying the platform in the way they always do when winger James Hunt, was taken out with a cynical high shot, leaving him prostrate. The game was held up for 20 minutes and this seemed to effectively knock the wind out of the Bears and the there was no further scoring in the first half.

The second half continued in much the same fashion and it was Troy Perkins, returning after three weeks out injured, who went over in the corner – too wide for Mark Hyslop, kickimg against a strong breeze and from the 'wrong touchline, to add the extras. Straight from kick-off, the Bears put themselves under pressure by letting the ball cross the whitewash – the Hawks scored from the resulting scrum and it seemed that the hard work that the Bears had done was to be all to no avail.

Not so, however, as 10 minutes later Adrian Veamatahau crossed near the posts and gave the Bears the opportunity to draw level – the kick was missed though and this left the scores at 10-8. Once again, the Bears managed to plot their own downfall by surrendering possession straight from the kick-off and this proved costly as a converted try put the Hawks seemingly out of sight at 16-8.

Although the Bears tried everything, the Hawks defence was only to breached on one more occasion as 'Glasshouse' Man of the Match Clinton Scott-Knight went in at the corner. Once again the conversion was missed and that was the end of the scoring.

Team: Mark Hyslop, James Hunt, Dean Thompson, Adrian Veamatahau, Tom Shaw, Clinton Scott-Knight, Scott Clendenning-Fenton, Chris McBride, Alex Brown, Alan Robinson, Lee Ashford, Dave Campton, Troy Perkins Subs: Scott Carver, Joe Smith, Ken Dowding, Tony Allcock

More Pix HERE

19/6/04 TOTALrl.com Rugby League Conference - Coventry Bears 66-4 Birmingham Bulldogs

Weather sunny/cloudy

Referee Mr D Gundry (Warrington)

Coventry Aquatics Bears completed the double over near neighbours Birmingham Bulldogs on Saturday at Old Coventrians RFC.

The Bears defended well for the first few minutes weathering attacks from the large Bulldogs pack. On the Bears' first attack however, full-back Ben Hands split the Birmingham defence to score under the posts.
On 11 minutes Coventry 'Parkhouse Recruitment' Man of the Match John Nicholls finished off a power play to score to the left of the posts.

The Bears' French centre partnership of Vincent Rabot and Quintin Doireau added to the Coventry total, but Birmingham hit back when the Bulldogs' 'Parkhouse Recruitment' Man of the Match, stand-off Ed Perry went in following some good work from the Bulldogs' pack.

Coventry winger Daniel Mottram scored just before the half-time whistle to send the Bears into the dressing rooms 24-4 in front.

Centre Vincent Rabot went over twice more after the break to complete his maiden hat-trick, and further tries from John Nicholls, 2nd row Clem Muchiti, hooker Dave Bowen, scrum half Alasdair O’Doherty and two by Substitute Ian Grime saw the Bears run out as comfortable winners.

Team: B. Hands, N. Daly, Q. Doireau, V. Rabot, D. Mottram, A. O’Doherty, S. lee, G. allan, D, Bowen, C. Southwell, C. Muchiti, J. Wetton, J. Nicholls, A. Freemantle, N. McNair, S. Stubbs, K. Gunn, I. Grime

Scorers: Tries - Ben Hands, Quintin Doireau, Daniel Mottram, Clem Muchiti, Dave Bowen, Alasdair O’Doherty, John Nicholls (2), Ian Grime (2), Vincent Rabot (3),

Conversions - Stuart Lee (5), John Nicholls (2)
Birmingham try - Ed Perry.

12/6/04 - LHF National Division 3 - Coventry Aquatics Bears vs Essex Eels
Weather - cloudy/sunny

Referee - Mr Chris Nicholls (Wakefield)
Coventry Aquatics Bears roared back into winning ways with a 17 try, 14 conversions, 100 point demolition of basement boys Essex Eels this afternoon.

The Bears, still smarting after last weekend's reversal, opened their try-scoring account on just two minutes when centre Tony Wildsmith crossed underneath the posts, and from then on the Bears were scoring almost at will.

The Eels gamely persevered and managed to halt the Bears occasionally, but further tries in the first half by centre Adrian Veamatahau (2), centre partner Tony Allcock, fullback Mark Hyslop, prop Alan Robinson, winger James Hunt, and stand-off Clinton Scott-Knight saw the Bears go into the break leading by 50 points to nil.
The second half was more of the same with tries by Hunt, Allcock, second row Tony Wildsmith, Adrian Veamatahau to complete his hat-trick, McBride, loose forward John Fairhurst, second row Dave Campton, sub Scott Clendenning Fenton, winger Dean Thompson all of whom went in before the plucky Eels finally got some reward for their efforts when Centre Scott Murphy crossed in the corner.

Coventry fullback Mark Hyslop completed the Bears' first ever 100 point game in the dying minutes of the match.

“It was disappointing to concede a try late on in the game, said coach Troy Perkins - still sidelined with a hamstring injury, "but overall we did what we had to do and one cannot complain when your side has just scored a hundred points. "We will have a harder task next week at Sheffield, but this win has taken us back into second place in the table and hopefully we have put last week's poor result behind us”
 

Full time: Coventry Aquatics Bears 100-4 Essex Eels

Team: Hyslop, Hunt, Allcock, Veamatahau, Thompson, Scott-Knight, Smith, McBride, Brown, Robinson, D. Campton, Wildsmith, Fairhurst, Shaw, Clendenning-Fenton, Ashford
Tries: Veamatahau (3) Wildsmith (2) Allcock (2), Hyslop (2), Hunt(2), McBride, Robinson, Campton, Fairhurst, Clendenning-Fenton, Thompson
Conversions: Hyslop (7) Hunt (7)
Glasshouse Man-of-the-Match: Alan Robinson

12/6/04 TOTALrl.com Rugby League Conference.  Rugby vs Coventry Aquatics Bears
Old Laurentians RFC

Referee - Mr J Priestly
The Coventry Aquatics Bears' second string scored an emphatic victory over bottom of the table neighbours Rugby Raiders this afternoon.
The Bears scored on their first attack to serve notice of what was to follow, Scott Carver racing through to cross out wide.

Rugby were however still in the game throughout the first half and Coventry’s efforts were matched by the big home forwards. The Bears quickly came to terms with their opponents though and went into the break leading 18-26 thanks to tries by Muchiti, Davies, Rabot, with Scott Carver adding a second touchdown to his tally.
In the second half the Raiders started brightly but were ultimately swamped by the rampant Coventry outfit.
Debutant Adam Freeman scored early in the second half before Stuart Lee scored his second try in as many games. Gareth Allan and Ben Hands both went in and both Frenchman and 'Parkhouse Recruitment' Man-of-the-Match” Vincent Rabot and Scott Carver both completed hat tricks.

Full time: Rugby Raiders 22-62 Coventry Aquatics Bears

Team: B. Hands, Daly, Doireau, Rabot, Conway, Lucas, S. Lee, Carver, Neal, Davies, Allan, Wetton, Muchiti, Mottram, Grime, Kwon Wong, Freemantle, Harris.
Tries: Carver (3), Rabot (3), Muchiti, Davies, Freemantle, B. Hands, Allen, Lee
Conversions: Lucas (3), Lee (4)

5/6/04 - LHF National Division 3 - St Albans vs Coventry

Weather - Sunshine.

Referee - Neil Price (Wigan)
The Coventry Aquatics Bears winning run ended at St Albans on Saturday. The Bears seemed to be out of sorts and three matches in seven days turned out to be just too much for them.

In a match dominated by the attacks the Bears lost out on ball retention, failing to complete a set of six in the second half.
St Albans opened the scoring on 6 minutes with a break through the centre, a move that was to be repeated too often in the next 74 minutes.
Two tries in three minutes by loose forward John Fairhurst gave the Bears a false sense of security and a lead of 10 points to 4. And so it turned out as St Albans hit back with three tries in the next five minutes and the warning signs were plain to see as tackles were repeatedly missed.
Alan Robinson forced his way over the line under the posts to bring the Bears level once again but a try on half time saw the Centurions take a 22-16 lead into the break.

St Albans started the brighter in the second half but it could have been so different as somehow Cov contrived to lose the ball three times when almost on the St Albans line. Having ridden their luck, St Albans cut loose with two more scores making it vital for the Bears to score quickly to stay in contention. John Fairhurst again obliged to complete his hat trick - but that was the end for Coventry as St Albans rattled in a further two more touchdowns to put the game beyond the visitors' reach.

No doubt positives will be taken from this defeat, and next Saturday's home tie with bottom of the table Essex Eels provides a decent opportunity to get the wagon back on track.

Final Score: St Albans Centurions 44-22 Coventry Aquatics Bears
Team: Mark Hyslop, Dean Thompson, Adrian Veamatahua, Tony Allcock, Tom Shaw, Clinton Scott-Knight, Joe Smith, Alan Robinson, Alex Brown, Chris McBride, Ty Watson, Lee Ashford, John Fairhurst, Vincent Rabot, Tony Wildsmith, James Hunt, Neil Lightowler
Scorers: Tries - John Fairhurst (3), Alan Robinson. Cons -  Mark Hyslop (2), Ty Watson
'Glasshouse' Man of the Match Clinton Scott-Knight

5/6/04 - TOTALrl.com Rugby League Conference. St Albans vs Coventry Aquatics Bears
Weather -  Sunny

Referee - N. Evans (Nottingham)
Coventry Aquatics Bears narrowly lost to St Albans in a thrilling match that was in doubt until the final whistle. The Bears started the scoring spree on 8 minutes when the experienced John Nicholls, relishing his opportunity to play at loose forward, went in for the first of his two tries. Then a Dave Bowen try on 23minutes took the Bears into the break leading 12-10
St Albans pulled a try back only for debutant Stuart Lee to restore parity in the game.
The Bears lost the lead on 54 minutes and were never to regain it but further tries by Bowen and Lee ensured that St Albans were pushed all the way
Final Score: St Albans Centurions 36-34 Coventry Aquatics Bears
Scorers: Tries - Dave Bowen (2), John Nicholls (2), Stuart Lee (2). Cons - Steve Lucas (5)
Team: C. Hands, B. Hands, A. O’Doherty, Q. Doireau, N Daly, S. Lucas, S. Lee, S. Carver, D. Bowen, G.  Allan, C, Neal, C. Muchiti, J. Nicholls, J. Wetton, N. McNair, R. Davies, K. Gunn, R. Farrell, D. Schindler, K. Martin

Parkhouse Recruitment Man of the Match - Dave Bowen

2/6/04 - LHF National Division 3 - Coventry Bears vs Birmingham Bulldogs

At Old Coventrians

Weather – Warm and sunny, cooling in second half.

Referee -  Mr Ian Jefferson (Dewsbury) 

High-flying Coventry Aquatics Bears and this season's surprise package Birmingham Bulldogs came head-to-head in the West Midlands derby at Tile Hill Lane on Wednesday night – and both sides had a point to prove.

The Bulldogs came out with all guns blazing and took a two-point lead on 12 minutes through a penalty converted by stand-off Adam Cawley. And it was a full 18 minutes before the Bears finally troubled the scorekeeper when 'Glasshouse' Man-of-the-Match prop-forward Chris McBride broke through the Bulldogs' defence.

However, the big Bulldogs pack continued to ask questions of the home defence, with the brummies seemingly ready to go on the rampage.

A high hanging kick had the Bears in all sorts of trouble when the ball took a deflection back off the post and was eagerly swept up by the jubilant Bulldogs stand-off Adam Cawley who went in under the posts.

Six minutes later the Bears went for the power-play on the fifth tackle, and were rewarded when fullback Mark Hyslop touched-down under the posts. The Bears were by now starting to hit their stride, keeping the ball alive, and right on half-time another power-play saw scrum-half Scott Clendenning–Fenton scoot home to give the Bears a somewhat flattering half-time lead of 18-8. 

The Bulldogs again started brightly and a well-worked move saw prop Sam Woodward wrong-foot the home defence to snaffle a good try.

Full-back Mark Hyslop – returning after missing the Carlisle trip - went in for his second try of the evening, and when substitute Joe Smith darted home it was all but over for the gallant Bulldogs.

Further tries from Coventry’s influential loose forward John Fairhurst and winger Tom Shaw came as Coventry cut loose as the game threatened to turn rather fractious – Mr. Jefferson waving his index finger at more than one protagonist.

In the last few minutes, as the Bears' fitness started to tell – a regular feature of matches this season - Chris McBride added his second of the night, only to be outscored by Mark Hyslop completing his hat trick.

 An excellent result then, in front of a decent crowd, played out in good weather and on a well prepared pitch - the second-half performance, when Birmingham really didn't know what had hit them, being particularly satisfying. Just what summer rugby is all about. Next stop – Verulamium and the 'other' Centurions. 

Final score - Coventry 50-12 Birmingham

Men-of-the-Match: Coventry; Chris McBride. Birmingham; Iestyn Pratt   

Gamebreaker - Joe Smith's darting run-in that gave the Bears some breathing space at 28-12

Scorers: Tries - Hyslop (3), McBride (2), Clendenning-Fenton, Smith, Fairhurst, Shaw. Cons - Clendenning-Fenton (4), Hyslop (3)

29/5/04 - LHF National Division 3 - Carlisle Centurions vs Coventry Aquatics Bears.

Click a pic to see the larger version (except the last one I'm pleased to say)

Coventry Aquatics Bears made the long trip to Carlisle on Saturday determined to protect their 100% start to the season, and hopeful of extending their record of scoring 40+ in every match so far. They got off to a great start when prop Alan Robinson strolled through some weak tackling to put the Bears ahead with a converted try, closely followed by a wonderful effort by AJ Veamatahau, finishing off a move started by the inspirational Clinton Scott-Knight.

Carlisle were determined not to let the game slip away however, and some very suspect defence form the Bears allowed them to back into the game with two tries, one converted. The Bears then rallied, despite the loss of Player–Coach Troy Perkins, and before half-time they got back into the ascendancy with AJ’s second try and a wonderful solo effort from Clinton Scott-Knight. Half time saw the Bears in a seemingly unassailable half time 20-10 lead.

Carlisle were far from done though and the match became a defensive stalemate until the 54th minute when the home side showed their fighting spirit and pulled the score back to 20-16 with a try that left the Bears with some soul searching to do.

It wasn’t until 67 minutes that the Bears got back on the score sheet with a well worked try from full back James Hunt, standing in for new dad Mark Hyslop, to give the Bears some breathing space. Then came the try that effectively sealed the game for the near-exhausted visitors. John Fairhurst, playing out of position in the second row, slipped a weak tackle and strolled in from 25 yards –  James Hunt adding the extras.

This appeared to knock the stuffing out of the Centurions and moments later a superb 90 yard break from Fairhurst set the supporting Joe Smith up for a simple try. Then, just before the final whistle, another wonderful break from nippy half back Scott Clendenning-Fenton set up James Hunt for the final try which sealed the victory for the Bears.

It was a hard fought win with the platform laid by some hard work form the forwards, none more so than the 'Glasshouse' Man of the Match Lee Ashford

Pic requested by Alison (anything to confess to, Ali?)

Team – S Clendenning-Fenton, T. Shaw, A Veahmatahau, T. Alcock, J. Hunt, C. Scott-Knight, J. Smith, C. McBride, A. Brown, A. Robinson, J. Fairhurst, L. Ashford, T. Perkins. Subs – V. Rabot, T. Watson, N. Lightowler, G. Allan.
Scorers: Tries - Robinson, Veamatahau (2), Hunt (2), Scott-Knight, Fairhurst, Smith. Cons - Hunt (3), Clenndenning-Fenton.
Gamebreaker: John Fairhurst's try that halted Carlisle’s fightback

You don't get scenery like this

on the way back from Brum...

Final score Carlisle Centurions 16-40 Coventry Aquatic Bears

As they say, 'the Secretary's work isn't finished until the paperwork's done'.

Pic courtesy 'The Cas Cottager'

29/05/04 - TOTALrl.com Rugby League Conference - Coventry Aquatics Bears vs Leicester Phoenix 

Leicester built up a good lead in the first half, and despite an early try by Rob Smith, Coventry could not find an answer to their  clinical attacks, aided by a few weak tackles.

The Leicester backs ran strongly and supported well, and deserved their 4-38 lead at half time.

In the second half an early storming try by John Nicholls gave some hope of a Coventry revival, but Leicester’s repost was quick with the next try coming through Ginvert, and despite further tries by Rob Smith and John Nicholls, Leicester scored a further three tries through Ginvert, Wesley and Haines to give Leicester a deserved 22-60 victory.

22/5/04 - LHF National Division 3 - Hemel Stags V Coventry Aquatics Bears.

At Pennine Way Hemel Hempstead, Weather Sunny, Referee Andrew Grundy (Dewsbury)

(click on pictures to see a larger version)

Coventry Aquatics Bears were hard-hit with injuries going into Saturday’s game at Hemel Stags, but still managed to maintain their fine start to the season.

Leading 4-0 after five minutes through an Adrian Veamatahau try in the corner they were then forced onto the back foot when Hemel took the lead for the only time in the match just five minutes later.

The Bears retook the lead midway into the half when centre John Fairhurst burst through in the corner and then made his way under the posts to set up an easier conversion for Scott Clendenning-Fenton.

Clinton Scott-Knight eased the Bears further ahead only for Hemel to respond with a converted try.  Player coach Troy Perkins leading from the front, as always, scored near the posts and when fullback Mark Hyslop added another the Bears were looking comfortable going into the break leading 28-12.

Hemel upped a gear and started to look threatening, opening the scoring in the second half. Second Row Rich Davies made a good break down the left and slipped the ball to Mark Hyslop who, despite the attention of four Hemel defenders still managed to force his way over the line to score. Hemel again pressed forward and following another try they were beginning to look as though they might steal the match with another try and a penalty. However, the Bears sealed the victory when Scott Clendenning-Fenton broke through and passed to John Fairhurst who went in for his second try of the afternoon.

Final Score - Hemel Stags 30-40 Coventry Bears

Team: Mark Hyslop, Dean Thompson, Adrian Veamatahua, John Fairhurst, Tom Shaw, Clinton Scott-Knight, Scott Clendennning-Fenton, Chris McBride, Alex Brown, Alan Robinson,  Rich Davies,  Lee Ashford, Troy Perkins, Joe Smith, Tony Allcock, Vincent Rabot, Dave Schindler

Scorers:Tries - Troy Perkins, John Fairhurst (2) Clinton Scott-Knight, Adrian Veamatahau  Mark Hyslop (2)

Cons - Clinton Scott – Knight (6)

Glasshouse Man of the Match - Mark Hyslop

Game Breaker: John Fairhurst’s last try of the game that ended a spirited fight back from Hemel.

22/5/04 - TOTALrl.com Rugby League Conference - Coventry Aquatics Bears ‘A’ vs Wolverhampton Wizards

At Old Coventrians RFC Coventry, Weather Sunny, Referee Mr Gregg Caswell (Warrington)

Coventry Aquatics Bears ‘A’ started the game brightly and two tries early in the half from wingers Charlie Hands and James Morgan gave them a good platform The Wizards however soon responded and were on equal terms when stand off Richard Pugh weighed in with a brace of tries to give the Wizards a scent of victory.

The Bears lifted their game and managed to score thee unanswered tries from stand off Alex Rose, hooker Dave Bowen and sub John Nicholls.

Half Time: Coventry Aquatic Bears 24-10 Wolverhampton Wizards

When Wolverhampton opened the scoring early in the second half through prop Chris Jones, they were spurred on to really put the Bears under the cosh, but two tries from the Coventry stand off Alex Rose in three minutes gave the Bears some much needed breathing space. The Wizards were not taking it lying down though, and second row Peter Reynolds reduced the deficit. The last two tries of the game were probably the best of the afternoon when first centre Quentin Doireau , and John Nicholls sealed the win for the Bears’ second string.

Final Score: Coventry Aquatics Bears ‘A’ 44-20 Wolverhampton Wizards

Scorers: Tries - Charlie Hands, James Morgan, Dave Bowen, Quentin Doireau, John Nicholls (2) Alex Rose (3) Cons - Alex Rose (4)

Parkhouse Recruitment Men Of the Match: Coventry, Alex Rose - Wolverhampton, Peter Reynolds

9/5/04 - LHF National Divion 3 - Coventry Aquatics Bears vs Bramley Buffaloes
at Old Coventrians RFC, Referee, Mr Ian Jefferson, Sunday May 9, 2004, Weather, cloudy overcast

(click on pictures to see a larger version)
Coventry Aquatics Bears kept up their excellent start to the season with a tremendous performance against NL3 newcomers, Bramley Buffaloes. Only seven minutes were on the clock when Coventry’s man of the match Chris McBride powered his way over for the first of Coventry’s nine tries.

Bears gave a debut to second-rower Mark Giacheri, a fifty-cap RU international recently returned from the Rugby Union World Cup with Italy. Giacheri was brought in at the last minute to make his Bears debut in place of Mickey Curtis who had to withdraw due to family commitments.

A further try by Alan Robinson and a wonderful solo interception effort form Scott Fenton laid the platform for the Bears and they were to never to look back from that. Bramley briefly threatened with a try following a kick into the corner, touched down by Kieron McDermott but the Bears turned round in control.

Half Time: Coventry Aquatic Bears 18-4 Bramley Buffaloes

The Bears continued their dominance in the second half with five unanswered tries before Bramley's man of the match Simon Bowker capitalized on some uncharacteristic weak tackling to touch down under the posts.

Coventry’s scoring spree continued though, with both John Fairhurst and Alan Robinson getting their second tries of the match - Robinson’s coming from a barnstorming run from 30 yards out.
Coventry’s performance was built on a tremendous performance from the pack - expertly led by player/coach Troy Perkins which laid the platform for the backs. There were notably powerful performances from both props and second rower Mark Giacheri.

Final Score: Coventry Aquatics Bears 48-14 Bramley Buffaloes

Coventry Aquatics Bears 'Man of the Match' - Chris McBride.
Coventry Team: Mark Hyslop, Tom Shaw, Adrian Veamatahau, John Fairhurst, Dean Thompson, Clinton Scott-Knight, Scott Fenton, Chris McBride, Alex Brown, Alan Robinson, Mark Giacheri, Matt Wright, Troy Perkins, Joe Smith, Tim Stevens, Lee Ashford, Ian Grime.
Coventry Scorers: Tries - McBride, Robinson (2), Fenton, Perkins, Veamatahau, Shaw, Fairhurst (2) Cons - Hyslop (6)

1/5/04 - TOTALrl.com Rugby League Conference. Birmingham Bulldogs 'A' vs Coventry Aquatics Bears 'A' Moor Lane, Birmingham, Saturday 8 May 2004 

Coventry Aquatics Bears continued their fine start to the season, grinding out a hard fought win in Birmingham on Saturday.

The Bears, playing against the wind and up the hill in the first half, struggled to cope with the conditions. Birmingham were taking advantage of the elements and continually asked questions of the Coventry defence, which despite making some elementary mistakes managed to go in at half time trailing by only eight points, from a try by Darren Birch and two goals (Quentin Keanie).

Half Time

 Birmingham Bulldogs “A” 8 Coventry Aquatic Bears “A” 0

Bears' Coach 'Charley' Varley instructed the Bears to utilise the wind and slope by kicking into the Bulldogs half at every opportunity and the tactic paid off. Seven minutes into the half prop Scott Carver broke through and forced his way over the line.

Then four minutes later centre James Hunt who was beginning to control the game with his kicking, neatly chipped over on the last tackle and collected his own kick on the full to score under the posts. Birmingham persevered with their tiring pack and started to get back on terms, but Hunt sent a huge 'bomb' into the Birmingham half for his centre partner Tony Allcock to capitalize on a Birmingham mistake and force his way over the line.

 Coventry's French debutant Vincent Rabot rounded off a fine performance on the wing, collecting a pass following good pressure by the Bears' defence, and scoring in the corner.

The Bulldogs threatened to get back into the game but Man Of The Match James Hunt landed a penalty to give the Coventry Aquatic Bears an 18 points to 24 point victory.

Men of the Match: Mark Burns (Bulldogs) - Hard running & line breaks from prop/dummy half, James Hunt (Bears) - Good distribution & kicking game to keep them in Bulldogs half

Gamestar: Most influential player - James Hunt (Cov)

Gamebreaker: Moment that turned game - James Hunt broke through the line on the Bulldogs 20m & chipped over the last man to collect on the full and score under the posts to put Bears ahead for first time.

Coventry Team: Alasdair O’Doherty, Vincent Rabot, James Hunt, Tony Allcock, Noel Daly, Gareth Allen, Will King, Scott Carver, Dave Schindler, Rich Davies, Jason Pyott, Jason Wetton, Dave Bowen, Rich Farrell, Quintin Doireau, Nick McNair, Michael Wragg

Coventry scorers: Tries Carver, Hunt Allcock, Rabot. Cons Hunt (3). Pens Hunt

3/5/04 - LHF National Divion 3  Huddersfield Underbank Rangers 22-44 Coventry Aquatics Bears 

at Holmfirth  2/5/04. Weather – Sunshine. Referee - Peter Wroe (Leeds)

By Ron Banks

In 'Last of the Summer Wine' country Coventry Aquatics Bears started the season with an away win against one of the longest-established rugby league clubs. Playing on a pitch with a 10 foot slope across the field and a similar slope from end to end, the views across the Yorkshire moors were stunning as was the performance by the Bears.

Coventry opened the scoring through a penalty by full back Mark Hyslop and ten minutes later they increased their lead when Adrian Veamatahau went in under the posts from a good planned move. Player-coach Troy Perkins added another try from yet another well planned move, again under the sticks. Huddersfield finally breached the well-drilled Coventry defence only for the very impressive full-back Mark Hyslop to add two further tries before the break.

Half time - Huddersfield Underbank Rangers 6-20 Coventry Aquatics Bears

In the second half, the Bears, with seven Australians in their ranks were playing up the hill and fitness was obviously going to be an issue. However, they scored first when Adrian Veamatahau went in for his second try of the afternoon. Another try from Huddersfield was soon nullified when both Coventry wingers Tom Shaw and Dean Thompson each added further touchdowns.

Huddersfield, who were outplayed in every department, had only the consolation of knowing the vagaries of the pitch, and used that knowledge to good effect to score two tries in the corner. Coventry still had one last throw though, as Alex Brown the Coventry hooker broke through the middle of the home defence to finish the Coventry scoring spree and round off a great weekend for the Coventry Aquatics Bears.

Speaking after the game, Coventry player-coach Troy Perkins who had just been nominated as 'Glasshouse' Man of the Match said “I was particularly pleased with the effort the lads put into today. Moves we have been practising in training came off and we are starting to gel as a team”. 

Final Score - Huddersfield Underbank Rangers 22-44 Coventry Bears 

Team: Mark Hyslop, Dean Thompson, Adrian Veamatahua, John Fairhurst, Tom Shaw, Clinton Scott-Knight, Scott Clendennning-Fenton, Chris McBride, Alex Brown, Alan Robinson,  Nick Vassallo, Matt Wright, Troy Perkins, Joe Smith, Tim Stevens, Lee Ashford, Ian Grimes

Scorers:

Tries - Alex Brown, Troy Perkins, Dean Thompson, Tom Shaw, Adrian Veamatahau (2) Mark Hyslop (2)

Penalties - Mark Hyslop

Conversions - Mark Hyslop (5), Neil Lightowler (5)

'Glasshouse' Man of the Match - Troy Perkins

Gamebreaker: Adrian Veamatahua’s second try after half time at a point when Huddersfield knew they had to score to get back into the game.

Ron Banks

and from Phil Charles...

Bears Maul the Rangers

Huddersfield Underbank Rangers 22 Coventry Bears 44 at the Cross Grounds 

Coventry Bears, on their first ever visit to the Cross Grounds, stunned the expectant home crowd with thoroughly professional display in the process running-in eight tries against a shocked home defence. The home sides’ discipline left a lot to be desired, but take nothing away from the Bears as the fully deserved this great opening day win.

Playing down the slope, the Bears quickly utilised their big units in the pack by dominating the early exchanges and were rewarded with an penalty given for holding down as the Rangers struggled to contain the rampaging Bears. Then followed a period of quiet play until in the 13^th minute centre Viamatahau crossed after good approach work from Troy Perkins. Mark Hyslop converted, but missed two minutes later, when trying to convert a try from Perkins, who comfortably strode through some woeful defence. Rangers finally gained some possession and were rewarded with a superb try from Kaveh Bahadori after fine approach work from Dunne, Wilde and Holmes. Holmes converted, and even though they were gradually gaining a foothold in the game, Rangers were hit with a double whammy just before the half as Coventry played some superb expansive rugby and crossed for two tries from the impressive Hyslop, chiming in from full back. Both conversions were missed and the sides turned round with the visitors firmly in control at 20 points to 6.

The second half followed in the same vein as the first with the Bears pack dominating the trenches and Viamatahau crossed again off a superb inside ball from stand-off Scott-Knight. Rangers immediately hit back with a try from Neil Barrett after great work from Holmes, but Coventry capitalised on a string of penalties to register two tries for wingers Dean Thompson and Tom Shaw. As Coventry eased off , Rangers hit them with three consolation tries through Simpson, Holmes and centre Dunne, as winger Abe Philips cut the visitors defence apart with some swashbuckling powerful runs, which was interspersed by a touchdown from the Bears hooker Alex Brown.

On the evidence of this performance the Bears will take some beating and it bodes well for their campaign. The exhuberant Bears coach Perkins was highly delighted with his charges, saying, “we came to Huddersfield expecting a tough game and it certainly was. I thought we outplayed them all over the park, with our two props giving the team lots of go forward and they laid the platform for the backs, who scored some breathtaking tries. Best for us today were Robbo, Chris McBride, Adrian Viamatahau and Mark Hyslop.”

Maurice Oldroyd, the BARLA chairman, who was in the crowd added, “it was a high standard or rugby, played in a fine sporting spirit. It was an impressive display by Coventry, which augurs well for the league and the game as a whole

Teams:

Huddersfield Underbank

1. David Holmes

2. Alex Rowe

3. Neil Barrett

4. Kevin Dunne

5. Abe Phillips

6. Scott Waters

7. Richard Wilde ©

8. Richard Woods

9. Tim Jones

10. Dave Simmonds

11. Kaveh Bahadori

12. Richard Brooke

13. Gareth Simpson

Replacements (all used)

14. Wes Devlin

15. Richard Hawkyard

16. Marrk Lockwood

17. Steve Hutton

Tries: Bahadori (21), Barrett (50), Simpson (68), Dunne (76)

Goals: Holmes (3 from 4)

Sinbinnings: Dunne (53)

Coventry

1. Mark Hyslop

2. Dean Thompson

3. Adrian Viamatahau

4. John Fairhurst

5. Tom Shaw

6. Clinton Scott-Knight

7. Scott Clendenning-Fenton

8. Chris McBride

9. Alex Brown

10. Alan Robinson

11. Nick Vassallo

12. Matt Wright

13. Troy Perkins

Replacements (all used)

14. Joe Smith

15. Tim Stevens

16. Lee Ashford

17. Ian Grimes

Tries: Viamatahau (13, 46), Perkins (16), Hyslop (32, 35), Shaw (57), Thompson (63), Brown (73)

Goals: Hyslop (6 from 9)

Man of the Match

Huddersfield Underbank: Abe Phillips

Coventry: Adrian Viamatahau

Gamestar: Adrian Viamatahau

Gamebreaker: the two tries from full back Hyslop before half time.

Attendance: 220

Scoring sequence: 0-2, 0-8, 0-12, 6-12, 6-16, 6-20, 6-26, 10-26, 10-32, 10-38, 16-38, 16-44, 22-44.

Halftime score: 6-20

Fulltime score: 22-44

Referee: Peter Rowe

Penalty count: HUR 23, Coventry 5

1/5/04 - TOTALrl.com Rugby League Conference. Coventry Aquatics Bears 'A' vs St. Albans Centurions 'A'
At Old Coventrians RFC. Weather - Rain. Referee - Mr Andrew Kitson (Halifax)

Coventry Aquatics Bears 'A' kicked off their new season with a win against St. Albans Centurions at Old Coventrians today. Coventry who have strong links with local universities fielded the bulk of their team from students of Coventry and Northampton Universities and the University of Warwick.
These together wlth a sprinkling of local union players totally dominated the game throughout.
The Bears opened the scoring on two minutes when Scott Carver powered his way under the posts. St Albans hit back with a try by loose forward Gregg Vincent only for the Coventry Aquatics Bears stretch the lead with tries by Nick Brierley and Dave Bowen. The Bears then eased off slightly and St. Albans enjoyed their best spell of the afternoon scoring two tries through Luke Baxter and Jerrard Ellis before the Bears took control of the game with a try by Rob Morford.

Half Time: Coventry Aquatics Bears 30-12 St. Albans

The challenge from St Albans was effectively killed off when Parkhouse Recruitment Man of the Match Tony Alcock went in twice in the first few minutes of the second half.
Winger Ben Hands scored in the corner and then St Albans scored their last try of the afternoon through Daniel Limpman, and this was successfully converted by Jamie Rowie. The Bears however were not finished and further efforts from David Bowen and Giles Conway stretched the lead.
The Bears 'A' string appear to have found a decent goal kicker in Dave Brierly who posted seven from 10 attempts.

Final Score: Coventry Aquatic Bears 54-18 St. Albans Centurions
Parkhouse Recruitment Men of the Match
Coventry Aquatics Bears: Tony Allcock
St Albans Centurians: John Warner
Gamebreaker: Tony Allcock's two tries after the break which effectively took the game out of St Albans' reach.

Scorers.
Coventry - Tries: Carver, N. Brierley, Bowen (2), Schindler, Morford, Allcock (2), B. Hands, Conway. Cons: D. Brierley (7)

St Albans - Tries: Vincent, Baxter, Ellis, Rowe. Cons: Rowe

28/4/04 - Brief report on last Saturday's friendly at Taffs Well, Cardiff - by Troy Perkins

Conditions were ideal for Rugby League with the sun shining and a good crowd to watch the Bears dominate the home side to be in front 26-6 at half time. There were some great tries scored including two by Mark Hyslop and one each from John Nicholls, Tim Stevens and Scott Clendenning-Fenton.

The second half was a completely different story with some poor defence allowing Cardiff in for some soft tries and the hosts hitting the front at 30-26 with ten minutes remaining. The Bears however stepped up another gear and Scott Clendenning-Fenton scored went over again to give the Bears the lead 32-30. The win was not to materialize though, as  with some injury time added Cardiff hit back with a controversial try in the dying seconds to give the Demons an unexpected victory.

We played well in the first half and scored some great tries. However, in the second half our defence was poor and we will have to work very hard on that this week for the game against Huddersfield. The Aussies went well and will improve further as they become more familiar with the players around them. Mark Hyslop played very well at fullback and Alex Brown worked hard at hooker.

11/4/04 - RLC Cup Q/F - Bears vs Telford - Coundon Road

Winger James Hunt helped himself to four tries as Coventry Bears ran out comfortable 60-22 winners over Telford Raiders in their Rugby League Conference Cup quarter-final at Coundon Road.

The Bears scored 12 tries in total to book a semi-final place against Gateshead Storm, at Thorne Moore next Sunday.

Despite taking an early lead through a try from Adrian Viamatahau - one of three new Australian signings - the Bears were tested in defence a number of times by a well-drilled and capable Telford side, and although strong running brought further cleverly-worked tries for Alan Robinson and Hunt, the visitors scored three tries before half-time to be well in contention and another soon after the break.

But the Bears responded with tries in quick succession from Dean Thompson and Robinson again, and they pulled right away as the visitors tired with Viamatahau and tireless full-back Mark Hyslop followed over the line by Hunt and Thompson.

Four tries -

James Hunt

Game Breaker: Coventry's two tries early in the second half which killed off any chance of a comeback from Telford.

Man of the Match: Mark Hyslop

Team: Hyslop, Thompson, Hunt, Viamatahau, Scott-Knight, Fairhurst, Smith, Robinson, Clendenning-Fenton, Ashford, Schindler, Wetton, Vasallo, Major, Daley, Mangan, Shaw.

Tries: Robinson(2), Hunt (4) Viamatahau (2) Shaw (1) Thompson (2) Hyslop (1)

Conversions: Hunt (6)

5/4/04 - RLC Cup - Birmingham Bulldogs vs Coventry Bears - Moor Lane, Birmingham

Cloudy, rain showers

Referee Mr Nick Evans (Nottingham)

Coventry Bears eased into the quarter finals with a win against local rivals Birmingham Bulldogs yesterday. Once again both teams took the opportunity to field some players who are new to the game and one or two players that will feature in the National 3 competition. Coventry also gave a debut to Australian centre Nick Vassallo.

The Bears opened the scoring on two minutes when Alan Robinson broke through.

The Bulldogs quickly pulled a try back only for Alex Brown to restore the Bears lead. A further try by Troy Perkins saw the Bears looking like they were going to win at a canter.

As the conditions took a turn for the worse, Birmingham, with their backs to the gale force wind and rain, had their best spell of game. Despite their endeavours though they only managed to score one try and that was cancelled out by Alan Robinson's second touchdown of the afternoon.

At half time the Bears were in control at 12-26.

The Coventry full back Dean Thompson scored a fine try in the corner at the start of the second half. The Bulldogs however were still trying to get something from the game and managed to breach the Coventry defence only for Tom Shaw to restore the winning lead.

In the final few minutes Alex Brown added to his earlier effort and Birmingham again replied following a chip through.

It was Coventry Man of the Match Alex Brown who had the last word with easily the best try of the afternoon. Alex skipped through the Birmingham forwards in his own half and went on to wrong-foot two Birmingham defenders to score in the corner.

With five conversions from Neil Lightowler the Bears ran out easy winners at 42 points to Birmingham’s 20.

Coach Troy Perkins said after the game “I thought we played some good rugby at times. Some of the work we have been doing on the training field is starting to bring rewards. As the new guys settle in we should improve even further.”

Tomorrow the Bears go into the hat for the next round which takes place next Sunday afternoon.

Final Score

Birmingham Bulldogs 20. Coventry Bears 42

Team: Dean Thompson, Michael Hewitt, John Fairhurst, Nick Vassallo, Tom Shaw, Martin Harvey, Alex Brown, Alan Robinson, Dave Schindler, Lee Ashford, Matt Wright, Neil Lightowler, Troy Perkins, Rob Southern, Stu Major, Nick Starr- Riley

Scorers.

Tries: Alex Brown (3) Alan Robinson (2), Troy Perkins, Dean Thompson, Tom Shaw,

Conversions: Neil Lightowler (5)
MoM:  Alex Brown
Game Breaker: Alan Robinson's second try that ended Birmingham’s first half pressure.

14/03/04 - RLC Cup - Bears 36-26 Birmingham Bulldogs -  Coundon Road

Weather - Cloudy/rain showers. Very heavy pitch.  Referee Mr Nick Evans (Nottingham)

Coventry Bears kicked off their pre-season warm up games with a win against local rivals Birmingham Bulldogs today with both teams fielding a sprinkling of players new to the game and one or two players that will feature in the National 3 competition.

The Bears opened the scoring on two minutes when Dave Bowen went in in the corner. Two further tries by Dave Campton and Dean Thompson saw the Bears leading comfortably at 14 -0.  Half way through the first half the Bulldogs hit back with a converted try by Sam Woodward. The Bears scored two more tries before half time through Chris Smith and Mick Hewitt.

Half Time: Coventry 26 Birmingham 6

The Bulldogs came out in a much more determined fashion and two tries by Jon Hefford and Richard Buxton brought the Bulldogs right back into the game. Dave Schindler forced his way over the line to give the Bears a much needed boost and when Neil Hartwell scored in the corner it seemed to be all over.
The Bulldogs however were still trying to get something from the game and both Woodward and Hefford added to their previous efforts.

Final Score: Coventry Bears 36-26 Birmingham Bulldogs

The two teams now play their second leg at Moor Lane on April 4th to determine who goes into the knock out stages of the competition

Teams: Coventry - Mark Hyslop, Dave Bowen, Dave Campton, Dean Thompson, Charlie Hands, John Fairhurst, Alex Brown, Lee Ashford, Matt Wright, Dave Schindler, Ian Grime, Rob Southern, Mick Hewitt, Duncan Merrill, Chris Smith, Neil Hartwell, Pun Kwon Wong, Ben Hands, Michael Greevy.

Birmingham: Andrew Swann, Richard Buxton, Richard Morris, Mark Almond, Richard Bernard, Jonathon Hefford, Jonathon Flatman, Sean Dunne, Richard Jones, Stuart Nightingale, Paul Cadman, Samuel Woodward, Brent O’Connor, Mark Platt, Russell Young, Dale Anderson, Carl Cave, Colin Eva.

Scorers: Coventry Tries: Bowen, Campton , Thompson, Smith, Hewitt, Schindler, Hartwell
Coventry Cons: Hyslop (4)

Birmingham Tries: Woodward (2) Hefford (2) , Buxton
Cons : Flatman, Hefford (2)

MoM: Coventry; Dave Campton. Birmingham; Jonathon Hefford.

Game Breaker: Dave Schindler’s try that halted Birmingham’s fightback

Pictures HERE

25/01/04 - Merit League - Telford Raiders 6-26 Coventry Bears  'A' 

On a lovely winter's day the Coventry Bears 'A' team faced a return 'merit league' match against Telford Raiders, and trialled some new players as part of their preparations for the forthcoming season.

The Bears opened the scoring  in the 17^th minute when Irishman John Bagnall broke through to score under the posts. John Fairhurst converting.

Four minutes later a penalty allowed Telford scrum half James Berry to pull two points back. Then just before the break Telford went in again to level the scores at 6-6 at half time.

The second half was much more one-sided. The Bears, playing down the hill, stepped up a gear and were only guilty of 'over egging the pudding' by trying to force the pass when the opportunity was not really there. It took only 2½ minutes for Mike Hewitt to race through a big gap in the Telford defence. Two minutes later Ben Hands tore through another hole and with Fairhurst conversion the game was pretty well sewn up. Midway through the second half John Bagnall completed his brace with another score under the posts. On the final whistle Tim Stevens proved too strong for the home sides defence as he forced his way over to round off a good afternoon for the Bears' second string.