The army fielding a very strong side, were soon into their stride and opened up an 8-0 lead within the first 10 minutes, however rather than lying down under the early onslaught, the Bears tightened up their defence and began to make more of the ball in attack. Eventually the Coventrys’ skill in the backs was rewarded as Ben Shepherd went over, this breakthrough inspired the Bears and they went in at half-time 24-8 ahead, other tries coming from Danny Malin and Zimbabwean debutante Francis Slater (2).

The second half started the same way as the first with the Army scoring early. After a period of sustained pressure they began to claw their way back into the game, and indeed managed regain the lead 24-26, the margin of lead for the Army would have been greater if it had not been for an outstanding defensive display from the Bears, the Army being held up numerous times very close to the line. With only minutes remaining and the Bears now needing something special to turn the tide, Director of Rugby League, Alan Robinson powered his way over from twenty yards to score beneath the posts, James Cathcart converting to make the score 30-26 in the Bears favour. In the dying seconds just when it looked like all scoring had finished, quick thinking Struan Murray cheekily knocked over a drop goal to round off a thrilling encounter.

The Bears are away to Newmarket Kings next weekend, with Great Britain Students at Coundon Rd on Sunday 27 June (3pm)

Report by Chris Norman.