Tsang proud of Bears’ performance

Coventry boss Tom Tsang believes his team can take confidence from their battling performance against Toronto on Saturday.

The Bears produced a spirited display in front of 6,973 people at the Lamport Stadium, but Toronto proved too strong as the title favourites ran out 54-12 winners.

Despite the result Tsang says his players have plenty to feel positive about.

“I think we obviously outplayed most people’s expectations,” he said. “We tried to implement a different tactic to normal in an attempt to nullify some of Toronto’s obvious threats, and for the most part the lads stuck to it.

“The patch in the first half where we came away from the plan was when Toronto pulled ahead with a few tries.

“I’m really proud of the boys and their effort and attitude was amazing. Having said that we still were capable of more and the scoreline should have been even closer.

“The lads have been through a genuine once in a lifetime weekend that they will remember and cherish forever.

“They have played in front of a Super League sized crowd and against players with hundreds of NRL, Super League and international appearances under their belts. We should now have the confidence to take on any side in the league.

“The whole experience has really brought the team together and everyone is now very positive for the rest of the season.

“We now face Hemel followed by South Wales who are both below us in the league. Hemel beat us in pre-season and the match will be even tougher given the amount of travelling this week.

“But it’s essential we use this trip as a springboard to getting some wins on the board and it’s vital we are beating those teams around us on the league table.

“Now is the time to build some momentum as we approach the mid-season split in the competition.”