Warriors positive ahead of Bears clash Following their opening day victory over Oxford last weekend the mood is positive in the Warriors camp as they prepare for the clash with Coventry Bears at Oxstalls Sports Park this Saturday (2.30pm).

The Bears are also in their first season in the Conference League South but have experience of the National Leagues behind them which will stand them in good stead for the season ahead.

The Warriors and the Bears have had a number of clashes since their first meeting in 2005 the Bears generally having the upper hand but when the sides last met in 2012, the Warriors ran out 50-18 winners in Coventry.

As the reserve team for the Kingstone Press League 1 side, the Bears are likely to be strong with more than a sprinkling of fringe first teamers and players looking for a gametime in preparation for their opening league encounter with Oxford on Good Friday.

Warriors coach Richard Jones is looking to his side to step up from last week’s win. “I was very happy to get the win last weekend; I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season.

“However, due to the unfortunate injury to the Oxford player, we seemed to go away from our game in the second half, consequently leaking some soft tries.

“The lads have been working hard in training this week to put some things right from the weekend and I am expecting a tougher physical challenge this week with Coventry.

“But I’m looking forward to it. It will be interesting to see how our lads adapt to the stronger force up front.”

With the Warriors sitting second in the early season table and Josh Williams’ hat-trick putting him top of the scoring charts, the Warriors will be looking to maintain the momentum with a win this weekend.