Key men sorely missed as Bears are tamed by Outlaws

WARWICKSHIRE Bears’ second team suffered a big defeat when they travelled to top-toppers Essex Outlaws on Sunday.

The Bears were missing key men Andy Roberts and Rick Powell and they suffered the consequences, losing the National League Second Division South contest 65-26.

Warwickshire started strongly and they matched a well-drilled Outlaws team, but as the game progressed Essex took advantage of their experience and strength to build a 20-10 lead.

Outlaws put the Bears under more pressure in the second quarter to open up a 30-13 lead at half-time.

After the break, the Bears were unable to cut the deficit and the Outlaws extended their lead as they cruised to victory.

“We knew we were in for a tough game,” said Bears’ coach, Tom Masterson.

“Being without Andy (Roberts) and Rick (Powell) made it that much harder. The positives were that Harry Draper and Aaron Grant have come in and done a great job.”

This weekend, Bears’ women’s team play their final round of fixtures in Nottingham.