Kear expects Batley to bounce back after loss

BATLEY BULLDOGS coach John Kear admitted Hull KR were simply too good for his side as they suffered a 58-18 defeat in their opening Qualifiers game.
Maurice Blair of Hull KR goes past David Scott to score.Maurice Blair of Hull KR goes past David Scott to score.
Maurice Blair of Hull KR goes past David Scott to score.

The Championship part-timers struggled to match the power and class of their Super League opponents.

“They were better than us,” said Kear. “They did a number on us and you have to compliment then.

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“They showed us a great deal of respect with how they prepared and had obviously done their homework.

“On reflection we lost a half-back (Pat Walker) and winger (Shaun Ainscough) in the first 2o minutes.

“They were both carrying knocks and when they came off that messed up our rotations.

“It meant we were reacting after that rather than being proactive but I was pleased with the spirit showed. I don’t expect those fellas to give anything less. That’s one of our trademarks.

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“When we get knocked down we get back up again and I’m really pleased we hung in there for the full 80.”

They head to Championship rivals London Broncos next Sunday which gives them a greater chance of getting off the mark.

“There’s a lot to take out of this ready for London,” added Kear.

“And I guarantee we’ll be a better team at the end of round seven than we are now. If that’s the case, it’ll have been really worthwhile.

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“Hull KR’s big-name players really stood up. I thought Ken Sio was outstanding and Albert Kelly and Maurice Blair as well.

“But Alex Rowe, Adam Gledhill, Tom Lillycrop, people like that, were great for us and I thought our young hooker Alistair Leak was too. We left him out there a lot longer than expected which was hard in that heat but he’s like any Cumbrian – he’d much rather tackle than run and he did that for us.”