John Kear expects strong French resistance

Batley coach John Kear is expecting a tough match against the French side Toulouse. 

Kear’s team will be looking to book their place in the Northern Rail Cup quarter final draw, after defeating London Skolars 50-16.

Kear said: “Obviously it’s going to be a challenge for us because they are a good side, but we think we’re a good side too.

“We’ve had the DVD of their draw against Keighley Cougars, and they finished the game very strong.

“They looked a bit rusty at first but hadn’t played for the three weeks prior to that, and as the game unfolded they got better and better.”

Kear felt his side didn’t perform for the full 80 minutes, and so will be expecting a stronger finish to the game when his side host Toulouse.

He said: “We perhaps let our standards slip a little with and without the ball and that was disappointing, but the game was won after the first 40 minutes.”