Widnes Vikings head coach John Kear has given an honest assessment of Sunday’s 14-12 defeat at Bradford Bulls.
The Vikings lost their unbeaten start to the new season as the hosts struck at the death to snatch victory.
Despite tries from Shane Grady and Adam Lawton putting Kear’s side in a strong position, they were unable to repel a barrage of late pressure as Bradford ran out victorious in front of nearly 5,000 fans at Odsal.
Speaking post-match, Kear admits there is plenty for his side to reflect on following Round 3.
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“I think we lost the game, having won it,” he said. “Our completion rate was really poor in the second half.
“We lost the penalty count in the second half so we invited them onto our line, and we were just having to defend and defend.
“I didn’t think our effort areas were at 100% like they have been in previous weeks, so there’s a fair bit that we can brush up and improve upon.
“There’s lots of little decisions that we’ve made which weren’t smart whatsoever.
“There’s a scrum play, and we sit on our heels instead of getting up off the line. There will be a fair bit of work which goes in during these eight days before Halifax.
“I really do feel as if it’s two points which we lost.”
Kear has also issued a challenge to his squad following victories against York RLFC Knights and Keighley Cougars in the opening two rounds of the season.
You’ve got to be prepared to come and grind, and both teams did,” Kear added.
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“I thought it was a high standard game in the first half, but we let ourselves down in the second half.
“We went away from what has worked for us so well. It’s a very simple game plan, but it requires a lot of hard work, effort and toughness in order to put it in.
“You’ve got to be prepared to put in a shift week after week, and I think we were quite off it in the second half.”
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