Patient Bears turn fortunes around
A LITTLE patience goes a long way. That’s what Burleigh coach Jim Lenihan believes has been the difference in the Bears over the past fortnight.
Burleigh started the Intrust Super Cup season poorly with two losses on the road. But a return to Pizzey Park has resulted in two consecutive wins, and the Bears are now looking like a different side.
Burleigh are back on the road tomorrow to face Redcliffe, who have had an indifferent start to the season.
But if they keep the composure they’ve found recently, the wins will continue to flow.
“We’re controlling the ball a lot more and giving ourselves a lot more opportunity to win games,” Lenihan said.
“We’ve remained patient. Early in the year we were trying to win early in the game, then coast to the line.
“You have to be there until the very end to win. We’ve got a lot more patience now to play the game out over 80 minutes rather than put in a wonderful 10-15 and think that’s enough.”
Burleigh are coming off a win against defending premiers Northern Pride and will be flying high on confidence. They have lost prop Mark Ioane (knee) for the Dolphins clash but will welcome back Kyle McConnell from suspension.
Titans-contracted centre Jamie Dowling has also re- covered from a hamstring problem and will play despite not being named in the team.
“Jamie had a bit of a question over his hamstring during the week but he trained well (yesterday) and is right to go,” Lenihan said.
Tweed Heads will get the weekend to lick their wounds after a disappointing trip to Papua New Guinea last weekend.
The Seagulls were beaten 38-10 by the Hunters and will host Sunshine Coast at Piggabeen next weekend.