Workington Town’s new head coach Chris Thorman was brutally honest when speaking of the team’s performance in their first league game under him at Coventry Bears’ temporary home at Broadstreet RFC.

“We got what we deserved today” was his succinct summary.

“They were better than us in so many departments, they were better than us in the ruck, and very quick on the break and they used the width of the pitch to their advantage.

“Getting 30 points flattered us and the last two consolation tries made no real difference to the fact that we were well beaten - we lost the game in the first half.

“It didn’t help having the captain taken off injured so early in the game, but really there are no excuses.

“They [Coventry] are a young side with plenty of pace on their wings and that is something we currently lack, being an older more experienced side, but lacking pace as a result.”

The League One table is very tight in the middle this season and the five teams in the middle are separated by just two points, with Coventry and Workington now being on the same number of points, each chalking up three victories.

Looking ahead to next week’s game against Hunslet, Thorman was clear about how to proceed.

“Obviously we will be looking over the game and analysing exactly what went wrong and where, but we really need to look at some of the basics of the game,” added the Town coach.

“This means in defence we need to sharpen up, not give the ball away, and try and control the ball better.

“Hopefully, there will be a big reaction from the team and we will be on for a good result next week.”

Thorman was quick to give due credit to a side that has never beaten Town before but which has started chalking up some good results against well established Northern sides.

“They’ve got a good set-up down here, on and off the field. They have quite a few local lads, and some really good young players in their backs, and we could do with some of that ourselves,” he said.

“I am a lifelong rugby league man and want the game to grow and expand. So I wish Coventry Bears well in the future.

“Now it’s over to us to focus on training this week and to greatly improve on today’s showing. And the lads know that.”