Bedford Tigers were brought down to earth with a bump by the Coventry Bears , who tore their hosts apart to triumph 40-12 at the weekend.

Fans of summer rugby (League) were given everything they wanted, apart from a Tigers victory, with the game featuring flowing moves, big hits, off-loads and, at times, a fiery forward battle.

Both sides cancelled each other out early on, but Coventry left Tigers reeling with a two try burst.

The Bears visibly upped the pace and last year's Premier Division National finalists raced into a 28-0 half time lead.

Tigers started the second half far more positively and a flowing move, started from within their own half, was finished by Jamie Goss under the posts, with the outstanding Zander Peden converting.

However, repeated mistakes by the Tigers while in good attacking territory ultimately extinguished any chance of a fight back, and the Bears cemented victory with three unconverted tries.

Bedford Hobgoblin man of the match Peden scored the last try of the game when he crashed over from short range and Rob Ashton converted to make it 40-12.

The Tigers travel to Birmingham at the weekend, still hoping to earn a play-off spot.