Wakefield Trinity coach blames errors and inconsistency after Coral Challenge Cup loss to Catalans Dragons

There was no questioning Wakefield Trinity’s effort, but coach Chris Chester admitted his side let themselves down at crucial times in their 36-24 Coral Challenge Cup sixth round defeat by Catalans Dragons.
By Peter Smith
Published 22nd Aug 2020, 19:23 BST
Updated 22nd Aug 2020, 19:28 BST
Chris Chester, right, at John Smith's Stadium. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.Chris Chester, right, at John Smith's Stadium. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Chris Chester, right, at John Smith's Stadium. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

Chester had demanded a reaction following a 58-0 loss to the same opposition in Betfred Super League a week earlier.

He got that, with his side still in the contest late in the final quarter, but Trinity’s good spells were not long or frequent enough.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I was satisfied with the response, but obviously not with the result,” Chester admitted following the BBC-televised tie at Huddersfield's John Smith's Stadium.

Trinity's David Fifita takes on Ben Garcia of Catalans in torrential rain during the Challenge Cup sixth round tie.Trinity's David Fifita takes on Ben Garcia of Catalans in torrential rain during the Challenge Cup sixth round tie.
Trinity's David Fifita takes on Ben Garcia of Catalans in torrential rain during the Challenge Cup sixth round tie.

“I genuinely thought we could come here and get a result, get a win.

“It has not happened so we are all extremely disappointed, but I certainly wouldn’t question the players’ attitude and effort this week.”

Trinity hit back from 12-0 behind with a converted try 10 minutes before the break, but went in at half-time 20-6 down.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They rallied again at the start of the second period, but a spell of three Catalans tries in six minutes ended their hopes of a quarter-final place.

Max Jowitt and Jay Pitts touched down simultaneously for Trinity's second try. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.Max Jowitt and Jay Pitts touched down simultaneously for Trinity's second try. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Max Jowitt and Jay Pitts touched down simultaneously for Trinity's second try. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

Chester said: “They had a couple of 10-minute periods, the last 10 minutes of the first half and then a period in the second when we just came up with a few errors and some ill-discipline.

“We need to be more resilient, certainly on our tryline.

“We are a good footy side when we play for 80 minutes, but we’ve just got the inconsistency at the moment.

“We are playing well for parts of the game, but we just take our foot off the gas or come up with some poor errors.”

A message from the Editor:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins

Related topics:Chris ChesterWakefield TrinityCatalans DragonsChesterTrinitySuper LeagueLeeds

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.