TORFAEN Tigers' play-off hopes were ended when they were beaten 42-26 by Coventry Bears Reserves in Cwmbran.

The West Midlanders secured their place in the top four after a strong first half performance at the Kings Head Ground.

The Bears started well and from their first set of six, Alex Brown scored under the sticks to give them the lead. Ben West converted.

Torfaen soon levelled after a good set of six saw Jake Thomas crash over with Matt Cummins converting.

Coventry soon regained the lead after Tom Kelliter took advantage of a knock-on to pounce and score. West's kick was sliced wide.

Tom Davies turned his way over in the corner for Coventry's third try soon after that. Steve Coleman converted to make the score 16-6.

Winger Liam Silver hit back for Torfaen, but Coventry scored again before half-time through Coleman with Tom Davies adding another, both tries converted by Coleman to make the score 28-10 at the break.

It looked like the tide could turn in the second half. Coventry's Dave O'Connor was sin binned for a high tackle not long after the interval and Torfaen took advantage straight away with Mike Edwards going over from the penalty. Cummins easily converted to bring the score back to 24-16.

But the rest of the game belonged to Coventry. They scored against the tide and up the hill as Elliot Holton ran in with Coleman converting.

Olly Laity went over on the other wing to extend the lead further before Kelliter added another to make the game safe. Coleman converted both.

Torfaen, as always wouldn't lie down but it was too little too late. Player-coach Jamie Williams got a try back before Tom Matthews just about got enough downward pressure to score another. Cummins converting the second of those was the final kick of the game.