JOHN Kear has urged his Scrooge-like Bulls to stretch their miserly defensive run against Workington.

It is now over three hours of rugby since his side last conceded a point following back-to-back shut-outs against Whitehaven and North Wales.

Sunday’s visitors to Odsal will have to break through a defensive wall that was last breached by London Skolars winger Lameck Juma 189 minutes ago.

It is an effort that has delighted the coach going into the crucial five final games.

Kear said: “I didn’t realise it was that long ago since we’ve been scored against but it’s something I’m proud of and hopefully we can extend it another number of minutes this coming week.

“There’s been a real intensity in the defensive effort and that’s married to really good contact, framework off the ball and an element of scrambling should the opposition break us.”

It is not just the established players who have stiffened their resolve in the race to stay above York in the fight to be named League One champions.

Kear also highlighted the efforts of two of the newer recruits when he showed the players his review of their win in Wrexham.

He added: “One was (Tuoyo) Egodo making a last-ditch tackle on Earl Hurst to prevent a try. Then in the last minute, Jonny Pownall forced the ball free when someone was going over the line to stop them scoring.

“It’s not only the established players at the Bulls. I sense that the newcomers are buying into as well which is an outstanding effort and attitude.

“You need that group ethic. We’ve got five games left – five tough games for one reason or another – to achieve what we want to do.

“We need to be focused and intense and apply ourselves well. There’s every indication at this moment in time is that they are doing that.”

The Bulls hold a slender points advantage over James Ford’s Knights but still have the advantage of next month’s trip to West Wales, who York smashed 130-0 last week.

Kear said: “When York posted that score, mentally I prepared to be displaced (from the top) and thought we might have to hang fire until we play West Wales to get our points difference back up.

“I had it in my head that we’d have to be patient and go right down to the wire, so it was quite reassuring they did so well against a good North Wales team.”