By John Wilkinson, Coventry Telegraph.
February 10 2014
Coventry effectively shot themselves in the foot as two charged-down kicks and a mistimed chip gifted Blackheath all three of their tries.
Over the whole of the game, played in a blustery wind, Cov had enough possession and territory for that to have not been decisive.
But the misjudgements were compounded by a lack of bite and penetration in the key areas with Blackheath content to take everything that Cov could throw at them without ever looking uncomfortable.
Time and time again Cov went through the phases to reach a promising position, only for the move to break down when they got near the red zone, and Blackheath really didn’t need to create too much of their own to secure their third successive win over a top-six side and further ease their relegation fears.
It was a disappointing day all round for Cov who, after the promise of the previous week’s win over Wharfedale, had to make late changes when first full-back Rob Knox and then his replacement, Luke Myring dropped out.
Ian Clark, who came in on the wing for his first appearance since the start of November, had a solid game, but the decision to switch Mark Kohler to full-back wasn’t a success and, overall, there were few positives for Cov apart from a promising half-hour for 18-year-old Pierre Ferre at scrum-half and another strong display by Bath loanee Max Northcote-Green at flanker.
It all started so well for Cov as, with the angled wind favouring them, they worked their way patiently into the home 22 and were awarded a penalty in front of the posts which proved no problem for Cliffie Hodgson.
The lead lasted little more than a minute, however, before a Kohler kick was blocked midway inside his own half and Blackheath were first to the ball to set up a try for Gavin O’Meara which Simon Whatling converted.
Cov had chances to respond, losing a line-out on their throw in the home 22, before a quick Blackheath counter saw Jack Walsh put in touch in the left corner by the covering Clark.
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