By Brian Dick, Coventry Telegraph
October 16 2009

JUST when they thought they were back on track Coventry have been rocked by a sickness bug that has swept through the Butts Park Arena. Only a few days after securing a first victory in five matches Phil Maynard’s squad has been laid low by a bout of gastroenteritis that has affected at least 13 players. Indeed the illness became apparent in the hours leading up to Saturday’s win at when George Crook and Aaron Carpenter began vomiting.

Since then Maynard’s troops have been decimated by the illness and even two coaches – Adrian Lightowler and Tommy Hayes – have been struck down. That has seriously compromised Cov’s planning for the visit of high flying Nottingham, who arrive at the BPA tomorrow looking to go top of the table for a few hours at least.

“Things started on Saturday and then on Sunday and Monday it go really bad,” said Maynard, “As a result it’s been a quiet week and we have not been able to prepare as well as we would have liked.

“We have had to delay naming the team until Thursday so we can see who’s left.”

Cov have been forced to take every precaution to try to contain the bug. They have had their gym disinfected, sterilised the team’s kitchen equipment and sent anyone with even the slightest sign of illness home.

The back line has been especially hit with Will Lawson, Ben Russell, Chris Lewis and Ollie Winter among the affected.

“I have had a few incidents like this in the past, though nothing as extreme,” the rugby director said.

“In my experience it works one of two ways, it either helps the guys gel or goes the other way.

“Having lost three players before kick off in Cornwall then conceded three tries against Moseley and now with two-thirds of our squad with dysentery we can at least comfort ourselves our bad luck must be at an end.”

Not quite. Fly half George Crook will be unavailable having been called up by Worcester to play their Amlin Challenge Cup match in Madrid. That means Fangatapu Apikotoa will start against Glenn Delaney’s men.

Bug plays havoc with Cov plans

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 16/10/2009 07:11

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
16/10/2009 07:11

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net