By Tom Little.
April 9 2012

Including Coventry Rugby v Ealing Tfs.

Fixtures week 28 - 14^th April

Blackheath            v        Fylde

Cinderford             v        Tynedale

Ealing Tfs              v        Coventry

Jersey                   v        Macclesfield

Rosslyn Park          v        Birmingham Solihull

Sedgley Park           v       Blaydon

Stourbridge             v       Barking

Wharfedale              v      Cambridge

As only two games to report on from last weekend, no full round up this week. The catch up games between Blackheath v Blaydon, and Coventry v Tynedale  resulted as expected in a home win for Blackheath 45-22, whilst Coventry needed an injury time penalty try to beat Tynedale 25-24.

With the relegation issues done and dusted two weeks ago, it only remains for the promotion issue to be clarified, however as leaders Jersey are only 6 points ahead of the chasing Ealing Tfs, and 8 points ahead of Fylde, with three games left, this cannot be settled this weekend, and may possibly go to the last game of the season, as happened last season.

Jersey are at home to Macclesfield, whose fluctuating fortunes managed a creditable draw at home to Ealing, so cannot be written off.

Fylde face a potential banana skin away at Blackheath, who are now clear in 4^th place, but whose record shows they have yet to beat a top three side. Meanwhile, Ealing Tfs entertain Coventry for the first time in their history, with Coventry wanting to complete the double over their promotion chasing rivals.

Another exciting week for all teams, as they will all be looking to consolidate their positions in the league.

Ealing TFS  v  Coventry Rugby match preview

Coventry face their first ever visit to Vallis Way, to face promotion hopefuls  Ealing Tfs, this Saturday 14^th April, kick off 3pm. Founded in 1871, Ealing have been moving up the leagues since 1999 when they moved to their new ground in West Ealing. Promoted last season as champions of National League 2 South, Ealing have had a tremendous start to their National League 1 season. Under DOR Mike Cudmore, and coaches, Keiron Power, Matt Gold and Ben Ward, they are currently in 2^nd place behind Jersey, just 6 points adrift with three games to go. Overall they have won 18 games, lost 7 and drawn 2. Earlier on in the season they were leading the league until a slump in form, but are now back on track.

Playing a similar style of rugby to that of Fylde, they have amassed no less than 121 tries so far, with 96 scored by their backs, second only to Fylde in try scoring, as well as obtaining 18 try bonus points.

Winger Phil Chesters, after last season’s record breaking try scoring of 70, has continued on this season, leading the charts with 38 tries. His other winger Owen Bruynseels is also a prolific try scorer.

Unbeaten in their last 5 games, including a high scoring draw away at Macclesfield, Ealing have also beaten Jersey away and have had a home win over Fylde. Yet they have suffered losses at Barking and Blaydon, and Coventry beat them earlier in the season 29-26, when Coventry were able to starve Ealing’s dangerous backs of possession.

A well rounded side, Ealing have experience both in the backs and in the pack, with flyhalf Ben Ward orchestrating the team with his tactics with goalkicking prowess.

Key backs include Peter Hodgkinson at fullback, and centres, Sam Wardingley and Tom Wheatcroft, as well as former Coventry player Ronald Mclean-Dents.

The pack includes flanker Lee Starling and Jack Clifford the England U20’s No 8, as well as prop Tim Brocket.

A game that Coventry need to win to close in on 7^th place, and complete the double over Ealing, Coventry have lost only once in their last 6 games despite a raising injury toll, whilst Ealing need to win to maintain their pressure on leaders Jersey.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office

Week 28, 14th April match previews...

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 09/04/2012 10:49

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
09/04/2012 10:49

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