By John Wilkinson, Coventry Telegraph.
December 24 2012

WHAT a difference a week can make.

Coventry were virtually unrecognisable from the side that had stumbled to defeat at Sedgley Park, and how perverse that they should give their tidiest and most structured performance of the season in conditions that had put the game in doubt until the last minute.

On a wet and muddy day when errors could have been readily excused, Cov scarcely put a hand or foot wrong as they played with their heads up and a structure only previously seen in patches.

Game management and mindset were words that had cropped up regularly at previous match inquests, and this time Cov were spot on with both.

Rugby director Phil Maynard called the introduction of young Will Maisey at fly-half, with Cliffie Hodgson moving to full-back, a calculated risk, but it worked perfectly as both kicked and passed intelligently to keep Cinderford on the back foot.

Heath Stevens shone on his return at centre, creating havoc in Cinderford’s midfield, while Matt Tibbatts was outstanding at No.8 alongside Jamie Harrop and Brett Daynes in a revamped back row that dominated.

The balance in the side looked right and, again, Cov’s overall defence was excellent as, down to 13 men at one stage in an abrasive first half, they limited the damage to a single try and came back to score ten points themselves while still a man down.

The commitment and desire could not be faulted, and after a disappointing run of results, it was a perfect way to answer the critics and set themselves up for a strong second half to the campaign.

Cinderford made the stronger start, but Mike Wilcox missed a long range penalty and the momentum shifted on eight minutes when they were turned over in the home 22 and Cov broke sharply down the left flank.

Click here for more on this article.

National League One: Coventry 29 Cinderford 12.

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 24/12/2012 15:58

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
24/12/2012 15:58

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