By Tom Little, Coventry Rugby Press office
October 5 2010

This Saturday at BPA kick off 3pm, Coventry entertain Macclesfield, for the first time since both sides were founded in the 1870's. Last season Macclesfield were promoted as Champions of NL 2 North, and beat NL 2 South Champions, Barking in the divisional playoff. Under experienced ex-Rotherham coach Geoff Wappett and Andy Northey of St.Helens fame, they have made a steady start to life in NL1,

with a win, a draw and 3 narrow losses. However their resilience has come through allowing them to pick up 4 bonus points in these games, which puts them one point behind Coventry on 9 points.

Macclesfield have a strong pack and base their game  more on a forward orientated game plan than some others in this league. Players to note are fullback Ben Coulback (Rotherham) and the everygreen flyhalf and goalkicker Ross Whinney, who will punish any penalties given away in your own half. Winger Matt Simpson is a more than adequate replacement for Whinney if he remains injured, and halfback Tom Eaton has been creating tries.

This match is made spicier by the recruitment by Coventry of Martin Kent and Jon Lowdon from Macclesfield. Kent was an ever present last season for Macclesfield and he expects a hard fought forward battle this Saturday. Results so far for Macclesfield show they have yet to win at home, losing narrowly to Sedgley Park, but getting a creditable draw with Cambridge. Their away form has been better with an opening day win at Stourbridge , a high scoring loss at Cinderford, but a narrow 10-6 loss at unbeaten league leaders Barking.

Macclesfield are a side that never give up and Coventry need to put behind them their 1st half performance against Cambridge and continue on with their excellent home form. Another performance like that against Cinderford will reward the BPA faithful and ensure that there is a hat-trick of home wins for Coventry.

The Coventry team will be announced on Thursday.

Tom Little
Coventry Rugby Press office

COVENTRY v MACCLESFIELD MATCH PREVIEW

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 05/10/2010 17:28

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
05/10/2010 17:28

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15/2/10
06/10/2010 21:29

Ross Winney is their main player, stop him and you will probably stop Macclesfield

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tom snr
07/10/2010 09:03

he was out injured last week but may be back

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the (assistant) ref
07/10/2010 12:05

Ross is out for a few weeks yet.

********************************************************
The views expressed by the ref's assistant are his own and are not, necessarily, those held by the RFU

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BAT
08/10/2010 20:18

Although Coventry has 2 ex-Macclesfield players, it should be noted that the ex-Rugby Lions on the team met them last season, giving 2 creditable performances.

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Mikey C
08/10/2010 20:36

It should be a good game.....have it!!!!

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