By Tom Little
January 18 2011

Cambridge Match Preview:  This Saturday 22nd January Coventry Rugby meet Cambridge at home at the BPA, kick off 3pm, in their NL1 fixture. Coventry will be smarting from their earlier away reverse at Cambridge by 43-22, after a poor 1st half, but a much improved 2nd.  Coventry will be looking to stop 3rd placed Cambridge from doing the double, and will also need to put behind them last weeks poor display and result at Cinderford.  Cambridge will be boosted by their win over 4th placed Macclesfield.

This season Cambridge who have survived their own financial problems with the taxman, and under abrasive Director of Rugby Bob Crooks and experienced captain Darren Fox they are at present 3^rd in the league on 58 pts with 11 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses.

Following serious injury problems Cambridge have recently recruited 4 Northampton Academy players on a dual registration basis.

Cambridge are known for their expansive style, and in winger Jaco Du Toit they have the leagues highest try scorer. Coventry fans will also remember ex Coventry player’s hooker Stewart Pearl and lock Rob Hurrell.

After somewhat surprising home losses to Stourbridge and to unbeaten league leaders Barking, Cambridge were back on song with last Saturdays win over Macclesfield.

Coventry on their part will need to put behind them the disappointment of last week and show the Coventry faithful their true ability.

Another absorbing and thrilling match is in prospect at the BPA on Saturday.

NL1 Results Analysis:

As a new feature this week Coventry Rugby will review last weekend’s results in NL1 and their impact on Coventry.

It wasn’t only Coventry Rugby who suffered set back in last weeks results. Statistically only 3 teams in the top 9 managed to win and those 3 were the top three of Barking, London Scottish and Cambridge. The remaining 6 teams, including Coventry all lost.

The bottom 7 teams then managed to win 5 games between them, with only the 2 Cornish sides, Launceston and Redruth losing out.

League leaders Barking in beating Rosslyn Park, remain the only unbeaten side, whilst Cambridge came from behind to win a thrilling encounter at home to Macclesfield by 7 tries to 5. Initial league favourites London Scottish retain 2^nd place with a hard fought victory over Redruth, who deserved their losing bonus point.

With Launceston losing and still only on 11 points after their 20 point deduction, it does look like they will occupy one of the 3^rd relegation spots at the end of the season.

Although Coventry have slipped 2 places to 9th after the Cinderford loss, they are still only 3 points behind 5^th place, which seems to emphasise how tight this league is especially between 5^th and 15^th position.

On their day most teams can and are capable of beating each other.

NL1 Results Saturday 15th January 2011.

Barking         20       Rosslyn Park      18

Cambridge     45       Macclesfield       37

Cinderford     26      Coventry               0

Otley             18       Blackheath          17

Redruth         15       London Scottish  21

Sedgley Park 17      Blaydon                 0

Stourbridge    15     Wharfedale           30

Tynedale        26     Launceston             8

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office

18^th January 2011

Coventry v Cambridge match preview & weekend result analysis

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 18/01/2011 16:51

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
18/01/2011 16:51

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

Cliff Bennett
18/01/2011 19:11

So, Rob Hurrell's still playing, is he, and at Cambridge? He's a very experienced player and should be good in NL1. Let's just hope he's not sufficiently good to inspire his team to a win.
You'd like to think Cambridge will suffer from us bouncing back strongly after Saturday's debacle against Cinderford.
Unfortunately I can't make it to BPA this weekend, but I will be willing Cov on like mad.

Reply Quote Report

hipflask
19/01/2011 10:17

i'm hoping to see a reaction from the team after the Zinderford game, but still think Cambridge will be to strong and would settle for a b/point

woods, it's in the hipflask! (Steve Emms)
' COME ON COV '

Reply Quote Report

tom snr
19/01/2011 15:31

Rob hurrell should be playing on saturday

Reply Quote Report

SaintGav
19/01/2011 20:28

Anyone know whether the Saints Academy boys will be playing this weekend? The Tiggers website shows an Academy game is planned against Northampton Saturday morning and I'm uncertain how these loan arrangements work in conflicting circumstances.

Reply Quote Report

tom snr
20/01/2011 09:33

i believe that Hughes starts at No 10 and Hicks is on bench

Reply Quote Report

SaintGav
20/01/2011 10:25

Dare say Ingle is 8 then, he had a pretty powerful game last weekend against Macc. Thought Saints may have called them back for the Academy game, that's assuming it's an U19 affair that is.

Hughesie was the stand out player on the park when Cambs played Northampton Wanderers, some achievement when you seee the quality of the side Saints had out that day. He also played the last 10 against the NightHawks a few weeks back. Has a strong all roung game, although with Cambs run from anywhere game plan they don't kick much! Regarded as a good prospect.

How are the loanees performing for Cov? Felt a bit for Ryan Glynn in the NightHawks game with the pack under pressure and the back division outside him offering little. Not much a 9 can do in that sort of situation. Haven't seen much of Parkin for Saints but when I have he's done okay. Fairly big lump for a young lad.

Reply Quote Report

tom snr
20/01/2011 16:18

i feel that No 8 will be capt darren Fox

Reply Quote Report

Coventry Steve
21/01/2011 11:14

Hopefully Coventry will show a good home game performance like the last one.
If they play with as much pride and determination as they did then they should be ok.
The players seem to get a lift from the crowd at the B.P.A , i am sure it gave them the extra push in the last ten minutes of the game when they looked tired.
So if all goes well and the lads get stuck in and give a 100% for the shirt then i think we will be in for another great game!
GOOD LUCK LADS - COME ON COV!!!!!!!!!

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