By Tom little
February 7 2011

This Saturday 12th February at the BPA, kick off 3pm Coventry Rugby meet Barking for the first time at home since both clubs were founded. Only founded in 1930 Barking have moved up the leagues, being crowned NL2 (south) champions last year, thus promoting them to NL1.

The surprise team of the season so far, they are still unbeaten with 16 wins, one draw and are on 75 points, just 2 ahead of pre-season favourites London Scottish. Under Director of Rugby Neil Kersey and Head Coach Alex Codling, plus the experience of ex-Saracens centre Kevin Sorrell, Barking have maintained their unbeaten record despite only having the same number of bonus points as Coventry.

Barking and especially Kevin Sorrell have maintained their close links with Saracens Premiership side and their Academy.

Players to watch out for are leading try scoring wingers David Vincent and Nick Fraser, and leading goal kicker fullback Adam Armstrong.

When Coventry visited Barking in October Coventry fell to a narrow loss by 21-15, but even then had their chances to win.

Barking will be looking to build on their record so far and maintain the pressure on London Scottish, whilst Coventry need to show their effort and skill they had at times against Cambridge, Macclesfield and Rosslyn Park to get their season back on track.

Preview weekend games 12^th February

There is a full fixture list this coming Saturday as follows:-

Blackheath         v   Sedgley Park

Blaydon              v  Macclesfield

Coventry             v  Barking

Launceston          v  Cinderford

London Scottish  v  Stourbridge

Redruth                v  Otley

Rosslyn Park        v  Tynedale

Wharfedale           v  Cambridge

On paper both London Scottish and Cambridge should win to maintain their lead at the  top of the league, but all the 5 teams including Coventry in the league between 8^th and 12^th position, namely Sedgley Park, Blaydon, Tynedale and Wharfedale all face tricky fixtures.

At the bottom it is too close to call as Launceston, although putting up a good fight against Barking face a resurgent Cinderford, whilst a buoyant Redruth, who beat Macclesfield face Otley.

Another series of close and exciting games is expected with once again a few shocks on the cards.

WEEKEND RESULTS ROUNDUP 5^th February

Results

Barking               27                  16   Launceston

Blaydon                 3                   40  London Scottish

Cinderford           32                     5  Tynedale

Coventry              27                   34  Rosslyn Park

Macclesfield        17                   19  Redruth

Sedgley Park        19                   14  Stourbridge

Wharfedale           14                   21  Blackheath

A weekend of re-arranged games saw a few surprises. At the top both Barking and London Scottish had bonus point wins; although it appears Barking had the more difficult game.

Cinderford maintained their winning streak making it 3 in a row as they thumped Tynedale. Perhaps the most surprising result was Macclesfield losing at home to Redruth, in atrocious conditions, which took them above Otley in the table.

Blackheath got back onto winning ways after a hard fought away win over Wharfedale.

The league table shows Barking, London Scottish and Cambridge leading the way.

In 8^th position on 39 points comes Blaydon closely followed on 37 points by Sedgley Park, Tynedale,and Coventry ,with  Wharfedale  on 36 points.

The bottom 3 show Launceston bottom on 12 points, with Otley on 27 and Redruth on 29.

Despite Coventry’s loss they remain 11^th but the gap is still closing on the 14^th place side.

They are 2 wins ahead of 14^th position but also 2 wins away from 5th position, which confirms what a tight league this is.

Coventry Rugby press office 

Coventry Rugby v Barking match preview & results roundup

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 07/02/2011 16:47

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
07/02/2011 16:47

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

hipflask
09/02/2011 10:10

thanks Tom, very good reading, the round up was excellant looking forward to your next one

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

Reply Quote Report

tom snr
12/02/2011 11:41

thanks steve,
unfortunately no early team news this week as I was away- hope to be back to normal service next week.

tom little

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