By Epigone
February 20 2011

After 5 successive losses this win was most important for Coventry as they improved to 9th place.   The lottery of 12 hours continuous rain had turned the BPA pitch into a quagmire, and all credit to Coventry as they splashed their way to 3 tries, in a dominant pack performance, especially in the set piece and line out.  Once again, apart from one lapse their defensive line held, against a Blaydon side which offered very little especially in the 1st half.

Coventry played the conditions well, kicking for position and using their dominant scrum and maul to pressure Blaydon. It could be argued that Coventry could not make full use of their 80% 1^st half possession, but in reality despite surviving 10 of added time at the end as Blaydon went for an undeserved losing bonus point, Coventry were in control, even if a winning BP went astray.

The heavy and muddy pitch caused problems for both sides as the ball became slippery and players jerseys unrecognisable. The opening quarter saw almost continuous and  Tom Harris chase saw Blaydon under pressure on their own line.

A subsequent Herrington catch and drive saw Dale Ager go over for his 6^th try of the season on 16mins, for Lee Audis to convert making it Coventry 7 Blaydon 0.

Coventry maintained their momentum and another 30m maul gave Coventry a penalty Audis kicked on 20mins.It was all Coventry as Audis hit the bar from another penalty and a Parkins break and an excellent Charles Sadler attacking kick ,almost saw Harris over, but the h/t score remained  Coventry 10  Blaydon 0.

Blaydon started the 2^nd half with a bit more enthusiasm and put Coventry under pressure in their own half. Coventry were penalised and Andrew Baggett kicked a penalty on 42mins making it Coventry 10 Blaydon 3.

A Sadler break put Coventry back on attack and then a long Ben Russell kick put pressure on the Blaydon defence deep into their own half. Harris followed up, the ball broke for Sadler to kick through and score his maiden try making it Coventry 15 Blaydon 3 on 48 mins.

An ambitious Coventry break from their own line almost paid off, but a knock on gave Blaydon a scrum in Coventry’s half. Andrew Baggett weaved his way over from 30 m out, for him to convert on 53 mins making it Coventry 15 Blaydon 10.

Worse was to follow for Blaydon as Coventry tried to take advantage. Captain Chris Wearmouth was yellow carded for foul play. Coventry now piled on the pressure, Parkins dropped the ball over the line but after a series of scrums, quick ball and good passing by Russell and Herrington allowed Jeff Gregson to score in the corner on 70 mins. Score now Coventry 23 Blaydon 10.

Blaydon went looking for a losing bonus point, and all credit to Coventry they dug deep into 10 mins of added time, even turning over a Blaydon scrum, as they defended their line.

In the end Coventry played the conditions well, and gave Blaydon few chances in a dominant pack performance. Their defence was immense and well deserved the victory,

which will be needed to boost their confidence before the next 2 difficult away games at Redruth and Wharfedale.

Alex Nash was given MOM, but in addition there were sterling performances by Tom Harris, Charles Sadler and all the front row, as well as the back row growing in influence.

COVENTRY 23 BLAYDON 10. A spectators view

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 20/02/2011 09:23

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
20/02/2011 09:23

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