By Tom Little.
August 23 2011

Coventry Rugby commence their National League 1 campaign, at home this Saturday 27th August, kick off 3 pm, against Cinderford.

The Foresters, as they are known, were formed 125 years ago, and are in their 4^th season in National League1, having finished in 12^th position for the past 2 seasons.

Under experienced Director of Rugby Andy Deacon, and new senior and forwards coaches, Dave Pointon and Lee Fortey respectively, Cinderford have maintained close ties with Gloucester Premiership rugby, with a number of dual registered players.

They have also recruited well with Rory Teague, ex Gloucester and Grenoble flyhalf, and Mike Wilcox, also a No 10 dual registered from Bristol, having lost No 9 Sam Brown to Moseley, and prolific goalkicker Mark Woodrow, half way through last season.

Players to watch from last season include lock Chris Jones, Dave McKee in the back row, and fullback and goalkicker Danny Trigg, try scoring threat  Nev Codlin remains on the wing.

Last season results between Coventry and Cinderford went with the home side, Coventry put in one of their best performances of their season at home winning 55-5, but slumped to an embarrassing away loss by 26-0 later in the season. Cinderford will want to put behind them that heavy away loss, whilst Coventry will want to avenge their defeat.

Both sides have had a mixed pre-season, with Cinderford  beating  Launceston  21-9,but losing to Welsh opposition Llandovery 13-26, and Cross Keys 20-22.  Coventry for their part lost narrowly to Doncaster 23-24 and Newport 15-25.

Another exciting game is expected at Butts Park Arena on Saturday, as the National League 1  commences , a league season which promises to be exciting and close for all 30 games.

National League 1 Fixtures Week 1 Preview.

Barking                       v     Blaydon

Birmingham/Solihull  v     Ealing Trailfinders

Cambridge                  v    SedgleyPark   

Coventry                     v     Cinderford

Fylde                           v    Jersey

Macclesfield               v     Wharfedale

RosslynPark               v     Blackheath

Tynedale                      v     Stourbridge

The consensus amongst the division’s coaches is that there is no overall favourite team for promotion, and indeed it appears equally tight for the 3 relegation spots, with no outstanding candidates for those.

The 3 promoted teams Fylde, Ealing Tf and Jersey all appear well funded and more than a match to at least hold their own; and Birmingham/Solihull after relegation from the Championship have kept the nucleus of last years pack together.

Cambridge are once again expected to be challenging at the top, but Barking having just failed to get promotion and then see half of their side depart, are not expected to be so strong.  Of last season’s top 4 sides Macclesfield will find it difficult to maintain their momentum in their 2^nd year at this level.

Keys games for this opening week, include the clash of 2 of the favoured promoted sides Fylde and Jersey, as well as relegated Birmingham/Solihull facing the other promoted team Ealing Tf.  With 3 of last season’s top 4 all playing at home not too many surprises are expected in this opening round of games.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office

22^rd August 2011

Coventry Rugby v Cinderford preview and week 1 fixtures.

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 23/08/2011 09:30

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
23/08/2011 09:30

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