By Tom Little.
September 24 2012

Coventry Rugby face their 2nd away trip of the season as they visit Rosslyn Park at Roehampton, this Saturday 29th September, kick off 2.30 pm. The Priory Lane club is situated off the Upper Richmond Road in Roehampton and was founded in 1879.

Under Director of Rugby Shaun Justice and former Saracens Academy coach Jan Bonney, now at his 2^nd season at  Rosslyn Park saw his side finish 5^th last season, after 7^th the previous. This season they are currently in 5^th place just one point and one position ahead of Coventry. Both sides also have very similar records so far, with Rosslyn Park also losing to Ealing Tfs, but both with wins over Cambridge. In their games against Cinderford, Rosslyn Park managed to lose a 21 points lead to draw, whilst Coventry a 17 point lead to narrowly lose. Park also had a narrow home win over Sedgley Park.

Last season head to head clashes saw Coventry Rugby win the home fixture narrowly by 30-29, whilst much later on in the season battling an injury crisis they came from behind to force a 19 all draw.

Like Coventry Rugby, Rosslyn Park have higher aspirations and have invested in rebuilding a squad with no fewer than 25 additions which also happens to be the number of Coventry’s new recruits. With both sides needing to bed in these new players this game will go a long way to put down a marker for the rest of the season, and so for both teams this is a crucial test of their genuine aspirations.

A couple of key players have moved on from Rosslyn Park, with try scoring winger Miles Mantella off to London Scottish, whilst lock Rob Anderson has gone to Jersey. However some experienced new recruits have come in to go with an already experienced nucleus. Lock Richard Boyle from Tynedale/Newcastle Falcons replaces Anderson, with Will Bowley form Worcester Warriors, former England U 20’s captain No 8 Hugo Ellis, who has already scored 4 tries, comes in from Newport Gwent Dragons. Experienced backs Matt Heeks  no 9 from London Scottish and Paul Mackey centre from London Welsh have also signed.

Goal kicking fly half Sam Katz, who has just had an impressive season at Loughborough Students has moved, no doubt giving Rosslyn Park some excellent cover for legendary goal kicker Ross Laidlaw.

Existing members of the squad cannot be ignored with Ed Lewis-Pratt at full back and leading try scorer wing Neville Edwards. Former London Welsh centre Dom Shabbo is also one to watch, as is flanker Harry Rowland, whose partnership with Hugo Ellis is reaping dividends.

With both sides seemingly able to score tries another high scoring but close encounter is expected. For fans travelling to Roehampton please note the kick-off is at 2.30 pm.

The Coventry Rugby and Rosslyn Park teams will be announced as soon as available on the website.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office

Coventry Rugby v Rosslyn Park match preview and teams.

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 24/09/2012 18:11

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
24/09/2012 18:11

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