Photo By Nick Meredith.

By Tom Little.
February 25 2014

Match previews including Fylde v Coventry Rugby.

Week 24 - Round 24 Saturday 1^st March fixtures.

Blackheath                                v          Cinderford

Doncaster Knights                    v         Blaydon

Fylde                                           v        Coventry Rugby

Loughborough Students         v         Rosslyn Park

Old Albanian                             v         Henley Hawks

Tynedale                                    v        Esher

Wharfedale                               v        Richmond

Worthing Raiders                     v        Hull Ionians

Only 7 games left to play for most teams with still promotion to be decided but now down to a straight choice between Doncaster Knights and Rosslyn Park whilst the three relegation places could still involve no less than the bottom 8 sides, although effectively Hull Ionians could be relegated after this Saturday’s results.

A month ago the fixture between leaders Doncaster Knights and Blaydon would have promised a full blown battle. However, since then the form tide has swung against the visitors with them having lost their last 2 games and a home draw, which suggests that Doncaster with their 100% home record will find this an easier contest than first expected. A win for Doncaster is crucial for them to maintain their lead over Rosslyn Park.

Rosslyn Park likewise face a potentially easier fixture than first expected as they travel to Loughborough Students. The Students who have now lost their last three games have been sucked into the relegation mix; they need to be on top of their game to get even a point out of this game, as they are only 9 points ahead of safety. The greater experience and tactical awareness of the Rosslyn Park side should prove decisive as a win is needed to keep pressure on the leaders.

A more evenly matched contest is in prospect at the Woodlands as third placed Fylde have fourth placed Coventry Rugby as their visitors. Fylde will be looking to avenge their earlier season reverse at Coventry, whilst Coventry Rugby will be looking for their third consecutive victory which could see them exchange positions with Fylde into third place. A more detailed match preview will follow at the end of this general preview.

There is another intriguing tie as Tynedale entertain fourth placed Esher. The home side have now won 5 out of their last 7 games, which at long last has taken them out of the relegation zone and up to 12^th place. However, even so they are still only 3 points from safety, as they face an Esher side whose form since Christmas has been patchy. A must win for the home side if they want to maintain their recent progress, but they do have a powerful enough pack to overcome the Esher side.

Wharfedale another side that has struggled recently face Richmond, who have won 3 out of 4 games and were very close to winning or drawing away at Coventry Rugby last Saturday. Richmond showed in that game that they are a very well drilled side and should be strong enough to gain a close win which should remove any lingering dangers of relegation.

Henley Hawks whose recent form has seen them slump into the second relegation spot after a bright start to the season travel to Old Albanian, who are now surely safe. Form suggests that it should be a home win for the St. Albans side which would then leave newly promoted Henley in a precarious league position.

It is another crucial game at the Rectory Field as Blackheath take on Cinderford. The only form guide we have for Cinderford is their impressive bonus point home win last week over a weakened Blaydon side, due in no small measure to a clinical back division. However in Blackheath, they will find a team in form and capable of matching most sides both in forwards and backs. This result could be a close call but Blackheath’s home advantage might just shave it for them. An important game for both sides especially Cinderford as they look to escape the final relegation spot.

The final game sees two of this season’s promoted sides battling it out to avoid relegation as Worthing Raiders entertain bottom side Hull Ionians. Defeat by the Ionians this Saturday could seal their fate so in some ways it is a more important game for the home side. If Worthing can get their somewhat porous defence frailties sorted out to go with their undoubted try scoring ability then they could get the win which could move them further away than their existing one point from safety. A must win for Worthing Raiders but Hull Ionians have recently shown that they can still surprise teams so no complacency can be shown.

Fylde v Coventry Rugby match preview Saturday 1^st March 2014.

This Saturday 1^st March Coventry Rugby travel to the north-west to take on Fylde at the Woodlands, kick off 3pm. Current league positions show that this is effectively a battle for third place as the present incumbent Fylde could be overtaken by fifth placed Coventry Rugby with a bonus point win.

Founded in 1919 Fylde, based on the north-West Lancashire coast have a rich history in both the International and Lancashire County scene.

Under Head Coach Mark Nelson and coaching help by iconic lock Paul Arnold and former England Coach Brian Ashton, Fylde believe in a fast off-leading style from all areas of the pitch. This style has brought them no fewer than 15 try bonus points the highest in the league with 87 tries scored compared to Coventry’s 76.

Promoted back to National League 1 three seasons ago they finished an excellent 4^th place, second season syndrome set in last season with them finishing 6^th on 91 points with 17 wins compared to Coventry Rugby’s 9^th place , 72 points and 13 wins.

This season Fylde are currently third with 14 wins and 9 losses and 75 points, compared to Coventry’s fifth place with 15 wins and 8 losses and 72 points. Their home record has been impressive with only an early season loss to Worthing Raiders to blemish their record, and home wins include an unbeaten record over the other top four sides, Doncaster Knights, Rosslyn Park and Esher. However, their away form has not been so impressive leaving Fylde in third place, despite almost beating leaders Doncaster Knights away.

To go with their try scoring style they have Oli Brennand as leading try scorer with 15 together with lock Paul Arnold on 12, suggesting that it is a whole team effort and ability to score tries.

Last season Fylde managed the double over Coventry Rugby with no more than one score between the sides, this season however at the BPA Coventry turned on their own running style denying and tackling Fylde out of the game with a try bonus point win by 32-5.

As usual with Fylde they have had a very settled side for some seasons with little movement in and out. Lock Gareth Gore has arrived from Preston Grasshoppers and hooker Mark Rylance from Caldy.

Many key players were retained including influential and leading goal-kicking fly-half Chris Johnson, with experienced scrum- halfs Ryan De La Harpe and Martin Wallwork. The speedy backs include brothers Steve and Chris Briers at centre, with wingers Oli Brennand and Ben Rath able to finish off games. Full-back Olly Viney has caused Coventry Rugby plenty of problems in the past and in Warren Spragg, Scott Barlow and Charles Hough they have an experienced trio of utility backs.

The forwards cannot be ignored, especially that of captain and lock Paul Arnold renowned for his try scoring ability and refereeing qualities. A solid front row has props Simon Griffiths and Dan Birchall with hooker Tom Burtonwood. A very impressive back row includes flanker Ben Vernon, Steve McGinnis, Evan Stewart and Sam Beaumont.

A very difficult game to predict in view of a possible contrast of styles and Fylde’s impressive home record. If the home side can get enough possession and Coventry are unable to close them down, well Coventry Rugby are in for a long afternoon. However if Coventry Rugby can play as they did against them at The Butts Park Arena they could cause an upset.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office

25^th February 2014.

National league 1 week 24 Saturday - 1st March 2014...

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 25/02/2014 11:58

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
25/02/2014 11:58

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