By David Hibell
November 22 2004

Bristol continued their recent run of fine form with a demolition of Coventry, seven tries to one, reaching the four key objectives for the end of the month in the one game, and going top of the league. Richard Hill said after the match “The attitude today was brilliant. When the side is playing well, there is a danger that they relax and think that all they’ve got to do is turn up.”
“The most pleasing thing for me was that the attitude was absolutely spot on before the game, they were all up for it and really wanted to put a big score on Coventry today.”
“When you’re top of the league, extra pressure comes with it and I was interested to see how they’d handle it. There seems to be no problem with it!”
“It was 15 man rugby. Excellent forward power, some good handling, excellent fitness as well. We kept the pace of the game up and, just before half time, you could see three or four Coventry players on the ground as they just couldn’t live with that pace.”

The corresponding fixture last season finished 26-25 but such a close result was never in question today as Bristol blew away their Midlands rivals.

Ironically though, Coventry had the chance to take the lead in the very first minute when Joe El Abd was just in front of Ross Blake’s box kick but Matt Leek missed a very kickable penalty.

It was to prove costly as Jason Strange moved play into the Coventry half with a great clearance.

Coventry tried to maul the ball away but turned the ball over. Ross Blake popped the ball up to Rob Higgitt who broke the initial line of defence before being faced with 4 defenders. A quick sidestep and burst of acceleration and Higgitt was away and over the line for a great try. Strange converted for a 7-0 lead after 4 minutes.

Leek narrowed the gap with a 7th minute penalty after Bristol were penalised at a ruck before Bristol struck again.

Clean lineout ball was driven forward and Ross Blake made the initial break down the blindside. The ball went right then left and Matt Salter put Ed Pearce into a gap on the 22 in midfield and the big second row went in untouched. 14-3 after 9 minutes.

Strange added an 18th minute penalty to open up a 17-3 gap before “People’s Player” Bernardo Stortoni inspired the 3rd try.

He gathered a Coventry clearance and returned it with interest. Sean Marsden and Joe El Abd were involved before Luke Nabaro found space. The winger waited for support and popped the ball up for Ross Blake to dive over in the corner. 24-3.

Higgitt was so nearly in for a second on the half hour but was hauled down just short. Coventry gave away a penalty in desperation which Strange converted. 27-3.

As the game went into first half injury time, Bristol went for the bonus point and Coventry resorted to penalties to keep the Shoguns at bay.

Prop Kisi Pulu was yellow carded and Bristol took full advantage with a fine catch and drive with Darren Crompton claiming the score. 34-3 at half time.

The second half took a while to get going with Coventry showing greater resolve and Bristol guilty of a little over elaboration at times.

Coventry were hanging on but had to live on the edge in order to do so and captain Gareth Gravel laws the next to see yellow on 48 minutes.

The Shoguns promptly stepped it up a gear and Jim Brownrigg and Ollie Hodge both desperately close but were denied by scrambling defence.

Richard Hill started to make changes on 57 minutes and, within a minute, the Shoguns scored again.

Bristol drove from the lineout and Bernardo Stortoni made the break, standing up despite a shuddering hit from Dan Farini. The ball was spun out to Jason Strange who dummied his way through a gap and under the posts. 41-3.

Six minutes later, Marko Stanojevic gave Dave Hilton room to rumble 15 metres and, when the ball was released right, Sean Marsden gave Bernardo Stortoni room to cross on the right. 48-3.

Coventry responded with a breakaway of their own. Craig Richards made good ground down the right before kicking cross field only for the support to knock on at the foot of the Bristol posts.

The replacements were starting to stake a claim for more action and a Danny Gray cross kick for Marko Stanojevic bounced agonisingly into touch in goal with the winger unmarked.

The final Bristol score came on 79 minutes as Stortoni fielded a clearance, Danny Gray and Rob Higgitt showed great sleight of hand before the centre popped the ball up for Jim Brownrigg to dive over. 53-3.

The one surprise at this stage was that Bristol allowed Coventry to cross the line as Farini put through a nice grubber kick and Paul Jones scored. Cull converted to make the final score 53-10.

An awesome effort at times with the pack turning over so much Coventry ball and the half backs using it superbly.

There could have been several other scores and it was amazing to see the bench so annoyed at chances going begging even with 40+ points on the board.

There is great competition for places at the moment. Sam Cox came in because Jon Pritchard strained a hamstring and promptly turned in a Man of the Match performance.

There are signs that this squad is starting to gel but there is obviously more to come.

Exciting times indeed!

Bristol Shoguns
Alex Clarke (Dave Hilton ,61 mins), Saul Nelson, Darren Crompton, Ed Pearce, Ollie Hodge (Chris Morgan ,57 mins), Matt Salter (Sean Fox ,66 mins), Joe El Abd, Jim Brownrigg , Ross Blake (Greg Nicholls ,65 mins), Jason Strange (Danny Gray ,65 mins), Luke Nabaro (Marko Stanojevic ,57 mins), Sam Cox, Rob Higgitt, Sean Marsden, Bernardo Stortoni.
Replacements
Greg Nicholls (65 mins), Danny Gray (65 mins), Marko Stanojevic (57 mins), Dave Hilton (61 mins), Neil Clark, Chris Morgan (57 mins), Sean Fox (66 mins),