By John Wilkinson, Coventry Telegraph.
December 16 2013

Injury-hit Coventry will be looking to add to their second row options before Saturday’s trip to Cinderford after a 39-30 defeat at National League One leaders Doncaster .

Head coach Scott Morgan, who came into the side when Danny Wright turned an ankle at training on Thursday night, was forced off by a hamstring problem after just 25 minutes at Castle Park, leaving Tom Poole as the only fit recognised lock at the club.

Flanker Brett Daynes moved into the second row for the rest of the game, which saw Cov – who also have problems in the back row with Jacques Le Roux, Liam Munro and Sam Pailor all out injured – race into a 20-5 lead in 18 minutes before succumbing to a strong second-half performance by Doncaster.

“I’m really proud of the boys,” said Morgan. “We’ve been stretched this week with injuries, and I couldn’t have asked for more from anyone than they gave today.

“They gave a really solid account of themselves and showed at times how dangerous we can be, but the basic foundation was not where it needed to be and we were always struggling for a platform.

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Cov looking to boost second row options

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 16/12/2013 18:59

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
16/12/2013 18:59

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Nige H
16/12/2013 21:43

But surely we have always been susceptible in this area this season. From the start of the season, whilst we could see strength in depth in some areas, particularly the backs, it was obvious we only had 3 recognised 2nd rows, 1of which was obviously only going to play a only bit part (Morgan). So unless we were extremely lucky, we were always at risk of this happening, and now it has. It can't really be suggested that 1 injured 2nd row from the original squad at the start of the season is an injury 'crisis'.
Unfortunately in this instance I don't think we recruited enough 2nd rows to allow for the normal injuries we will inevitably sustain throughout a normal tough season.

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covkid53
16/12/2013 22:05

Unfortunately cover costs money....

One or two injuries are one thing but multiple key player losses are too much for our finances.

Luck be a lady for one season please !

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tom snr
16/12/2013 22:25

There is also the difficulty in finding the correct lock.

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OldNick
16/12/2013 22:28

While I am sure the club doesn't have money to burn, recent crowds will have helped significantly with the financial problem.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:12:16:22:29:37 by OldNick.

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Nige H
16/12/2013 23:18

I absolutely appreciate its a fine balance of having enough, but not too many players. I guess my point was that starting the season with 2 and a half locks was never going too see us through a whole season. Especially when you compare it to the FH position where we have 4 players who could do the job at decent levels, 3 of which have been 'first choice' at various points in the last season and a half.

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Bono546
17/12/2013 06:53

Don't forget we had the Worcester connection at the start of season and they had provided a lock Harry Casson. Saw him play in Jersey. So we did have cover

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Nige H
17/12/2013 08:57

Bono.. That's a very fair point, I forgot the worcs connection fell through.. But shhhh dont tell anyone we can't get worcs players anymore, it's a secret. ;-)

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Kimbo
17/12/2013 10:46

That's what you get when you climb into bed with the devil.

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tom snr
17/12/2013 11:34

Harry Casson is now playing for !!! wait for it- Cindeford

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w lippert
17/12/2013 20:52

It would appear that since 'tyasgate' the Worcester link has been severed.

This particular chicken is now coming home to roost. As has been said previously we have 4 players for every position 9-15 and I can only assume that Worcester was seen as providing cover for 1-8 should the need arise.

Now that option appears not to be possible?

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zinzanh
17/12/2013 21:10

Well ok then, cometh the hour!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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