By Kimbo
May 29 2021

WITH, AT THE time of beginning this, a couple of Championship issues awaiting resolution, we at least know Cov's fate at the rump end of this very, very odd season.

Having domestic duties to perform (in the shape of ferrying my 90 year old mum to the house for her birthday lunch), the slightly-delayed Athletic Ground kick-off came and went without my eyes on it, and indeed several scores eluded me too with the hosts already having crossed twice, and Buzz chipping in with his first of the afternoon for Cov.

When I finally tuned in, the deficit was quickly overturned with a well-worked (and well-overdue for the lad) Lous Brown try under the sticks, which, improved by the immaculate-on-the-day Tony Fenner, turned a losing position into a 12-14 lead.

Richmond are certainly no mugs though, and on their home turf in the sun were determined to make the visitors scrap for every point, and although Cov increased their lead close to the break with a beauty from Peters, it was never easy.

And that was underlined a couple of minutes after the restart when a solid Richmond maul resulted in a converted try, and a gap which had closed to a decidedly uncomfortable two points.

However, Cov were in no mood to be suckered and returned the compliment three minutes later with Burrows being guided over by his front-line compadres, and with Fenner once again imperious the lead was restored to a slightly more acceptable 19-28, and the bonus point confirmed.

Cov continued to attack from deep, with Louis Brown always a major threat even if he was being more closely shadowed than in the opening stages, although the old frailties still existed with line-outs not always going to hand, combined with some attritional ruck play by the uncompromising Richmond back row in particular.

A long Richmond penalty on the hour pulled the scoreline back to within a converted try at 22-28, but that was the last time the home side threatened to upset the odds, and Cov, with both sides now ringing the personnel changes, simply powered on.

Jeannot crashed over on 62 minutes, followed by a sumptuously-worked score for Josh Barton after seventy, and Cov were home and dry and had confirmed their fifth-place finish to the season.

Six tries, six conversions, and five points are probably as much as could be expected, but somehow I was left wanting slightly more.

Greedy, I know.

Elsewhere, Jersey sneaked home with a 32-31 win over Cornish Pirates, with the losers gaining a couple of bonus points and pulling slightly ahead of Cov in the table. Oh for that Fenner kick at Doncaster going over instead of striking the woodwork eh, meaning fourth place ahead of the Pirates – but if, if, if...

Bedford prevailed over neighbours Ampthill by thirty two to twenty eight, restoring a little pride, and allowing Jersey to sneak in above Ampthill in the standings. They'll be delighted by that (Jersey, not the Ampthill Mob).

Saracens of course were denied their opportunity to go top by that bounder Covid, but I expect it's only a temporary blip in their upwards trajectory.

And one final game persists as I write. It has no bearing on anything much apart from Yorkshire Pride, but currently stands at Doncaster 7-7 Nottingham. Can Nottingham pull off a shock?

We'll see.

Stop Press: Maybe not as Doncaster ease into a 14-7 lead! 

Going Out in Style

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 29/05/2021 17:16

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
29/05/2021 17:16

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:06:11:18:01:50 by Kimbo.

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HoboAl
29/05/2021 17:24

Nice write up Kimbo and yes the Fenner kick at Doncaster - but that is sport.

It as Rowland keeps saying been a 10 game pre season for next year. Hope we get some of the loans back or even on a permanent deal? Promising stuff, form stuttered on occassions. But I thought the only real disapointing performance was against Pirates. A game where we just couldnt seem to get going. I think we we ate capable of beating Doncaster and Pirates on our day. Just need to bridge up to the Ealing level. Fine margins that are in reach.

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Kimbo
29/05/2021 17:40

And Nottingham draw level at 14-14...

Edit: And now lead 21-14. Upset on the cards?
Edit: Now 24-24.
Edit: Now D29-24N (80th minute - now FT).



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 2021:05:29:18:21:30 by Kimbo.

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Kimbo
29/05/2021 18:02

As much as i don't like the over-used DR/Loan system, under the current circumstances it's worked well for us.
However, i'd love to see some of them converted to permanent signings, particularly Sam Lewis and maybe Sam A-R too, but I don't know how realistic that would be given the amount of income lost over this season.
Cameron Jordan would be an automatic pick too, but I get the impression he's going nowhere, along with Nicky Butt.
It'll be fun seeing how it pans out though.

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HoboAl
29/05/2021 19:32

I dont have a problem with half season loans or full season loans. It is how players develop. What I object to is the Hartpury system, when in trouble they bring in a load of Gloucester players - some playing in Gloucesters first team the following week.

If you loan them out for development fine - dont loan them to save another teams bacon and skew the form.

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covkid53
31/05/2021 14:57

At the end of two very disruptive and different seasons, I am very happy the team have quickly established themselves mid table. It gives us a hope things can build and build into a promotion charge in a few years.
Well done Cov on getting there and staying there 😁

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mick Tombs
01/06/2021 07:55

They are very lucky having such a loyal fan to support them and give them your full backing Cov kid 53.

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covkid53
05/06/2021 20:25

[quote mick Tombs]They are very lucky having such a loyal fan to support them and give them your full backing Cov kid 53.[/quote

I wouldn't say that, because I do get properly grumpy at times, but at nearly 70, I think it's age related. (I still remember the good ol' days).

I will continue to do my bit by supporting the club via the lottery and attend games when I can 😊

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