By Kimbo
March 14 2021

TWO GAMES INTO a short season, and things are already taking shape at the BPA and elsewhere.

New boys Saracens had an uncomfortable welcoming party in the deep south-west on weekend one, with the Cornish home side not playing to the script, to send the Londoners back home stung and pointless. Their success this weekend will have steadied nerves somewhat, but they still have ground to make up on early runaway leaders Ealing. Championship DoRs will have taken note of Sarries' stumbling forward displays over pre-season and are certainly targetting that aspect of their play. It's an area that the erstwhile European Champions need to, and will, target for marked improvement over the coming weeks.

The Trailfinders outfit set their stall out rather convincingly for the second time on the bounce with an emphatic and clinical demolition of Ampthill to build on their early win over Nottingham. A 'for' aggregate of 106 and a points-difference of 97 is certainly convincing enough, but they'll face tougher challenges.

Pirates have tucked themselves in very handily right behind Ealing, and will be sharpening their cutlasses in anticipation of that match-up. Dropping just the one point against the notional favourites for promotion has certainly done their credentials no harm at all.

Moving on to the perceived also-rans of this very odd shapeless season, Doncaster Knights made hard work in round one of overcoming an unfancied Ampthill who almost made them pay, pulling up just short of the victory rostrum. Maybe it was enough to wake the Knights from their early-season torpor, as it was a very different Donny that faced up to Coventry Rugby on Friday evening.

Despite the almost inevitable try from Nic Dolly early in the proceedings, the home side ramped things up for the remainder of the first half and went into the sheds comfortably up by 20 points to seven having had the benefit of the wind, some kind breaks in the front row, and an even kinder bounce paving the way for a try out wide.

Too much for the comeback?

Not a bit of it.

With the benefit of the elements and a rejuvenated pack – with Phil Boulton evidently enjoying life – two further tries brought the visitors back to within a point. Only the width of the post prevented a Fenner conversion, and with it the possibility of the four points. And it could have been five had a vital wing pass not been adjudged forward. Who knows?

Much will have been taken from the final forty minutes, with Cov throwing the ball about with an abandon not seen thus far, and two fine tries resulted.

That man Dolly was again instumental in the first, laying off a perfectly timed pass for Ben Nutley to dot down to the left of the posts, while replacement inside half Joe Snow threw an outrageous lob for Stevenson to crash in at the other corner.

Much to work on before next Friday then, but the signs are promising.

Bedford opened their account with a solid win over Hartpury at Goldington Road, doing just enough to sneak into sixth place above Cov on points-difference.

At the basement end of the table, Ampthill, as mentioned, felt the rough edge of Ealing's resolve, thus failing to build on their promise of a week earlier, leaving them four points adrift of Cov, on one.

Jersey remain on zero from one game, as do Nottingham, with Richmond separating the pair, having no points form two, but with a slightly favourable points deficit over their north midlands bottom-dwellers.

A fairly intriguing start to the season then, and lots to look forward to.

Ealing will be very happy. Sarries not so much. And one or two sides will probably be very happy there is no relegation this term.

Points Mean Prizes

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 14/03/2021 12:43

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
14/03/2021 12:43

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:03:18:13:48:22 by Kimbo.

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HoboAl
14/03/2021 17:43

I watched Richmond v Pirates yesterday. Although Pirates had the upper hand most of the game in difficult windy conditions - it was no walk in the park. Richmond kept them in touching distance most of the game and were unlucky.

It was noticeable Pirates were very good at stopping Richmond from delivering quick ball, tap and go and building momentum.

We had for instance a physio demanding more time. Tbey snatched ball and started an attack-oh was pemalty against us ref? Ref stopped Richmond quick attack because playsrs demanding explanation of the decision. Pirates continually getting hands on ball when penalty awarded against them.

A continual theme wth Pirates I have noticed since we have been back in Championship. Pirates are a very good side who like to 'innocently' push the boundaries of fair play.

Bruzulier looked quality at no 9 for Pirates.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2021:03:14:17:54:01 by HoboAl.

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