Latest Coventrians RFC News

2012-01-18T16:57:00.002Z

ATTENTION!!!

Covents young and old, across the globe.

We have a new website so please click here

or use the following website address

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/coventrians/

We hope to transfer all photos etc across to what should be a much better site and feature a guestbook.

2012-01-14T10:20:00.005Z

Haydon and Neil who shared 35 points and 35 stone

COVENTRIANS 35 - 8 COPSEWOOD

Saturday was a day for muscular forward play, flexing of biceps, firsts and records. We have a good league record v Copsewood and yet they're perennial Covents party poopers who normally slug it out in tight, turgid affairs and lose out narrowly at the end. Not so yesterday as the fat boys turned up the heat in the Covents' kitchen and produced a convincing victory that sees us sit proudly, 9 points clear at the top of the pile.

The writing was on the wall in the 11th minute when Raging Bull Neil Walters went on the rampage through 5 defenders from the half way line and dotted under the posts for prop Haydon Clarke to convert 7-0. On 14 minutes, Kev Walters' alarm didn't go off and he hit their No 10 late-ish leaving him dazed and confused but luckily no yellow card. Copsewood potted the resulting penalty for dissent to make the score 7-3.

On 32 minutes, from a Copsewood scrum on their line, Covents shoved, got ball and from the resulting tapped penalty, Big Neil dotted with Haydon converting for 14-3. Five minutes later, on our line, credit to Copsewood who shoved our sleepy forwards over for a score to take us into the break 14-8.

On 46 minutes, Big Neil again, from a scrum on the 22 went over unopposed (through the tacklers white flags) and yes, Haydon slotted for 21-8. The 50th minute saw exactly the same combination (zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz) Big Neil / Haydon take the score to 28-8 and then in 67th minute Groundhog Day struck again as Big Neil scored his fifth try from No 8 and Haydon converted for 35-8. At this point Bopper took Neil off as a quick glance through the Warks RFU handbook had shown that 6 tries meant 2 jugs, a curry for each of the team, a new dishwasher for his missus and Neil having to decorate the clubhouse. The only thing that happened in the remaining 15 minutes was for Donk to knock on like a big girl when the whitewash beckoned and George receive a yellow card with about 17 seconds left. So, we are a one man team then ....

So now to the records and firsts.

Surely a record for a No 8 and a prop to share 35 points? 5 tries and 5 conversions each respectively - answer on a postcard please.

Firsts; I've never seen our No 10 (Tom Gough) start the game with an Alice band and hair modelled on the Fonz but heyyyyy, sit on it Cunningham, it could catch on.

I've never seen our coach wear a tie in the opposing team's colours but fair play Bops, you were less grouchy.

I've never been debagged (trousers and boxers) in front of the club president and the president of the Warks RFU - thanks Sean, I nearly had someone's eye out. Why Woz found it so funny I'll never know but BIG things amuse little minds and if our winning run continues, we'll all be smiling.

Quick mention to the second team who had their visas stamped and went over the border to the badlands of Atherstone and lost 50-19 - I'm afraid I don't know our scorers.

2012-01-08T20:27:00.000Z

What a great day/night at the club on Saturday (what a crap morning on Sunday). It was great to welcome back 2 of our own in Martin Harrington (over from New Zealand) and Alun Morrall (over from Kansas). Also good to see Golly, Jim Parkes and Tony Supa among others - a messy session ensued with past and present Covents living it up big time - the evening was topped off with some lively singing (led by Father Francis P) and a naked lap of the pitch by skipper Deej. Pity the cleaners and count the takings, Coventrians boys were out on the p*ss again!

Oh the firsts lost away at Broadstreet 2nds 3-43 and Covents 2nds played in a great game only just losing 19-21 to Broadstreet 4ths.

2011-12-23T22:03:00.002Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR

to all Covents past and present!

2011-12-17T12:46:00.008Z

TRINITY GUILD 0 - 31 COVENTRIANS Mids 5 West South

Covents established a 4 point lead at the top of Mids 5 West South with a convincing win at 2nd place Trinity Guild. This was their third consecutive win without conceding a point while scoring 101 points of their own.

Yes I'm having problems (again) with this useless, clumsy piece of crap website but no matter - yesterday's scorers Neil Walters 3, Rohan Aitken 1 and Flying Warthog Lawrence Goddard's deadly carpet slipper with 4 cons and a pen accounted for the Guild - cue coach Bopper,

"Well done to everyone who put a COVENTRIANS shirt on yesterday; I am very proud of all of you and you should be proud or yourselves,defended like lions and hunted like a pack of wolves."

Praise too to the 2nd team who had a great win 31 - 10 against AEI Rugby!

Saturday 3rd December 2011

2011-12-03T11:42:00.005Z

COVENTRIANS 36 - 0 STOKE OLD BOYS

Blue Power Demolishes Plucky Old Boys

Stoke Old Boys were dismantled by Covents' physical power at a sunny but chilly Black Pad as we welcomed prodigal son Neil Walters back from his Kansas sojourn and in the 6th minute he made his muscular presence felt, picking up in Stoke's 22 and bullocking through 5 tackles to touch down under the sticks. The flying warthog converted in his carpet slippers and we were underway at 7 - 0.

In the 25th minute, from a penalty, Tom (amazingly not so grumpy today) Gough got hold of pill weaved through from about 20 yards and despite much maroon and white company, stretched and dotted down on the whitewash for 12 - 0. Warthog did the honours for 14 - 0. Three minutes later came the champagne moment of the match - Rohan chipped a kick up the right wing and as he set off to follow, Stoke's 16 nudged him out (without the ball) and did his own ha ha ha hamstring - as he limped from the fray we were, of course, very sympathetic.

In the second half, on 53 minutes, Warthog slotted for 17 - 0 and we all thought, great platform, Stoke are knackered, cue cricket score - not a bit of it - Stoke rallied and proceeded to go on a camping holiday in our 22 for what must have been at least 18 minutes. Time and time again they attacked through their host of fatties and time and time again we repelled all borders - there were one or two curious decisions from an increasingly stressful man in green but his temper wasn't helped by 007 lookalike Trevor Roberts (complete with black tie and cumberband fresh from an all nighter at Rainbows) howling advise from the windy touch line.

Our stout defence paid dividends in the 73rd minute as Incredible Hulk Neil Walters once again clutched the pill in his bear like mitts and strode forward like a bull in a china shop. Breaking two tackles and a lot of crockery he put Tom Gough in the corner for 22 - 0. Warthog's kick was like a wet fart in a gale and we didn't add any extras. Yes, I know what you're asking and yes it came in the 79th minute - Rohan got hold of it in his own 22 and set off like Billy Whizz - scorching mazily past 3 defenders he sent the 4th into the middle of next week with a booming hand off and dived in under the posts for 27 - 0. Warthog polished his slipper and slotted for 29 - 0.

So the game was up then? Not on your Nelly and Nelly it was who broke Stoke hearts by once again rampaging forward, in the 83rd minute, through the thin maroon line from halfway and finishing under the posts. Did he flop down in triumph? No, he popped it to a startled Tom Gough (on his shoulder) to ensure 34 - 0 and a hat trick jug from Tom. Smart boys these Number 8 forwards. Warthog did the honours and the ref brought to an end a rather accomplished 36 - 0 victory against deflated but spirited opposition.

So that's 70 points garnered in two games without reply and it was only later, in the clubhouse that we realised that we had actually reached the summit of Mids 5 West South and now sat proudly as table toppers. Many an experienced rugby eye turned to coach Bopper whose 15 minute cameo from the bench may have resembled Captain Mainwaring with lumbago but obviously was a game turning quarter of an hour that not only sealed victory but also shot us to the top like an over excited champagne cork on a formula 1 rostrum. Long may we remain there!

The celebrations were complete in the bar when some of us older farts welcomed Ken Bulldog, Vicar Hitter, the spillage Millidge back to the Covents' fold - lovely to share a couple of pints and old stories with him to round off a great Coventrians RFC day.

2011-10-21T12:49:00.005+01:00

Coventry Tech 0 -34 Coventrians Mids 5 West South

Covents thumped old rivals Cov Tech 34-0 at Mitchell Ave today with tries from Rohan 2, Scrappy (Stu Kirk), Donk (Gavin Ballard) and George. Haydon Clarke landed a penalty and 2 conversions with Scrappy sending one conversion over.

The second team beat Old Wheats' 2nds 25-17 to complete a good day for the club.

2011-10-08T13:42:00.003+01:00

COVENTRIANS 20 - 28 WELLESBOURNE Mids 5 West South KO

Coventrians lost a league game for the first time this season and their points scorers were Ben Davies and Rohan Aitken (tries) with Jason Ryan landing 2 conversions and 2 penalties. Rohan's try was his 50th in league rugby for Covents in only 7 seasons so many congratulations - jug time next week!

The second team lost 39 - 0.

2011-10-01T10:58:00.003+01:00

Copsewood 10 - 11 Coventrians Mids 5 West (South)

Our league record v Copsewood is P6 W4 L2. Add to this our record v GEC & GPT and it is P8 W4 L4.

2011-09-17T10:09:00.007+01:00

Dave Bailey contemplating the night before and 80 hard minutes ....

COVENTRIANS 9 - 3 WARWICKIAN - Mids West 5 (South)

Covents kick off their league season today and our record v Warwickian in league fixtures is P12 W10 L2 add to that our record against them when they were Old Warwickians P19 W8 L11 gives us P31 W18 L13.

Our first ever league fixture v Old Warwickians was in our first and championship winning Warks 3 season on the 10th October 1987 when we went down 10-9 away in very controversial circumstances Clayton Flick weighing in with a try, penalty and conversion.

A Win's a Win

So says the old adage and the paper will say so on Wednesday too but make no mistake about it, this was more Atherstone High St than the Champs-Elysees with Covents finally coming out on top in a scruffy, at times ugly, scrappy arm wrestle that was not helped by an inept and completely curious performance by the man in yellow, holding a whistle. In fact it was credit to both teams that there wasn't a mass bout of handbags as Covents and Ws were left frequently frustrated by a failure to penalize the many obvious transgressions.

Warwickian took charge in the early exchanges and spent time near our line but sloppy handling meant they couldn't cash in. After 7 minutes winger Tom Evans left the field injured and Jason Platt (Jeff's lad) was fetched from the second team game to take his place. 5 minutes later, Ben Davies slotted a penalty in front for a 3 - 0 lead. This woke Covents up a bit and Rohan went on a trademark scorch down the left wing but as the Ws know him well, he was never alone in the match with seemingly everyone in maroon wanting to scrag him.

A word here about Dong and the Kerseley contingent - we were shouting "get your head down me cock" not "down on me ...." (you get the drift)

Back to scrappy forward play then and Vallis decided he'd had enough of the Ws forwards at a ruck so became the heaviest human torpedo in the world and sent one back to last week but was penalised for being off his head .... Errr I mean feet. After 20 mins, Ws were all over us like a cheap suit and twice we had to ground ball behind our line but repelled them all the same. Ws did finally achieve parity with a penalty and went in at half time 3 - 3.

Not much else to report until the 60th minute when charging warthog Lawrence stunned everyone by putting in a deft little kick mid gallop (who's been watching the World Cup then?) which nearly put Rohan in. On 64 minutes though we took the lead when Jason Ryan slotted a beauty for 6 - 3. This was about the time when the blue and white pack started to take control up front and this was celebrated by a bullocking wildebeest charge which gained about 15 yards but no points. It did however leave skipper Deej and Dave Bailey staggering and asking what day it was - not helped in Dave's case by a fairly liquid Friday night and no sleep. Who said we don't prepare properly for games?

On 70 minutes Jason again slotted for 9 - 3 and a minute later, Steve Vallis, sensing glory from a tap penalty set off on a charge but unfortunately there were still players from both sides on the floor exchanging phone numbers so Grumpy Gough tapped it out of his own player's hands to do the job properly. This only serves to underline what Mrs Vallis has always said about Steve being somewhat premature.

So the game started to draw to a close and Covents were very lucky not to concede when Ws thought they'd gone over in the corner - not grounded was the reason it wasn't given but it could've meant 5 points or worse - still, awarded it wasn't and that left us one more moment to savour with Grumpy Gough claiming Tit of the Match when attempting to take a high ball with all the time in the world. Hands out, feet apart, somehow it bounced and zipped straight through his legs with Goughy looking totally perplexed - done through the gate by Shane Warne's flipper much to the amusement of every single person on or near the ground.

The whistle finally blew and a tough tussle for supremacy came to an end. The handshakes were firm and the much improved Warwickian boys stayed for a few pints. It wasn't all doom and gloom though because this was the first time we'd won our first league game of the season since 23rd September 2006 17 - 8 away at Atherstone and also stretches our unbeaten league run this season to one game. It's something to build on and with the numbers that are training currently (25 plus) we can only move forward.

Just a quick mention for the 2nds who played a strong Cov Tech side on the bottom pitch and ran out gallant 32 - 10 losers. Great to see so many bodies in the club post match!

2011-09-04T11:38:00.005+01:00

Coventrians 38 - 10 Dunlop 2nds

Welcome to the 2011/12 season and good it was to be back at HQ as Covents kicked their season off in style with a thumping win against neighbours Dunlop's second team.

With a second team ourselves playing away at Barkers Butts (going down 32-0 to a very strong Vets side) it seems we're on the cusp of a good year bodycount-wise and after last year's struggle to put out one team, to see 25 training regularly is fantastic! Remember - if you want 1st team - get yo ass to training mother!

So to yesterday's game and Covents took an early lead when BIG, new No 8 'Dong' crashed over from close in with Ben Davies converting for 7-0. After 14 minutes, Ben again attacked up the right wing and facing Dunlop's buffalo (only bigger) winger we could hardly look, thinking Ben would be be snapped like a matchstick but he threw out an outrageous dummy to Rohan that sent Bluto and 4 of his teamates onto the railway (much to our loud and vocal amusement) and him in for a delicious score which he duly converted for 14-0.

On 31 minutes, the flying warthog (aka Lawrence) sporting 2 new stones of weight finally listened to my coaching of the last 3 years, straightened up, bludgeoned through 5 tackles and like Moses, parted the waves of Dunlop defenders for a great score with again, Ben converting for 21-0.

No display (such as this) would be complete without Rohan's customary try and he didn't disappoint as scorching up the touch he dotted down with Ben once again slotting. So 28-0 at half time and all was well. This actually gave me the opportunity to register a first after 27 years at Covents - armed with a plastic cup I removed a fox turd from the playing area. How did I know? Well it tasted pretty much vulpine to me ....

To the second half and on 45, Dunlop's buffalo went over in the corner but when the flag is flattened before the ball dots down it's pretty certain to be a foot in touch but yes, you've guessed it, that side was patrolled by their touch judge so 28-5 it was. 5 minutes later, after Rohan skinned the buffalo, our touch judge showed how it's done by waving for a gnat's willy on the line but fair's fair.

On 53 minutes the Covents pack were camping 3 yards from the line and the fat boys were not coming home from their holidays without a score and sure enough, Haydon popped up and dotted down for 33-5. Just a mention about the pack here; with Woz, Haydon, Vallis and Callum on the park there's surely something in the European Court of Justice about forbidding that much weight being gathered together in such a small area but hey ho!

68 minutes saw another bruising run from the Warthog put alan Hawthorne in for a score that made it 38-5 and a late rally from the visitors sealed a good workout for both sets of boys at 38-10.

So it's looking good pre season especially as we've added a clutch of Keresley boys to our ranks and a couple of students including Callum (a 6 with a prop's body) and quite a few names to return from holidays, broken toes and soujourns in Kansas. Watch this space, this season's future is so bright we'll all be wearing shades!

PS - The Guestbook is temporarily disabled while we sort out the spam but normal service will be resumed ASAP.

2011-06-22T08:52:00.009+01:00

Warks Cup 1987/88

The gladiators return triumphant for a soak in a hot bath at HQ after beating Earlsdon 18-3 up the road. From left to right; Clayton Flick, Colin Blebta, Pike Fisher, Kes Teeling, Red Brown (partly obscured), Mark Swaffield, Jim Bradford. (click on photo to enlarge)

Continuing our look at Coventrians' Warks Cup memories we've reached what many would argue was one of our finest seasons 1987/88. In the first season of Courage League rugby, Covents were crowned champions of Warks 3 by winning 8 out of 9 games and only losing to second place Old Warwickians 10-9 under very controversial circumstances in extra, extra, added on time (by their own ref).

In the Warks Cup we were drawn away to our next door neighbours, deadly rivals and placed a league higher, Earlsdon. They were in the process of moving to Mitchell Ave hence the game being played there but both teams returned to Kirby Corner Rd to wash and drink. The game itself spoke volumes about how far Covents had come in a season and a half. In 1985/86 we would have probably lost 75-0 but on that Sunday in October 1987 things were to be very different.

It was one of Clayton Flick's finest hours as he ran the game from fullback. He slotted over 4 penalties and scored a most memorable try; catching ball in his own 22 he set off at pace, kicked upfield and sprinting, caught said kick and scorched on to touch down adding the conversion for the extras.

Up front, Geoff Giles gave Yorkie a torrid time and big Hunty caused havoc with Hendo and Ranj as ever, ubiquitous. In the backs, the likes of Chrissy McDonnell and Jim Bradford made big hit after big hit until finally Earlsdon were vanquished 18-3 to great cheering from the large Covents contingent and sparking a memorable night in Earlsdon's old clubhouse, some 60 yards from our own HQ.

The team that day; 1. G Giles, 2. P Jackson, 3. K Teeling, 4. P Fisher, 5. C Hunt, 6. R Sinclair, 7. P Henderson, 8. T Parsons, 9. R Brown, 10. M Forsythe, 11. J Bradford, 12. C McDonnell, 13. M Swaffield, 14. C Blebta, 15. C Flick

In the next round we were drawn against Broadstreet at home. Although not the dominant force of today, Broadstreet were still 2 leagues higher and another excellent performance from the blue and white boys saw us bow out in a tight game 12-6 with Ian Carvell slotting 2 penalties and probably shading man of the match with his brave tackling.

2011-06-19T20:56:00.003+01:00

Dick Griffiths 1937 - 2011

It is with great sadness that I report the loss of another Coventrians legend. Dick Griffiths passed away on Saturday morning 18th June after a short illness. Dick, a tough tackling fullback and deadly accurate goalkicker, played for Covents from the mid 1960s to 1983. At his peak in the early 70s, he slotted literally hundreds of points and kept the dressing room and bar honest with his sharp and acerbic wit. We were lucky enough to enjoy Dick's company at several recent old boy's functions. He will be sorely missed.

Our condolences to D J (current captain and grandson of Dick) and the rest of the family. Funeral arrangements are as yet, to be confirmed.

2011-06-10T19:16:00.006+01:00

Back in Time With Covents

Red Brown watches with No 2 Jacko, No 1 Gaz Marks and Al Morrall as Gaz Smith challenges in the lineout. Note Kenilworth No 1 Clive Hunt who was to join Covents with the returning Pete Henderson the following season. One year later we accquired Kenilworth's hooker Kes Teeling too.

Continuing our look at Covents recent record in the Warwickshire Cup we've reached;

1983/84

After a first round bye we played Dunlop away in the 2nd round on 6th November 1983 and lost 21-7 with a try from Red Brown and a Fozzy penalty.

1984/85

In October 1984 we played Trinity Guild away at the Memorial Park but no heroics this time as we lost 40-4 with a solitary try from Archie McPherson. I remember arriving at this game with my old mate Martin Harrington and ducking down in the car until it was underway so as to avoid running the line ....

1985/86

In this terribly difficult season after the great migration, we struggled to put 2 sides out and after hearing we'd drawn Stratford away, withdrew citing the fact that the Coventry Evening Telegraph would not have enough ink to print the score.

1986/87

After times of famine come rich crops and this was something of a renaissance season for Covents as Red Brown played prodigal son and brought several key players back home with him. The gloom lifted and we started doing things like sweating in training, hurting the next day and winning games. We even had a 3rd team. When we drew Kenilworth at home in the Warks Cup it generated great interest as Red had just returned from there with Swaff and ex Covents flanker and good friend Pete Henderson was Kenilworth's captain. The following season when the leagues were first introduced, Kenilworth were placed 5 above us so it was some mountain to climb but the belief was strong.

On the day of the match, Sunday November 2nd 1986 the baths were hot, the beer cold and a large crowd had gathered at Kirby Corner Rd. The Nissan hut vibrated to the pre match warm up studs stamping and the Covents team ran out - 15 Ian Carvell 14 Chrissy McDonnell 13 Mark Swaffield 12 Jim Bradford 11 Colin Blebta 10 Martin Forsythe 9 Red Brown 8 Tim Parsons 7 Ranj Sinclair 6 Pike Fisher 5 Steve Fish 4 Alun Morrall 3 Gaz Smith 2 Pete Jackson 1 Gary Marks and Rich Kenny sub.

The boys in blue pulled a magnificent performance out of the bag and roaring like lions matched Kenilworth in almost every department going down valiantly 15-6 with 2 penalties from Ian Carvell. The clubhouse was packed afterwards and it's safe to say, we rocked the joint that night!

2011-05-12T17:09:00.006+01:00

Try scorer; Glyn Barrett

Back in Time With Covents

1981/82

After a 1st round bye in The Warwickshire Cup, Covents played Harbury away in the 2nd round losing 12-0 on Sunday 8th November 1981.

1982/83

On the 3rd October 1982 Covents played Berkswell & Ballsall at home winning 14-0 with a try from Julian Brooks (other scorers unknown) and in the next round beat Old Warwickians at home 13-6 on the 7th November with a try from Chris Smith (other scorers unknown).

Suddenly Covents could smell Coundon Road and they were drawn at home again in the next round against soon to be rulers of local rugby and cup winners in 1984 & 1987 Barkers Butts. The tie was played at Kirby Corner Rd on Sunday 5th December 1982 in front of a large crowd including a sizeable contingent from Barkers.

Covents had a strong side out featuring an U-21 hooker from Notts Lincs & Derby, speed merchant Jack Heggarty and a Warwick Uni chap (Simon?) who played first class rugby and partnered Geoff Benny at 2nd row.

So it was the same old story - Barkers turned up expecting to cruise to an easy victory and were shocked by a ferocious Covents team that smashed them up front, pushing them back in scrums, chasing and tackling everything. Covents were fighting every step of the way and Julian Brooks recalls this also happened several times among the forwards too! Covents score came from a pushover try by the Welshman, No 8 Glyn Barrett. Some game changing skullduggery occurred when Butts scrum half Steve Hall used his knees at the base of the scrum on opposite number Red Brown, breaking several ribs and forcing Brown off the pitch and down to A&E courtesy of Bob Banks (here was me thinking Red a hard Yorkshireman ....)

Jack Heggarty was moved to scrum half and Mick OSullivan from back row to centre. This allowed the quicker Butts three quarters a way through and the game was lost 22-4. So it was not to be but Butts certainly knew they'd been in a game and after a long soak in a hot bath the beer flowed and songs rang out long into Sunday night as Covents did what they do best.

My thanks to Red Brown and Julian Brooks for dredging their memory and supplying me with details of the match. I'd like to say the same to Glyn Barrett too but his reponse was, 'I don't remember a thing about it Mick. 29 years ago? F * * * me, I can't remember 29 minutes ago!

Red Brown

1978/79

Continuing our look back at Covents Warks Cup record and notable performances we reach the season after the Newbold heroics and draw Sutton Coldfield at home. The game was played on 1st October 1978 and we lost 71 - 3 with Bob McArthur slotting our points. The one good thing to come from this game was the bar takings .... (remember, 4 points for a try back then)

1978/80

The following season another home tie and a much closer defeat this time 19 - 3 against Old Silhillian on the 7th October 1979. Bob McArthur again with our points.

1980/81

And so to the 1980/81 campaign and another one of Covents heroic defeats. On the 5th October 1980 we were drawn away to the oldest side in Coventry, Trinity Guild who at the time, played on the Memorial Park and socialised in their clubhouse opposite in Coat of Arms Bridge Rd. The game was an epic and we were beaten narrowly 3 - 0. The competition didn't end there though and ex scrum-half, captain, president (and famous upside down drinker) of Covents Pete 'Red' Brown takes up the story;

In the days of the Guild being a good side, the game was a classic at the Memorial Park with a twice taken drop goal in the second half from their baldy full-back who coached the Nuns later. We shocked them. They had Thumper Dingley, Les Bend etc playing for them and we ripped them apart in their Nissan Hut of a clubhouse after the match. We were on top form and I was challenged to an upside down drinking competition against the world champion who was, I believe, in the Guinness Book of Records. I thought it was a joke and that they would simply pour beer down my trouser legs so I tucked my trousers in my socks and tied them up with my shoes laces.

Steve English assured me, however, that it was genuine. My head was rested on a beer towel; the guy was chaired in shoulder high with flag bearers (corner flags!). He got upside down, the whistle went and I beat him hands down. In the jubilation, my 2 leg holders (Hodgy and someone else) simply dropped me on the floor as they ran around the hut screaming and whooping for joy. We burst into the "Coventrians" song whilst this guy was sat shame-faced in the corner of the clubhouse.

My thanks to Red for that - if only they'd handed out medals for drinking and singing back in the day, we would have topped any league! (Mick W)

1977/78

Warks Cup Quarter-Final v Newbold RFC Sunday 13th Nov 1977.

Back Row: Bob Law, Dick Griffiths, Adam Elliot-Smith, Reg Pringle, Jeff Benny, Dave Elkerton (capt), Bob Carter-Hounslow, Glyn Barrett, Nick Norris. Front Row: Phil Hodge, Spanner Lindon, Mick Smith, John Coombes, John Wilson, Jeff Platt, Brian Manley, Kevin Parker. Click on photo to enlarge. (look carefully and you will see a natty sheepskin, a Parka and Geoff Giles next to a TR7 in the background)

Following the recent Covents heroics in the second team cup I thought we would look back in time at other notable blue and white cup rugby performances starting with a great Warwickshire Cup run in the 1977/78 season which culminated in a titanic quarter final tussle.

On the 18th September 1977 Coventrians beat Cov Tech away 24-0 with tries from Jeff Platt 2, Dick Griffiths, Mick Smith and Spanner Lindon. Bob McArthur (a 2nd row) kicked 2 conversions.

The next round was against Harbury scheduled for the 2nd October 1977 but they conceded due to injuries.

On the 23rd October 1977 Covents played Southam at Kirby Corner Rd (home) and won 21-3 with tries from Jeff Platt, N. Birch and Spanner Lindon. Dick Griffiths sent 3 conversions and a penalty over.

So to the quarter final tie at home to Newbold on Sunday 13th November 1977. This was 10 years before league rugby but Newbold were still considered as a giant. The Coventry Evening Telegraph provided the following report on the game under the headline BRAVE FIGHT.

Coventrians shocked the cynics who thought they would be drubbed by Newbold in the Warwickshire Cup quarter-final at Kirby Corner, Canley.

Newbold gained their expected passage into the last four but brave Coventrians held them to 18-3. Coventrians even had the audacity to lead the cup favourites by a Dick Griffiths dropped goal until minutes before half-time. Their formula for holding Newbold was a simple one; tackle, tackle, tackle. The way Coventrians stuck to their task was the impressive feature.

Eventually they conceded four tries and Coventrians were left to count their injury toll after a clean but robust match. Winger Jeff Platt suffered a broken collar bone in the early minutes and was replaced by Kevin Parker. Then Bob Law deputised for Glyn Barrett who damaged a leg. Finally Brian Manley sustained a broken nose and left the field.

Newbold went on to win the cup for the second time in the final at Coundon Rd against Kenilworth.

2011-04-30T10:49:00.008+01:00

COVENTRIANS RFC Club Dinner & Awards Night Winners 2010/11

Player of the Year - Rowan Aitken

Young Player of the Year - Adam 'Screech' Smith

Coach's Player of the Year - Stuart 'Scrappy' Kirk

Player's Player of the Year - Lawrence 'Lo-Lo' Goddard

Clubman of the Year - Daniel Pearson-Brown

Honourable Mentions:

Adam Garner (spending half of his life behind our bar serving us), Matt Hancox (taking the photos), Darrell Cross (helping with the music crisis), Wayne Brandfour (for cooking the most excellent West Indian food and just being Wayne), Mick Winterton (for all of his most triumphant match reports, even when the team hasn't been quite so awesome), all of the wives and girlfriends, The Committee, Ryan Gilbert's White Shirt (for soaking up much punch on Saturday night), The volunteers (for making sure the clubhouse is clean, the grounds are tidy, the pitches are cut and marked and so much more), all of the other players (well the ones who trained and kept their commitment to the club, the rest of them only get a half mention) and Bopper (who gives up too much of his precious free time to teach you 'orrible lot how to play).

And I'd like to thank Bex for all her timely reminders of stuff via Facebook and our guestbook (and for giving me an honourable mention) see Springy, it's easy! (Mick W)

Cov & Mid Warks Benevolent 7s. Monday 9th May at Old Covents 6:30 pm.

2011-04-26T10:09:00.004+01:00

John Harkin

(Due to log in problems I've only just seen this message)

Many thanks to those members of Coventrians who came to John's funeral and also those who donated to British Heart Foundation. The total donations made in John's memory came to over 500 pounds so I'm sure they'll be much appreciated by the BHF. John had many happy memories of his time at Covents - my best wishes to players old and new.

Sharon Harkin

Wednesday 20th April 2011

2011-04-19T19:33:00.013+01:00

Broadstreet 2nds 45-3 Coventrians 2nds

Cov & Mid Warks RFU Cup Semi-Final

Covents Bow Out Bravely in Tough Semi

With the sun still shining and as if it wasn't hot enough in Broadstreet's kitchen, Covents were left reeling from 5 cry offs and an injury including the entire back row. This changed the tie from Kilimanjaro to Mt Everest but this sort of adversity is what Covents thrive on; for Custer's Last Stand, The Alamo and Rourke's Drift Covents have fought their own battles in the face of superior forces; Newbold 1977, Barkers Butts 1982 and Kenilworth 1986.

Who would be Covents' coach? With Bopper searching for 15 bodies he suddenly realised he could pick himself and so put his tired old body on the line once more. He even asked me but a brief recce told me there were too many trees to safely land an air ambulance. With the thin blue line in place, staring down 15 players from a club operating 5 leagues higher and bristling with a mixture of fast young bucks and some gnarled fatties the sport commenced.

It soon became apparent that we wouldn't be spending our holidays in Broadstreet's 22 but these boys in blue and white refused to take a backward step and hit them with everything they had, getting in their faces and up close and personal with big hits and solid scrums ensuring that Street had to work for every point. Our line was breached in the 9th minute for 5-0 and 4 minutes later, our powerhouse prop Haydon Clarke did an ankle. So down to 14 then? Not a bit of it; Muttley, whose son plays football for Covents juniors, grabbed his boots and at the tender age of 47, sprinted on allowing Mr. Versatile, captain, feels no pain and Dick Griffith's grandson D J to move to prop. At this point I must mention Steve Vallis our other prop who, with a cunning plan to even the balance a bit, put his concrete chin up to be punched but although severely tempted, his opposite number didn't fancy a night in the hand clinic.

In the 16th minute we broke into their half when a Deadeye torpedo forced their fly half to call a mark. Following this, they attacked up the middle but Danny made a superb tap tackle to keep them at bay. Unfortunately in the 19th minute, running out of our 22, Lawrence knocked on at centre, Street gathered and ran in to score for 12-0. A minute later, sensing blood in the water, the Street sharks surged forward only to be met by a strong Scrappy tackle and then Muttley got well stuck in on the wing to break down another home attack. Stirring stuff from Dad's Army!

After 23 minutes we could hold back the tide no longer and they crossed for 19-0. Then the ball was kicked beyond our defence and as their No 7 charged onto it, we shouted to last man Bopper "IT'S BEHIND YOOOOU!" Bopper turned like the QE2 and eventually manged to gather because 7 overran it.

So trailing 26-0 at half-time the lads assembled and vowed to fight on. Broadstreet, who had put 70 up Dunlop (3 leagues above us) in the last round were being made to look sloppy; they were knocking on, dropping ball and did not like being smashed.

The first half started badly as immediately in our 22, they went over despite a great hit from Grumpy Gough for 33-0. In the 7th min of the second period, DJ typified our spirit with two big smashes, one in a maul and then, spreading himself, the other in the three quarter line. Two minutes later, a Street player was storming up the line, home contingent exhorting him on when our 6 foot 4 inch, 10 and a half stone 2nd row Screech cut him in half and put him into Binley Woods! These boys were going down fighting and it was a joy to behold. Another try went over but half way through the second period Paul Brindley got into the act with some terrific tackles, the best of which saw him race in, smash an attacker back and steal the pill.

After an hour, Bopper's body finally caught the last stage out of town leaving him in a heap hurting from everywhere except his little finger. As he limped off, the tardy Rohan joined the fray. By now, with their superior fitness showing through, Street were camped in our 22 but once again Covents boys poured in with some awesome tackling, hit after hit they repelled the enemy borders with great tenacity until finally Street dotted right in the corner, unconverted for 45-0. Just time at the end for us to break into their 22 and slot a consolatory penalty for 45-3 and although I asked the referee (after he'd blown for full time) if last score wins it, he shook his head.

The handshakes were firm and genuine. Their manager said "thanks for the game coach, you really made us work" (to me ....) the referee said "make sure you pat everyone on the back for their fantastic effort." Somehow, against the might of Broadstreet, shorn of 5 or 6 of our first team, with a patched up thin blue line with hearts as big as houses we came away from last night with a lot of credit and one or two admirers. To us, just a normal day at the office and getting to a semi-final by beating Old Covents is an achievement to be immensely proud of in my book so without further ado, the roll of honour from last night.

Haydon; bulldozer who has played with a dodgy ankle that has supported his 19 stone far too long and gave out. Danny; was his usual tenacious self, cut him and he'll bleed blue and white. Vallis, was just fat and bloody annoying to the whole Street pack - good man for bringing a maul down. Screech; the lad is a twiglet who just wants to adjust his scrum cap and drink water but will run through a brick wall and so light, is easy to lift in a lineout but we must watch we don't throw him into the woods. Bonce; spends the whole game screaming at and bollocking Screech but again wears that badge as if his life depended on it. Visor; was drafted in to the flank and had a great game although couldn't get hands on their nippy scrum-half. DJ; Captain courageous, will play anywhere including prop without so much as a whimper. High pain threshold and will run through oak. Bopper; silly old b*stard but we would be lost without him as he put his wreck of a body out there for one last smashing. Kyle; been away for over a year and by the looks, spent it eating pork pies. 5 foot 5, 24 stone and again did it for the club he loves and because Vallis loves his tits. Grumpy Gough; keeps the boys driving forward from 9, didn't have to shout for water once as I kept pace all night (hence the Ibruprofen now). Scrappy; lives in WOLVERHAMPTON and plays at 10, doesn't always find touch but what a bloke, overflowing with commitment to the cause. Lawrence; the flying warthog, pace and a hefty right boot, can tackle like a tiger as long as they run straight, love this boy but he needs to do some sit ups. Josh; silky skills, scored our points at the end with an important kick. Paul Brindley; had an awesome defensive game last night, time after time making big hits to stem the attacking tide. Deadeye Doug; an old stager, worn the blue and white for over 10 years, guesting again and glad we were for his experience, kicking from hand and general grumpiness. Finally to Muttley; 47 and a footballer's Dad. Drinks in the Craftsman so obviously no stranger to large groups of big men ripping and mauling each other. Commited the cardinal sin of mentioning he had boots - "POOF" he was on the field in a flash and performed so well he's now a life member!

So I'm away to wipe the tears and clear this lump in my throat and leave the final word to a quote from our old mucker Dick Potter. "Boys, a pleasure as usual."

For photos click here

Saturday 16th April 2011

2011-04-16T11:28:00.004+01:00

Coventrians 8 - 43 Claverdon Mids 5 West South

Photos, click here

2011-04-13T12:56:00.014+01:00

Old Covents 2nds 10 - 24 Coventrians 2nds

Cov & Mid Warks RFU 2nd XV Cup Quarter Final - KO 7:00pm

at OC's ground, Tile Hill Lane, under lights!

OCs Mauled by Pride of Blue & White Lions!

Wow! Saturday's Old Wheats woes were banished in cracking fashion as we showed the boys in black, yellow and red just who the real Coventrians are. On a night for heroes, 16 men in blue and white tore at OCs like a pack of tenacious, hungry wolves baring their teeth and showing steel as well as finesse.

But if you don't mind, I'm going to drink this bottle of wine and just might pull a match report out of the bag tomorrow. For now I will sleep contented on the memory of a special, floodlit Covent's night.

So there we were; a rock hard pitch, chilly breeze, 16 men strong and true, a shed load of supporters and Sean back where he belongs, running the touch. We came, we saw and oh how we conquered.

Old Covents took the lead early doors 5-0 but this was just a minor setback as Real Covents roared back with 19 year old winger Joff scorching in at the corner after 16 mins. I say corner, he could've lay down under the sticks and lit a big Cuban before dotting but that's youth for you. Still, the flying Warthog Lawrence removed his carpet slippers, donned his steel toecaps and thumped a whopper straight through for 7-5.

Suddenly there was magic in the night air as our boys came alive and felt belief coursing through their veins. This belief bore fruition as DJ (propping for the night) stole ball he had no right to, fed hooker Danny who put Tom Cobden in up the touch. Tom kicked, was tackled without the ball but before we could cry 'Ref!' Joff had raced in for his second try and 12-5. Lawrence left his slippers on and missed but no matter, the boys were rumbling.

From the front row with DJ and Danny fired up, to the twiglets (Screech & Bonce) in the engine room to the McDonalds fed supersize at No 8 and Kev Walters hunting on the flank. This transmitted to No 9 Gough at his grumpiest ("where's the fackin' water?") Scrappy at 10, Lol, Dougie (welcome back son) Kev's mate and Will (tackling like tigers) Joff, by now with two tries under his belt and tackling ankles on the bone hard pitch, resembling a young Jeff Platt. We were cooking on gas mark 8 and it was a joy to behold. OCs were feeling the pressure too as their 6 saw yellow for a cheap kick to Keiran's fat after a dust up earlier. This was cold steel time, the fuzzy wuzzys did not like it up 'em as we collectively fronted up big style and got in their face again and again. This was perfectly illustrated by Dougie when their pink socked No 9 asked for the ball and Deadeye sent it 400 yards over his head. If looks could kill but this was not The Gentlemen v Corinthians at Lords ....

So 12-5 at half time and no let up from our boys in the second period as 3 minutes in, a colossal hit by Danny Pearson that was felt in Broad Lane set up a situation for DJ and the rest of the pack behind enemey lines but wrestling manfully, couldn't quite ground it. On the hour, Joff hobbled off after bravery above and beyond the call of duty and Cider Visor came on. Just after this, OCs scored to make it 12-10 but on 64 mins, with Covents attacking again, a loose ball bobbled in the corner with their fullback and the Flying Warthog both thundering towards it. As we held our breath and could hardly watch on the touchline, said fullback took an almighty swing with his right boot and completely missed the ball (AIR SHOT!!!) leaving Lawrence to dot down joyfully (and miss the resulting kick in his flip flops) for 17-10.

The last fifteen or so became a titanic tussle as OCs, sensing they were going out to opposition from three leagues below, summoned one last surge to at least make extra time. This only served to stiffen the resolve of our boys who defended for their very lives, sucking energy from God knows where to repel the borders. This was encapsulated by a monster hit from Grumpy Gough and Scrappy (bless him) plucked the pill and sprinted three quarters of the pitch, little legs blurring like Billy Whizz and dotted between the sticks, sending us lot loopy with delight. Lawrence slotted, the ref blew and the game was up.

As Oscar Wilde once said, "We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars," and tonight Coventrians reached out to them with a performance full of heart, spirit, passion, pride and no little skill. Kev Walters called it during his half time Churchillian (no not the dog on the advert) speech. We were playing for the left tit, that little blue and white badge that when you're wearing it with 14 other boys, sometimes makes you feel like a giant. Well tonight was one of those times as we bestrode Tile Hill Lane like 16 colossi and bloody glad I was to be there too!

Saturday 9th April 2011

2011-04-09T21:10:00.008+01:00

Old Wheats 52 - 3 Coventrians Mids 5 West South & Clayton Flick Memorial Trophy

As any golfer will tell you, it's a real kick in the pants when they bag a hole in one while practising (when nobody's watching) but take five shots in a competition. Well much like today for the boys in blue; back in January we rocked up at Norman Place Rd, put in a tough shift, fronted up and won 12-8 but did not secure the Flick Trophy because, well, it wasn't up for grabs.

New day, different month, ground bathed in sub tropical sunshine and whole different opposition. A Wheats side chock full of meaty forwards and pacy runners that revelled in the unseasonal heat took us to the cleaners for most of the match and Covents, holders of the trophy since 2008 (2 wins and uncontested in 2009 due to Wheats not wanting to play) relinquished the silverware.

Enough of the sour grapes though, we took our medicine (bitter as it was) and ought to remember that this was a day to celebrate the silky skills and bubbly personality of a wonderful player and friend who was taken tragically and ridiculously early at the age of 25.

Today's lads battled on earnestly and never shirked from their task but superior pace, organisation and fitness told in the end and fair play to Wheats who thoroughly deserved their victory. Bring on next week when we take on table toppers Claverdon and look to poop their promotion party. As for today, I know I'm biased but to sit outside Covents with the boys (and girls) watching the sun set, beer in hand and talking shite is certainly where I want to be however much we've lost by. Long may it continue! To re live the pain, click here

2nd April 2011

2011-04-02T09:52:00.003+01:00

Coventrians 13 - 25 Coventry Welsh

Jon Roden Memorial Game

So a sad occasion but both teams did him proud yesterday as we remembered Jonny Roden - for photos click here

March 29th 2011

2011-03-29T17:45:00.006+01:00

Ecky Thump! 25 years ago today - ey oop lad - that was the tour that was - tha knost

For any of the 21 out there (and you know who you are) just in case you've got a horse brass or condom in your pocket, or a kitchen sink in the boot HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

"In a baaar in Toledo, across from the depot ....." Yes 25 years (in the blink of an eye) today since we enjoyed (endured?) 3 days of room wrecking, worm eating, brass borrowing, pie burning, Mental Micky avoiding, Archie bar piddling, Zeke Williams listening, condom machine smashing, police cell residing, local bashing, snow drift sleeping mayhem. If you've never been able to watch Ice Station Zebra again, go to Yorkshire or listen to Frank Sinatra then don't worry, it's just normal trauma. How many rugby clubs get arrested en masse, transported to the cells while the sergeant serenades them on the coach and then has the copper that locks them up referee their game the next day? We're obviously special. All I'll say is, I wish I'd had a full Everest survival suit like the one Cottage Pye produced from nowhere on the Coach from Hell .... God bless everyone of you 21 who were forged in the furnace that was Huddersfield '86!

"Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today, I wanna be a part of it ....."

Saturday 26th March 2011

2011-03-27T10:42:00.001+01:00

Coventrians beat Copsewood 2nd XV 71 - 5

For photos, click here

Saturday 5th March 2011

2011-03-05T12:36:00.012Z

Cov Tech 15 - 8 Coventrians

Mids 5 West South

6 in a Row Goes West as Tech Tubbies Rumble

Covents' 5 game winning streak came to an end at Mitchell Ave as they were out muscled by a bigger and heavier bunch of fat boys dressed in green. For 50 minutes we grappled manfully but shorn of Giz, Adam Booth and Haydon Clarke it was a struggle getting enough ball. There were flashes of quality though as half backs Tom Gough and Scrappy tried again and again to kick start the boys in blue and powerhouse Number 8 Neil Walters went on several trademark surges.

Half time 12-0 to Tech and then a substitution brought about a sea change as Wayne 6 brandies came on for Joe Plimley and DJ moved to prop. Suddenly, with 25 left Covents started firing, driving and pushing Tech back in mauls and scrums. This resulted in a penalty which Lawrence thumped over from distance to make the score 15-3 and on the hour, a try from Wayne after good work from our pack and Neil Walters for 15-8. Then a moment that turned the game; one of Tech's props pulled out a tatooed washing line to stop Tom Gough and was shown a (customary) red card. This left them with 14 but also brought about uncontested scrums which meant, although still time for Vallis to see yellow for some fancy disco footwork, the game petered out as blue momentum was lost.

For photos click here

2011-03-04T15:12:00.003Z

Just a word about our old mucker Martin Harrington who emigrated to NZ nearly 3 years ago. It's been an eventful time of late as he, Julie and family have had to endure just the two earthquakes (as they live close to Christchurch) We are assured that they are shaken, stirred but OK. Martin puts his indomitable spirit down to being able to survive Ace lager, Peporami, the baths at Kirby Corner Rd and missing that pushover try against Beduth when he fumbled between my legs ;-) All the best mate!

Saturday 19th February 2011

2011-02-19T11:24:00.005Z

Coventrians 22 - 7 Coventry Saracens Mids 5 West South

Our league record v Saras is now P24 W14 L10 - today was Coventrians' 5th consecutive league win - for photos, click here

5 In a Row for Boys in Blue

So another convincing win for Covents against a stronger Saras side of late. Tries from Paul Brindley, Tom Gough and powerhouse back rower Neil Walters (his 6th league try this season) sealed the deal with 2 conversions and a penalty from the velvet slipper of flying warthog Lawrence Gooner Goddard (taking his league points tally to 65 for the season). It was 22-0 at half time but a combination of spirited play by Saras and coach Bopper taking the field for a 20 minute blow meant we didn't add to our first half tally.

On a negative note, we're sorry to hear that veteran second row Giz Gisbourne was taken to hospital by ambulance after a serious knee injury. All the best from everyone at the club mate, good luck and speedy recovery - I'll send my crutches on.

Another veteran in the wars this week was the beast himself Wozza who broke a thumb playing for the seconds at Barkers Butts in a 70-0 reverse. Good luck with that mate!

Saturday 5th February 2011

2011-02-05T11:44:00.006Z

Coventrians 39 - 3 Wellesbourne Mids 5 West South

Our record in league rugby v Wellesbourne is P3 W2 L1

A thumping win for Covents and Old Wheats losing at home to Claverdon means we go within one point of the Wheats who are clinging on to second place. This is our 4th consecutive league win. Try scorers; Rohan Aitken 2, Neil Walters, Lawrence Goddard, Wayne Brandfour. Jason Ryan 2 pens, 4 conversions - photos click here

Top of Mids 5 West South

1 Claverdon P10 W 10 L 0 Pts 47

2 Old Wheats P 10 W 6 L 4 Pts 33

3 Coventrians P 10 W 7 L 3 Pts 32

2011-01-30T15:09:00.001Z

Click here for Bedworth photos - if someone lets me know what the result was, I'll put it on here ;-)

Saturday 22nd January 2011

2011-01-22T10:15:00.010Z

Old Wheats 8 - 12 Coventrians Mids 5 West South

Our league record v Old Wheats is P17 W5 D1 L11 - the last fixture was won 43-7 by Covents at home on 27th March 2010 with a hat trick from Rohan, 2 from Cozzy and 1 a piece from Tom Gough & Tom Carter. J Ryan kicked 4 conversions.

A terrific win for the boys in blue today at Old Wheats who have been thrashing sides for fun this season and are second in the table. Tries from Rohan Aitken and Neil Walters and a Lawrence Goddard conversion sealed a superbly spirited display. For photos click here

Coventrians RFC would like to dedicate this win to the memory of Steve Walters, (son of club stalwart Rich Walters and brother of current players Kev and Neil) who tragically passed away yesterday aged 31. Our hearts and sympathy go out to you Rich and your family - you know we are all there for you.

Saturday 15th January 2011

2010-12-30T10:55:00.009Z

Copsewood 15 - 27 Coventrians Mids 5 West (South)

On a bog of a pitch Covents produced their best performance of the season led by a rampant pack and an outstanding back row of Tom Carter, Neil Walters and Adam Booth.

We led after 20 minutes with a penalty from Loz and then after a tremendous move in the backs Adam Booth ripped the ball from their scrum half and dotted down from the resultant scrum.

Copsewood then clawed their way back and drew level at half time 10-10
Straight away in the 2nd half old man Giz popped up in the centre and created an overlap for Screech to score his maiden try for the club in the corner. We then gifted Copsewood an equalising try after a series of errors so now 15-15 with 15 minutes left.

Once more quality ball was given to our backs and left Rohan 35 metres out with about 4 men to beat which he did with ease and then went back and did it again and dotted down under the posts. Loz put the conversion wide to make sure the spectators were kept on edge to the end.

Finally with 4 minutes left Copsewood dropped the ball in open play 20 yards from their line. Captain Courageous DJ picked the ball up with an open run in to the line. He proceeded to break all records for the slowest sprint over 20 yards in history but managed to squirm over the line despite being caught by their prop who gave DJ a mere 20 yard start but still caught him up 5 yards from the line. Loz converted from the touch-line leaving the final score at 27-15 a bonus point win.

Great game and a well deserved win.

Thanks to Matt Hancox for the photos available here

2010-12-24T12:55:00.002Z

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

To all Covents past and present, best wishes for the festive season and may you not have to drink any Ace Lager or Federation Bitter!

2010-12-21T09:18:00.000Z

December 21st 1988

2010-12-17T20:07:00.003Z

Coventrians v Old Wheats Mids 5 West South KO 2:15

Our all time league record v The Wheats is P17 W5 D1 L11

Match postponed due to Siberian winter

2010-12-13T11:35:00.002Z

Warwickian 7 - 13 Coventrians

A Paul Brindley try, a Lawrence Goddard penalty and do my eyes deceive me? Yes they must do because the e-mail from Springy says that the other try was a 50 yard run in by veteran Steve Fish. Good for Fishy to be turning out in his 60th year but then again he always was an incredible athlete who looked after his body and never let his man tits sag too much ...

2010-12-07T20:14:00.002Z

I heard from our old mucker Ranj down under today. He sent us this photo - a trio of great Covents. One couldn't catch the ball, one was a grumpy old git and one was always offside. We miss 'em all. (Jeff Platt, Jeff Daniel and Ranj himself)

2010-11-22T17:22:00.003Z

John Harkin

The funeral is at Canley Crem on Thursday 2nd December at 12:15

The wake is at The Standard Triumph Club, Tile Hill Lane.

Any donations to The British Heart Foundation

It is with regret that we announce the death of ex player, secretary and VP of Covents John Harkin who passed away on Saturday evening after attending the international at Twickenham. John, who lived in Rugby, played in the 1970s & 80s and attended several of our old boy's reunions in the last three years.

2010-11-13T14:03:00.002Z

Coventrians 0 - 21 Cov Tech Mids 5 West (South)

Sunday 7th November 2010

2010-11-07T11:56:00.006Z

Manor Park 48 - 3 Coventrians Warks Shield KO 2:oo

Our record against Manor Park in all competions is played a lot and not won many ....

On this weekend 24 years ago (Sun Nov 6th 1986) Covents took on Kenilworth at home in the Warks. Cup and were just beaten, in a close game, 6-15. This was the last cup game ever played at Kirby Corner Rd - actually this is nonsense as the last cup game ever played at Kirby Corner Rd was a year later (Nov 1987) when we lost even more narrowly 6-12 to Broadstreet after beating Earlsdon away in the previous round.

Sorry for the satellite delay - we lost valliantly 48-3 with Jason Ryan sending over a solitary penalty and only 3 first teamers available in the pack. Great spirit especially from Rohan who tackled like a man possessed and Scrappy but everyone tried their hearts out including a full 80 minutes from Fishy.

Saturday 30th October 2010

2010-10-30T12:36:00.007+01:00

Coventry Saracens 5 - 26 Coventrians Mids 5 West (South) KO 3:00

Our all time league record v The Saras is P22 W12 L10.

We had the normal cry offs and ended up with Carl Bonsor on the wing but welcomed back Carl Feldman at centre and fielded a youthful bench of Les Scholes,Woz and Fishy!

We started by dominating but Saracens got reinforcements and ended with a very competitive pack. Brilliant performances by man of match, Neil Walters and Rohan at full back.

1st try by Haydon Clarke started with a 20 metre kick out with great support play ending with Haydon charging over from 5 yards out.

2nd try created by pick and drive from a line out 10 metres out with Steve Vallis flopping over

3rd try with miss pass in mid field and Ro hit the line at pace with normal run in from 30 metres-brilliant run.

19-5 at half time

Saracens kept the ball in the forwards in the 2nd half but we held them out 3 or 4 times on our try line with great committed defence and then finally got a penalty 10 metres from their line. The ball was popped to Neil Walters who crashed over with 4 Saracens lads on his back. (isn't that illegal?)

A lot of penalties but great spirit and finally a bonus point win

As I am currently losing the battle of crumbling knee my thanks to Springy for providing these match details.

2010-10-18T14:31:00.003+01:00

Wellesbourne 8 - 0 Coventrians Mids 5 South

Saturday 9th October 2010

2010-09-26T11:12:00.009+01:00

Coventrians 18 - 11 Copsewood Mids 5 West (South)

Our all time record v Copsewood is P4 W2 L2 (we have also lost 1 game to GEC & GPT Coventry) The last time the sides met, Covents edged a thriller (zzzzzzzzzzzzzz) 6-0 with 2 pens from Simon Needles on the 23rd Jan 2010.

Covents beat Copsewood 18-11 with tries from Rohan Aitken & Neil Walters, the flying pot bellied pig (Lawrence) ditched the Toblerone boots and sent over 2 penalties and a conversion for the extras. Jason Ryan performed heroics defensively at the end to ensure the W.

Saturday 18th September 2010

2010-09-14T10:02:00.012+01:00

Coventrians 46 - 0 Warwickian Mids 5 West (South)

The lads got their season back on track with a superb victory against a spirited Warwickian side. They turned on the style in front of a large Black Pad crowd including VPs & Old Boys. Things only got better later on as Steve Allen & Father Francis P McCullough (with the help of Steve Tate) entertained everyone with a great set from Pasmaglas - hopefully more tomorrow when I've slept this off ....

So there we were, an hour before kick off checking who had the baldest head and fattest belly when Dave Bailey announced that while he was taking his gum shield out of his pocket he'd broken his clavicle (I thought we played them last week) in the warm up. Now let's get this straight, today's players run further in one warm up than we did in a whole season playing. They're clearly dangerous so can we revert back to huddling round a mini oven and crashing the fags please.

The match kicked off with Covents, marshalled by new skipper Deej Sexton interlinking well between powerful pack and slick backs culminating in a 21st minute try for the wounded rhino Lawrence Goddard - he himself told me several times that he's a hole puncher and layer off this season - all he needs to do is remember his place kicking boots instead of the Toblerone he wore yesterday and he'll be world class. On 26 minutes a powerful run from Tyrone Rowe saw him dot down for 10-0. 8 mins later, not to be outdone by his mate, Rohan swallow dived in with typical flourish for 15-0 and inexplicably, Lawrence converted for 17-0.

Just before the break and after a great catch and pass from flanker Kev Walters, Lawrence snorted in again and converted for 24-0. Kev followed this up with a try on 45 mins for 29-0 and Tyrone Rowe 5 mins later made it 34-0. The lead was increased further when Tyrone completed his hat trick for 39-0 and chunky sub John (fill) McCracken went over with Duncan Keenan converting for a final score of 46-0. A word here for the Warwickian boys who kept going till the end and showed a fine spirit taking defeat on the chin - we've all been there and they were good company in the clubhouse afterwards. A word also for No 8 Neil Walters who at 27 and having missed the last 2 seasons through injury, played like a man possessed - his powerful and aggressive surges typified Covents on a day when everything clicked into place - well almost, Paul Brindley was scragged just before dotting down for 50 but you can't have everything eh.

So to the entertainment - it was another good turnout from the old farts and much shite was talked as shoves in scrums, runs along the touchline and amount of pints sunk back in the day grew and grew like old fishermen's tales. The roll of honour reads thus;

Steve Allen, Blissy, Pete Cameron, Mark Campbell, Nick Castle, Fishy, HRH Sir Andrew Gillespie DSO BAR, Dick Griffiths, Mick Groves, Hendo, Simon Hull, John & Rich Kenny, Grant Liggins, Spanner Lindon, Brian Manley, Fr Frank McCullough, Terry Mosey, Jim Parke (mate), Lee Pegler, Bob & Steve Platt, Rocket Ron Randle, Phil Rowles, Sean Stanton, Swaff, Steve Tate, Mick Toal, Pete Tolan, Martin Trenholm and Rich Walters. Special mention to Deano and Wayne 6 brandies who were there as old farts and played a half of the game each, Deano even won tit of the match for looking like a ballet dancer while passing (throwing the) ball away.

Finally, as I continue my search for the Paracetamol, I would like to extend my thanks to Steve Allen & Frank McCullough for a fantastic night of live music as 2 thirds of Pasmaglas - they were ably supported by Steve Tate's haunting rendition of Scarborough Fair (amongst others) and Dick Griffiths & Nipple Tassle - is there no beginning to their musical talent?

For photos click here

2010-09-11T10:52:00.005+01:00

Claverdon 31 - 23 Coventrians Mids 5 West (South)

Covents kick off their 2010/11 league season with a trip to Claverdon. The last time we played Claverdon in league rugby we won 10-3 away on the 4th March 2006 with tries from Kev Walters and P Cassidy. Our record against them in league matches is P10 W5 L5.

With only 17 players available for the two games today, Covents travelled with 7 or 8 of last season's first team key men missing through either retirement, illness, injury, work committments or having left for pastures greyer. Covents lead 16-13 at half time but Claverdon won through 31-23 in the end with Covents' scorers, Neil Walters (welcome back big man) and Rohan with tries and Lawrence (the flying pig) Goddard sending over 2 conversions and 3 penalties - perhaps he is the new Deadeye.

We hope for better things next Saturday 18th September when we take on Warwickian at home for the VP's & Old Boy's do - see you there at 1:15pm.

Berks/Balsall 2nds v Covents 2nds (cried off)

2010-08-12T23:10:00.010+01:00

Upcoming Events

TRAINING - Thursdays 7pm Sharp!

Saturday 18th September 2010 - VP's & Old Boy's Bash v Warwickian from 1:15pm.

2010-07-08T13:49:00.004+01:00

Coventrians' new cordon bleu chef, Monsieur Francois Pepe Le Gollyifique in action

"Madam, I ave no jumbo sausage but zis burger is almost ready"

2010-06-14T18:49:00.001+01:00

CLUB DINNER

Friday 25th June 7:00pm onwards

2010-05-09T11:16:00.002+01:00

What do you call a hotel with no pictures, towels or alcohol left? A hotel where the guests brawl with punk rockers & get arrested drunk in charge of a moped they're pushing, drink white wine and orange for breakfast, sleep soaking wet 3 in a bed, leave a wheelbarrow and traffic cones in bedrooms, abuse the local Elvis at 3am, have regular Fozzy Frenzys, battle on the hill and squash Jock's trumpet???

Why it's Raffles of course, Easter Tour, Ilfracombe (again!!!) 1988 - happy daze

2010-04-24T12:32:00.000+01:00

Peace and Love, Peace and Love . . .

2010-04-17T11:15:00.005+01:00

Coventrians 5 - 38 Coventry Technical Mids 5 West (S E)

Bad Day at Black Pad for Blue Boys

As the curtain fell on 2009/10 (with a whimper, not a bang) and the fat lady sang, we could have done with her as 10 regulars were missing through injury and other reasons (postcard please) and playing the whole of the first half with 14 allowed Tech to take full advantage and lead by 26-0 at half time. No strangers to tough days and hard times themselves, the boys in green cashed in as Covents looked rudderless in the hot sunshine. A minute before half-time, Rohan turned up and came on but no sooner were we up to 15 then Jon Smith, teenage tackling sensation had to go off with an injured shoulder so back to 14 - it was that sort of day.

The second half was a much more spirited display and frequently, Covents' attack and drive play would leave Tech players down in clumps needing treatment much to the frustration of Coach Boppa (wish his surname was Carter) who, stressed to the max and frustrated with the lack of numbers, prowled the touchline being, errrr, well grumpy as f * * *!

The highlight of the match for Covents was an audacious try from scrum-half Tom Gough who taking a quick tap penalty about 3 yards from his own try line, weaved through the static green fatties and was away. Almost scragged, he wriggled free and resisting the temptation to pass to Rohan, sprinted in to dot down under the posts for 5-26. With fly-half Ben Davies struggling with a hamstring, up stepped prop Haydon Clarke to miss the conversion. I know what you're asking at home and to be honest, I haven't a clue, so don't!

Another moment that raised our hopes was when Haydon picked up loose ball on our line and charged forward up the touch like a wounded rhino, eventually laying off to Rohan who sprinted, chip kicked and sprinted again. He raced, shadowed by green, over the line and managed to tap down with one hand but try not awarded. On reflection it most probably wasn't but at the time, I would have given it, standing as I was on the halfway line with dodgy eyes and a bag over my head. The referee (wee Robbie fa the Highlands) wouldn't even consider our third match official's opinion (John Kenny) or a free pint if the try was awarded - I mean come on, he's a Scotsman for God's sake!

So the boys in blue kept going with renewed optimism but could not break the green defence again in a game that became scrappy and in the last 15 or so, Tech breached our line twice more to make the second half score, 5-12 and it could have been more if they'd had a kicker. Sensibly forgoing the lengthy injury time, wee Robbie blew after 41 minutes and we were, soundly beaten by a joyous Tech side who didn't rub it in too much (thanks boys).

There were some positive things from the Blue and Whites; Haydon, DJ, Giz and the rest of the pack, some bullocking trademark runs from Lawrence, Joff tackling round the ankles (reminiscent of a young, fearless Jeff Platt) Tom Gough's energy and two or three solo darts from Captain Cozzy with little legs going full tilt but all in all, pitching up on a league Saturday with 14 men to play anyone (let alone Cov Tech) is a crock of sh*t and well we know it. Yes there are a lot of injuries to key players and yes, massive respect to the 16 who fronted up yesterday (Sam Holtham included who came on in the second half) but to go from 40 plus bodies in the new year to a thin, blue bedraggled line is clearly not good enough and hopefully souls will be searched and Springy will return from Gary Glitter's holiday home whenever the Icelandic dust settles . . .

So as the sun went down, and the sun downers went down with it, we were left to reflect on a funny old season - a season in which we played champions Trinity Guild first game up and found ourselves 31-0 down at half time and only losing by 10 points while they were flagging, beating 2nd placed Atherstone at home and losing to them away in the 89th minute 23-25 to a penalty and going on a 6 match winning run and retaining the Flick Memorial by beating the Wheats 43-8. On the flip side of that coin, we lost by one point at Copsewood and sustained two heavy defeats, this week and last to finish 3rd in the league. It was the usual Covents story of flattering to deceive, on our day, when the players we know we've got are available, we're a match for anyone but unfortunately as is sometimes the case, we can go from world beaters to carpet beaters in the blink of an eye.

Thanks to everyone who contributed this season; players, coaches, committe, bar and grub staff, drinkers, supporters and flag collectors, it's not all doom & gloom, we've got the Club Dinner to look forward to and Sean in his Speedos!

Coventrians RFC, you know it makes sense.

2010-04-10T14:11:00.006+01:00

Trinity Guild 68 - 0 Coventrians Mids 5 West SE

Covents Put in Tough Shift as Guild Cruise to Title

Coventrians had to dig deep today at Trinity Guild's sun drenched Baginton ground as missing 9 regulars (wedding, Wembley, Stag do and injury) they were forced to play league leaders Guild with a scratch side including Andy Kearns, (first game in 5 years) young Jon Smith and the Silver Fox Deano among others. Trailing 34-0 at half time, the news did not get any better as Dougie had to leave, Kev Walters went to hospital and Wozza did his back again. Immediately after the restart, Steve Vallis popped a rib and we went down to 13 and the scrums to passive. Just when it couldn't get any worse, we went down to 12 as Carl was yellowed for using his head in all the wrong places . . .

In between the Guild tries though, Covents fronted up like lions with a display of courage, heart, determination and fire - tackling like tigers and making the home side earn their flourish - time and time again the blue and white boys gathered under the posts, wiped sweaty brows, rolled up blood soaked sleeves and came again and again. There were 13 then 12 heroes out there but a special mention to Rohan and Jon Smith (Joff) for their tireless tackling and Cozzy and Tom Gough for driving the pack forward. To be honest, I was proud of those boys today and could not fault their effort - even Danny bless him, full of Budweiser and with a dislocated shoulder appeared on the touch line stripped and ready for action only to be persuaded by Coach Boppa to stop having a laugh!

Eventually, with our boys almost out on their feet, the ref blew 10 minutes early so the victors could enjoy their spoils and Covents lick their wounds while holding their heads high. Congratulations to Trinity Guild on their title winning season and with a final fixture against old friends Cov Tech to come, well done to the Covents boys for finishing third.

2010-03-27T13:57:00.007Z

Coventrians 43 - 7 Old Wheats Mids 5 West S E

Current Covents Do Clayton Proud

Coventrians retained the Clayton Flick Memorial Trophy and completed a 6th consecutive league win after a convincing display of forward power and finishing from Rohan at HQ on Saturday. Our thanks to the Wheats lads for allowing Terry Mosey to referee and to Terry for a solid performance only blotting his copybook by blowing up with 4 minutes to go as his whole body was hurting.

Covents signalled their intent in the 3rd minute after forward strength set up fly-half Dougie who missing out Lawrence, passed to Rohan who proved his usual irresistable self by weaving past 3 defenders to dot down under the posts - Jason Ryan converted for 7-0. The pack were switched on and having their way early doors with a turn over and veteran street fighter Giz pinching all sorts of ball he had no right to in the lineouts. Having said that, in the 11th minute, the top heavy Stevie Wonder Vallis ruined a promising move by knocking on and yes, before you say it, he would not have dropped it if it had been wrapped in newspaper and smelling of salt & vinegar . . .

In the 13th minute, scrum-half Tom Gough (who seems to specialize in tries from impossible positions) lived up to his reputation by dotting down right in the corner when it looked to all the world that he would be bundled into touch. 12-0. The kick was good from Jason but just drifted wide. It was at this point that our Rt Hon President, Spooky Springate was heard to say, rather modestly, I have been coaching the backs and they are getting better and better

In the 27th minute Danny Pearson discolated his shoulder and this signalled Monkey coming out of retirement when she realised it was her monkey yelping and gasping like a girl and also brought Woz into the fray at hooker. From a 30th minute scrum, Covents turned over and after a powerful drive, scored a pushover try. As the fat boys peeled themselves off, one by one, everyone was stunned to see Rohan at the bottom of the heap enjoying a fat bifta and clutching the pill - sterling undercover work by the main man then and Jason added the extras with a beauty from the touchline for 19-0. In the 33rd minute, a torpedo from Dougie put us in the same corner via a Wheats hand and from the resulting lineout Captain Cozzie went over but this time Jase the Ace hit an upright from in front meaning we went in at half-time, 24-0.

So all rosy and awaiting a cricket score then? Not so, Wheats made a substitution and came back with renewed vim and vigour. For the next 10 minutes they put us under pressure running some great lines and playing some rugby that was easy on the eye. If it hadn't been for sloppiness from hand and some solid blue & white defence they could have easily had 2 or 3 scores. As it happened, Rohan Aitken collected a loose pass on halfway and scorched in towards the clubhouse, leaving a vapour trail on 51 minutes for his hat trick and as Jason slotted for 31-0 we breathed a sigh of relief.

This galvanised our boys and D J Sexton picked and drove powerfully up the left touch, taking 2 or 3 with him and 3 minutes later, in the opposite corner, Covents scored another pushover try and although Vallis has offered me a pint for giving it to him, it was Captain Cozzy who applied the all important downward pressure for 36-0. In the 64th minute Wheats finally got on the board when their No 9 felt the need to beat Dougie twice before dotting down. Is there any value in showboating when 36 points behind . . . ? You know the drill, get your postcards out.

So 36-7 but Covents were not finished yet and illustrated their strength and stamina (now fortified by Wayne only 3 brandies) by pushing Wheats 20 or 25 yards back. Then Lawrence, the flying warthog of a centre, went on a trademark bullocking surge through 2 defenders before putting Tam alright arr kid bostin ma mate Carter in for a score converted by Jason for 43-7. There was still time for Deej to drive powerfully again, helped by Lenny and Wozza and then Wheats to return the compliment by shoving our boys 15 yards before Terry Moseys legs and lungs gave out on 76 minutes.

So as the sun set on paradise and a lot of contented Covents gathered in the gloaming (with a very gracious Wheats contingent) it was left to Terry Mosey to make a lovely speech in which he remembered Clayton and Claire and reminded everyone what this fixture is all about. Then the trophy was presented to Cozzy looking resplendant all in errrrr, brown and we returned to what we do best, bending the elbow, gilding the lily and extracting the urine from each other. Is there a better place to be than the club you love after a good win? I don't think so.

Spartans 3rds v Covents 2nds Warks 3 KO 3:00pm

2010-03-23T19:05:00.002Z

Coventrians 21 - 0 Warley

Covents were 14-0 up at half time after two tries from Rohan, one a sweeping move through the backs including Lawrence and Simon. D J added a third try after being set by super sub Terry Mosey at the base. 3 conversions from full back Jason. On the negative side, Simon (broken collarbone) and Scrappy (busted thumb) out for the season.

Covents 2nds lost 0-51 to a good Shipston side even though Scholesy made 5 tackles (is that in Saturdays game or his career? Answers on a postcard please)

Saturday 13th March 2010

2010-03-12T10:34:00.004Z

Coventrians v Warwickian Mids 5 West S E

Warwickian had no front row so the game was called a home win due to them crying off.

Covents 2nds travelled to Bedrock and won 24 - 23 after being 20 - 0 down at half time.

2010-03-08T11:55:00.003Z

Harbury 2nds 21 - 26 Covents 2nds

Saturdays Warks 3 game was a tale of two halves - trailing 21-0 at half time after playing with 12 men the arrival of some reinforcements witnessed a momentous turnaround resulting in a 21-26 win.

It started rapidly with two tries in 6 minutes then finished with a bang. Scorers were Tom Carter (move of the match in which Alan actually passed the ball), a great (lucky) kick to the far left corner from Neb put Kevin Walters in after a 60m chase, between that and Scrappys quick penalty score. Mr Feldman put in two crunching hits and in the last 5 minutes, full back Alan Bedford sent the opposition No8 gambowling backwards, squealing like a pig to the slaughter; then at the last play D J the steamroller took a short pop from Carter and crossed over with 5 of the Harbury pack on his back.

My thanks to "Seasonal" for providing a match report.

2010-02-20T18:23:00.001Z

No games Sat 20th Feb due to snow covered pitch

2010-02-13T09:13:00.008Z

Coventry Saracens 10 - 31 Coventrians Mids 5 West SE

Our all time league record v Saras is now P22 W12 L10

Saras Get The Needle as Simon Super Show Seals Win

Covents continued their Jeckyll and Hyde impression at Bredon Avenue on Saturday flattering to deceive in the first half before romping home in a very one sided second half. As early as the 4th minute they illustrated their supremacy as Rohan looked sure to score after beating 3 defenders - unfortunately though instead of moving sideways (as he always does) to beat the last man, he chose to run straight (as he hardly ever does) and was stopped short.

Two minutes later, fly-half Simon Needles threw out an outrageous pass to Rohan who again, along with Lenny Pitt, looked certain to score but with an 'after you old boy, no no I insist after you old chap' they managed, to between them, not score. In the 14th minute Simon chipped over but Saras managed to drop on and still we couldn't get on the board. From a lineout Giz the veteran rose like a salmon and Tom Gough went on his own but still we couldn't find a way through.

From another lineout, Captain Cozzy cleaned up the scraps at the base and allowed Simon Needles to scythe his way through to dot down under the posts and convert his own kick in the 18th minute for 7-0. As is always the case, the opposition came at us and with a nicely executed drop kick, were back in it at 7-3. Just after this, Paul Brindley picked up a loose kick and made 30 yards before being halted - pushed off a scrum earlier, the Covents 8 then went on a rumble and pushed Saras back powerfully in a maul. Then disaster struck as a Saras Garryowen in the 32nd minute left Lenny in two, possibly three minds and as he pondered the meaning of life, the chasing Sara gathered and dotted down very much against the run of play. They converted for 7-10 and came again full of confidence and spirit with fancy flicks and sweet sherry and mauling on our line resulting in a dangerous looking scrum but they knocked on to signal half-time.

The second 40 was a different story thankfully as in the 44th minute a twinkle toed run from Alan Bedford resulted in Kev Walters putting Lawrence in to score for 12-8. We were finally rumbling now as D J went on an Incredible Hulk of a surge and then in the 51st minute Lawrence went on a bullocking crash centre of a run which allowed Simon Needles to pick up and deftly chip over, catch but just be held up on the line. 8 minutes later, Lawrence again like a bull in a China shop set up a ruck from which D J rumbled again and Rohan put Simon Needles in who waltzed through as many Saras as you like to touch down 17-10. We were now starting to look more like a Bentley than a Lada and Simon converted for 19-10. Minutes later, great work from Captain Cozzy, chasing down and pressurizing Saras defenders, forced them to kick infield and Rohan just about catching the pill, put Simon Needles in again who running a great line and beating at least 2 defenders put Lenny in at the corner for 24-10 and another quality score.

The 70th minute saw Tom Carter welcomed back to the fold as he came on for Cozzy and Covents were still hunting as a mazy run from Rohan, a straight one from Bedford and a galloping warthog from Lawrence all tested the Saras defence. In the 76th minute from a scrum on the Saras line, Covents drove and from the ensuing scramble scrum-half Tom Gough stuck out a telescopic arm and put the icing on the mini bakewell to score. Simon provided the cherry with a successful conversion and so ended a good win (eventually) for Covents and a virtuoso performance of his own, 31-10.

So a 4th successive league win for the blue and whites - a few mentions here - Boppas coaching, Haydon deputising for Woz, Giz playing 80 minutes at 2nd row (at his age!) Cozzy whose attempts to stick the nut on a huge prop would be massively improved by the use of some step ladders, D J for starting at prop and moving to 2nd row (after Keiran did his shoulder), Vallis for not scoring for the 3rd week in a row and most of all to the backs who looked as sharp as razors for most of the match - well done one and all!

PS - if anyone knows the result and scorers from the 2nds put it on the guestbook - cheers

Newbold 3rds 35 - 15 Covents 2nds Warks 3

Scorers unknown

2010-02-10T12:21:00.000Z

Saturday 6th February 2010

2010-02-06T18:23:00.005Z

Old Wheats 21 - 41 Coventrians (Mids 5 West S E)

Tries; Dougie 2, Cozzie 2, Simon Needles, Alan Bedford, Steve Vallis, Dougie 3 cons.

Covents 2nds 31 - 26 Rugby St Andrews 3rds

Ben Davis 4 tries, James Connolly and Davis 3 cons - congratulations to young bhoy James, son of John & Jane who was making his debut for the Blue & Whites at the age of 15.

2010-01-30T10:07:00.004Z

Wellesbourne 10 - 24 Coventrians (Mids 5 West S E)

Sorry no ramblings from me this week as I was in detention on Saturday - a good win for the lads though with tries from Simon Needles, Adam Booth (his first), Danny Pearson and Steve Vallis. Simon also converted 2. The Bedworth Echo stop press has Vallis's effort as a 90 yard solo effort on Fred Flinstone bowling twinkle toes but eye witnesses say he tripped and fell on the ball from 6 inches out ;-)

Covents 2nds 17 - 22 Old Covents 3rds (Warks 3)

Apparently OCs lent us 4 players (so thanks to them) and it seems like it was a good, close game. If anyone knows who scored the points, stick it on the guestbook please. I've heard a rumour that Ayatollah Scholesy crashed over . . .

Saturday 23rd January 2010

2010-01-23T10:31:00.005Z

Coventrians 6 - 0 Copsewood (Mids 5 West S E)

Our all time league record v Copsewood, GPT Coventry, GEC is now P6 W2 L4

A Win is a Win

Covents eventually triumphed yesterday in a game that was uglier than the bird Eamonn pulled in Ilfracombe, Easter 1988. It really was a case of after the Lord Mayors show when we consider the pulsating heroics of last week. I don't know what it is about Coventrians v Copsewood that guarantees drudgery, if anyone can answer that question, get your postcards out please.

Covents actually started well and flew out of the traps, finding themselves in the Cs 22 driving through the forwards and in the 2nd minute won a penalty which big Simon Needle potted for 3-0. He repeated this later in the half and we went in at the break 6-0 to the good.

The second half was slightly better with both sets of forwards fired up and we saw good work from DJ with at least a couple of surging drives and Cozzy and Danny linking well to put Kev Walters away before being pulled up by a whistle. Copsewood had a couple of long range punts which both fell short and looked nippy in the backs where they deployed a couple of slippy dwarves. Our own three quarter line had an off day as big Lawrence earned himself the new nickname of Teflon. He reported to the officials post match and tested positive for Kerrygold on his fingers. On a brighter note, Alan Bedford made some good solo runs and a medium sized hit before coming off with a groin strain. No one told him that Lauren is no longer the physio apparently.

Woz came on for a trundle to replace the cream crackered Vallis and just as he was starting his warm down (a Bensons and a Black Label) he had to re enter the fray for the busted Bedford.

There was a little excitment near the end generated by coach and touch judge Bopper who signalled a Copsewood foot in touch 6 minutes and 120 yards after the offence. The ref brought it all back and Copsewoods lovely peroxide player started to wax lyrical at the man in yellow. I happened to disagree with him slightly and we entered into a brief exchange of pleasantries which may or may not have included some Anglo Saxon. Congratulations to Neil Walters who provided this quip, "It was the highlight of the match!"

So a short match report because quite frankly my dear, I cannot be bothered to switch on my dictaphone and re live yesterdays fare. Middlesex 7s it wasnt but as the title suggests, a win is a win.

Covents 2nds 20 - 29 Manor Park 2nds (Warks 3)

So no such problems in the second team game then as they performed heroics, only succumbing by 9 points after playing with 14 men for the first half and against top of the league opposition. A penalty try and one from Dom which were both converted by Ben Davies who added a penalty for good measure. Giz summed it up as he said, "We gave them Treacle Tarners a game and alf youth." ALL HAIL THE SECOND TEAM!

2010-01-20T08:42:00.002Z

"I look at Colin Meads and see a great big sheep farmer who carried the ball in his hands as though it was an orange pip."

Bill McLaren 1923-2010

2010-01-15T22:34:00.008Z

Saturday 16th January 2010

Today we remember Jonny Roden who passed away two years ago this weekend

Covents 2nds 0-66 Kenilworth 3rds (Warks 3)

Atherstone 25-23 Coventrians (Mids 5 West S E)

Our all time record v Atherstone youth is P28 W11 L17. Our first ever league game was on the 10th September 1988 when we won at home 19-3, tries from Paul Barrow 2, Tim Bycroft and John Kenny plus a penalty from Clayton Flick securing victory. Our last game away at Atherstone on the 8th March 2008 saw a comprehensive 45-14 win with tries from Chris Simons 2, Rohan Aitken 2, Mikey Kiburi, Carl Thornton & Kev Walters with Deadeye Douglas adding 5 conversions.

Covents Lose Out in Last Gasp Thriller!

Sometimes league rugby can be dull, turgid fare but yesterday Coventrians and the All Blacks of Atherstone served up a real treat that warmed the very cockles. With both sides playing for the first time in 5 or 6 weeks we perhaps could have expected much less but this was a real thriller, tense, edge of the seat, cliff hanging rugby.

It all looked a bit ominous as Atherstone started as they usually do, rumbling through the pack and then running a try in from base camp in our 22 for 7-0 after 8 minutes. On 12 minutes though, Danny Pearson passed to flanker Kev Walters who put Captain Cozzy (Mr Angry) in and watched while those little legs sprinted in, 35 yards for a try under the posts. Deadeye converted and it was all level at 7-7.

In the 25th minute, Deadeye slotted a penalty to cancel an earlier Atherstone kick to make the score 10-10 which is how it remained until half time.

In the 44th minute after good work from a now much more solid Covents eight, we won a penalty and Deadeye slotted for 13-10. A few minutes later, some great tackling from debutant Adam Booth at No 8, Cozzy, D J and Danny underlined the effort from the forwards as the home side attacked in waves of black. Alan Bedford and Lenny Pitt were doing their bit in the backs too with some big hits. In the 56th minute, Lawrence at outside centre put fly half Phil Watson in at the corner to stretch our lead to 18-10 and was due reward for the blue boy's efforts. Unfortunately Deadeye caught more tee than ball and the kick was missed.

The game started to swing back to Atherstone though and after the hour mark their forwards and fly half started to make their presence felt with a lot of possession and territory. They turned this into points with a try from close range after 62 minutes to make it 18-15 and their kicker having just hit the cross bar with a penalty proceeded to hit it again with the conversion! Crossbar challenge for you then mate. This stirred them to greater exertion and the blue and white defence was sorely tested as the black pack surged and surged again. At one point they were surely over but Ryan Gilbert manged to burgle the pill and that particular attack came to nothing. They were also down to fourteen as a black forward saw yellow but he was soon followed by our scrum half Tom Gough.

In the 76th minute Danny Pearson dropped on a loose ball and trying to find touch, gave possession back to the home side and they eventually scored in the corner and converted for 18-22. So that was it then, game over, points gone as there was no coming back from here? Well read on . . . Covents won a penalty in the 80th minute and from the lineout got a rumble on with D J and Keiran surging and Lawrence and then Paul Brindley going close. In the 84th minute from another lineout the forwards never say die attitude enabled Dave Bailey to give it to Danny Pearson who tenacious as a bull dog and seven of his best buddies shoving for their lives behind him, pushed the black pack over the line and dotted down in the corner to send us into waves of ecstacy. So game on again at 23-22 as Deadeye unfortunately didn't slot.

So we were in the 7th minute of injury time and 2 more remained. Atherstone kicked off and put it straight out. Instead of taking the scrum we opted for them to kick again and they gained possession and started attacking in waves again, roared on by their big crowd. Great tackles from Lenny and then Deadeye kept them at bay but we were penalised on our 22 and their fly half who had hit the crossbar twice already lined up for what one could describe as a pressure kick. In the 89th minute, he stepped back and sent a beauty straight down the middle to bring the curtain down on a most entertaining game that neither side really deserved to lose. As it was though, Atherstone won 23-25 but there was no disgrace in defeat for the blue and white boys who had given their all and heads were held high after a real gutsy performance.

A word too about the whistler, a diminutive Scot who had a pretty decent game of his own. I particularly liked the way he communicated all his decisions clearly to both players and supporters alike.

Touchline quote;

Daaaaady run! (Steve Vallis' little lad)

"You know Daddy aint very good at running." (Steve Vallis' daughter)

2010-01-11T09:34:00.002Z

If only Lee Pegler had sorted that undersoil heating . . . (click on photo to enlarge)

2010-01-02T18:30:00.002Z

Takes you back in time . . .

Twenty-two years ago today (2nd Jan 1988) Covents played their first ever games at the Black Pad. The 2nd team lost 0-3 to Post Office on what is now the football pitch and the 3rds lost 4-18 to B'ham Civil Service with scrum-half Martin Harrington scoring the first ever try on what is now the only rugby pitch. The first team won their league game 22-3 away at Post Office in what was their Championship winning season, the first ever of league rugby.

Saturday 2 January 2010

2010-01-01T16:45:00.003Z

Old Wheats v Coventrians (Mids 5 West SE) KO 2:15 (pending pitch inspection)

Covents all time league record is P310 W123 D6 L181. Our league record v Wheats is P15 W3 D1 L11. Our first league fixture v Wheats was on the 8th March 1997 when we lost 15-33 away (scorers unknown). On 10th December 2005 we won away 19-16, tries from M.Kiburi, K.Martin & S.Kirk with a conversion each from L.Pegler & A.Hawthorn. On 25th March 2006 we drew at home 11-11 (try N.Walters, C.Potter 2 pens). Our other two wins being 6-5 at home on 16th December 2006 (C.Potter 2 pens) and 8-6 at home on 29th March 2008 (C.Simons try, Dougie pen).

Match postponed again due to frozen pitch - training on Thursday!

21st December 2009

2009-12-21T09:40:00.005Z

Today we remember Clayton and Claire who were so tragically lost 21 years ago over Lockerbie

2009-12-12T10:50:00.004Z

12th December 2009

Covents 2nds 26 - 0 Spartans 3rds (Warks 3)

Sometimes scrappy, sometimes good phases of play. The referees first game as ref, not too bad, tried to keep the game flowing, missed a bit, both sides tried to get away with stuff, kept a lid on a couple of flurries. Back to the game, Steve Vallis uncomfortable (due to a humdinger of a hangover)in the scrum against a (novice?) prop; dispensed with said props services halfway through 2nd half, Big Sam Collinson ran the 1st try in from a good distance, Ben slotted over. Rohan (who felt a bit guilty) turned up and came on at half time ran 2 tries in and then went off, to pack his speedos ready for his trip back to the homeland. Ben slotted 1 of the 2 over.

Rohans departure brought on to the pitch young John (Joff) who it is fair to say after all his previous games, has got a bit of bottle, chased a kick up field kicked on again and scored his First try for the club;nice one. Ben slotted over. I know it is short but my dinner is nearly ready. The No8 would like to point out that a masterclass in, the one handed pass behind the back, the positional kick up field, and the amazing show and go dummy can be seen at training on Thursday.

My thanks to the venerable and distinguished gentleman Dicky P who has just created a new "Guest Report" slot. Well done to Joff to.

2009-12-05T20:44:00.003Z

Manor Park 2nds 54 - 12 Covents 2nds

Tries: Alan Bedford, Ben Davies, Conversion Ben Davies (thanks to Dicky P)

Covents kid's Xmas party Sunday 13th December 4-00pm till 7pm. Member's children only please, to book see John Connolly

2009-12-01T20:01:00.003Z

This week we remember one of Covents' favourite sons, Jeff Platt who passed away on 29th November 2008.

2009-11-30T12:42:00.002Z

Coventry Welsh 2nds 34 - 6 Coventrians 2nds Vase Semi Final

An often spirited but also sometimes disjointed performance from our boys allied to some disappointing tackling handed the tie to the Welsh lads in a scoreline that flattered them ever so slightly. Having said that we battled on and there was no lack of effort. Haydon Clarke and Ben Davies (2 pens) stood out for the Blue & White side and perhaps the game highlight was Rich Scholes, propping but throwing in at the lineouts, hitting his own toes with one such throw. Even stranger when you consider he hasn't seen his feet in 14 years . . .

2009-11-29T11:36:00.005Z

Cov Tech 8 - 25 Coventrians (Mids West SE)

Sparkling Scores Light up the Gloom

Covents and Tech served up turgid fare at a cold and swampy Mitchell Avenue yesterday but two solo tries from the boys in blue shone out like shafts of golden light to pierce the muddy, murky mediocrity.

Covents, unusually, grabbed an immediate advantage as from the kick off; fly-half Phil Watsons kick was dropped by a Tech player collected by Phil himself and shipped out to Danny Pearson who put Rohan in behind the posts. Simon Needle (BA) converted and all was well at 7-0. Alan Bedford kept the early tempo going with a 6th minute dump tackle and so did the back row, led by new granddad Dick Potter (congratulations mate) with Trevor Roberts and new to the flank Kev Walters hunting as a triumvirate.

In the 11th minute Covents, awarded a penalty and about to kick for touch received orders from touch judge, fitness consultant, chief of visualisation and Director of Rugby Coach Mosey to tap it so they did. 2 minutes later the tap bug had spread as far as second row Deej Sexton as even he tapped and went. Eventually the tap and go novelty wore off and in the 14th minute Simon Needle (BA) sent one over for 10-0. This of course prompted the compulsory galvanised comeback and Cov Tech surged towards our line and looked in at the corner until caped crusader Rohan flew in and smothered their attacking intent with a superb tackle. Tech then tapped and went (surprise, surprise) and chipped over but Tom Gough dropped on in our in goal area.

Moments later Rohan, catching one covered in snow went on a mazy run beat four and passed to Ryan Gilbert who thundered like a wounded rhino but the move broke down. Rohan was surely in minutes later when screaming for the ball in space did not receive it from Alan Bedford who was scragged before he could offload. In the 21st minute Lawrence had treatment for a cut head and BA Needle missed with the penalty but by now our bright start had faded and the game started to resemble a partially sighted dentist pulling teeth with blunt pliers.

In the 25th minute however a powerful Covents scrum pushed Tech back and Phil Watson picked up a Trevor Roberts hack on and beat several defenders before passing to Ryan Gilbert who surged again before being held up 5 metres short. We recycled and thought D J was over but he was held up. From the resulting penalty when perhaps we should have tapped (for once) we opted to kick and BA Needle missed again. So perhaps hold that knighthood for Coach Mosey then . . .

On 30 minutes Kev Walters cut a Tech player in half and Lawrence made good ground before passing to Rohan who sprinkled his magic dust and beat five defenders until a Cov Tech clothes line cut him down in his prime. The blue and whites saw red and the black hearted number one in green got yellow from the man in orange (I hope no one is colour blind) Five minutes later Tech were awarded a penalty and a very decent kick soared over for 10-3.

At this point prop forward Steve Vallis, struggling with an ankle injury caught a high kick just outside our 22 with the green winger bearing down on him. So, with BA Needle outside him it was just a case of pass the pill and watch as he kicked away . . . You must be having a laugh! Vallis suddenly thought he was Phil Bennett and with feet stuck in thick treacle and the cameras switched to super slow mo attempted his best Fred Flintstone twinkle toed sidestep. Obviously confused as a small snail overtook Vallis, the winger still enveloped him and ball while BA Needle selected a large Cuban cigar to light. To be fair though, miraculously we managed to retain possession and at half time still led 10-3.

The first 10 minutes of the second half saw Covents fired up and obviously trying to move it through the backs. On 55 minutes Cov Tech had a penalty in our 22 in the corner and caught us freezing cold and more comatose than napping with a glorious kick that resembled a football cross into the opposite corner for their winger to run in and score for 10-8. On the hour, BA Needle sent a penalty over for 13-8 and Dave Bailey came on for Steve "three point turn" Vallis.

In the 66th minute a Tech pot at goal missed and from the restart Phil took a tricky little kick to himself and beat two players before passing to Lawrence the crash. Lawrence, as usual, did the donkey work before offloading to Rohan who turned the superchargers on and streaked down the wing in a blue and white blur (pausing to wave at Andrea in Phils truck) before dotting down for 18-8. BA Needle just missed but the game was nearly done. Click here for commentary.

In the 69th minute Lenny the young John Kenny Pitt came on for Paul Brindley and his first contribution was a thumping, try saving tackle right in the corner as Tech looked to score.

With 10 minutes left we had entered the best phase of the match as the game came to life with both sides going for it. BA Needle had the chance to finish it but his penalty fell just short in the 71st minute. In the 77th minute Kev Walters, ball in hand, drove two Tech players backwards in a superb display of strength and tenacity. In the 79th minute from a solid hit by Lawrence the ball fell loose, super sub Lenny Pitt picked up in his 22 and emulating Rohan, sprinted up the touchline like a man possessed beating as many as you like in the descending gloom to dot down under the posts. Click here for commentary. BA Needle sent one through the middle and it was 25-8. There was still time for a Cov Tech rally and they spent the last few minutes of time added on, on our line and even though they threw a punch that Trevor said felt like a wet sponge at bedtime they could not breach our defence.

So once again we made hard work of it at times and perhaps should have won by more but still the win felt good, coming as it did at the home of our old friends Cov Tech who were their usual spirited, physical and resolute selves. At times yesterday we were our own worst enemies then again when we played we played well. It is never easy when players have to slot in so fair play to Kev on the flank, Phil at fly half and Nicki "Banoffi" Garner for all her hard work and effort two weeks previously at the VPs do (sorry I missed you out darling!)

I feel I must mention innovative Coach Terry Mosey, Director of Rugby here who put the lads through a 4 hour pre match warm up. This included an hour of visualization whereby the boys get themselves mentally ready for battle by imagining different aspects of rugby; we saw Phil pretending he had a blood capsule in his mouth, Deej sleeping for 12 hours with no night feeds, for Rohan treble rum and coke, Danny on the Love Boat with Monkey and Vallis sitting down to pie, chips and curry sauce. It is all new to me but seemed to work. Long may it continue!

Postscript - Phil, nice to see you mate. Andrea, lovely to meet you ;-)

2009-11-27T18:27:00.005Z

Saturday 28th November 2009

Coventry Technical 8 - 25 Coventrians (Mids 5 West SE)

Our all time league record against Tech is P17 W3 L14. Our first ever game was on 3rd October 1987 winning 50-0 at home with tries from, Colin Blebta 3, Pete Henderson 2, Jim Bradford, Clayton Flick, Tim Parsons & Red Brown (kickers unknown). We beat them on 15th January 2000 away 19-12 with tries from C.Leyland, Craig Mosey and Nick Castle with C.Stokes adding 2 conversions. Our last win was 24-8 away on the 1st March 2008 with Mikey Kiburi 2 and Rohan Aitken scoring tries, Deadeye adding 3 conversions and a penalty. Tech had 2 players red carded. In 2001/02 we lost 0-82 and 0-83!

Sunday 29th November 2009

Coventry Welsh 2nds v Coventrians 2nds Cup Semi Final KO 2:15pm

2009-11-21T11:02:00.005Z

Saturday 21st November 2009

Coventrians 0 - 3 Wellingborough Old Grammarians RFU Junior Vase 3rd Round (Midlands)

Covents 2nds 0 - 12 Berks & Balls

2009-11-12T20:38:00.010Z

Saturday 14th November 1:00pm - Covents VPs & Old Boys Day

Coventrians 13-9 Coventry Saracens (Mids 5 South)

Our all time league record v Cov Saras is P20 W10 L10. We first played them in a league fixture on 26th November 1988 losing 3-6 at Bredon Ave with a Clayton Flick penalty our solitary score. Our last game was on 19th January 2008 when we won 20-8 away. Dave Sexton & Carl Thornton scored tries with Chris Simons adding 2 conversions and 2 penalties.

Super Ro Dives in to Clinch Win for Covents

At a cold, windswept, rain lashed Black Pad; Covents put in a tough day at the office to clinch their fourth league win of the season against Cov Saras. This is a fairly short report as I spent the first half in the lovely warm clubhouse, kidnapped by old farts and forced to drink Guinness.

So Saras took the lead with a drop goal and a penalty but Rohan Aitkin hit back with a try from a five metre scrum to leave the score at half time, 5-6. Earlier, Danny Pearson had dotted down but the score was disallowed; (turns out he only wanted a kiss off monkey)

Covents took the lead in the first few minutes of the second half when Deadeye Douglas sent a penalty over, straight and true for 8-6. Once again, in the latter period, the real Covents turned up and in the 10th minute big full-back Simon Needles went on one of his trademark glides, beat four players and put Kev Walters in, in the corner but the move came to naught. From a scrum, Covents got a big shove on but Saras held firm. This turned into a Premier Inn mini-break as Covents set up camp in the corner but again, no points were garnered.

A few minutes later, the ball was fired through the three quarter line, Dougie to Lawrence who put Rohan in at the bowling green corner and just about to run out of room, Super Ro astounded everyone with an outrageous swallow dive, more top board at Cov Baths than Swan Lake. The judges all held up sixes and Covents were 13-6 up thanks to Rohans superb Greg Louganis effort.

Saras came back with a penalty to make the score 13-9 and shortly afterwards, Wayne 6 rums Brandfour who had come on as a sub for Dave Bailey picked up at a ruck and looking like Serge Blanco sold a dummy and charged up field before being stopped. Then from the lineout he leapt like a salmon and took Saras ball. Maybe he had drunk 7 rums? From this move, centre Lawrence went on a bullocking surge and running STRAIGHT used his rather robust build to knock four defenders over before being halted. Trevor Roberts thought he had scored but like Danny earlier, was denied by the ref. Then Lawrence went again, like a man possessed (or just someone who was advised to run STRAIGHT) and now, it was all blue and white pressure.

The game was then interrupted when the Saras prop decided to drive low, ball in hand but only succeeding in colliding with the granite head of The Beast (aka Woz). Woz says he was also going low but we suspect he was having a sneaky nap but the outcome was not pretty for the Saras prop as he was knocked senseless and had to go off after a lengthy delay. He only avoided a serious neck injury by the fact that he did not have one. A few minutes later, Wayne rucked out, won a penalty which Dougie put onto the train lines to bring the curtain down on a hard fought two points.

Talking of Dougie, he was one of two players who asked me if I had seen certain incidents; one was a re-start from him that sent the ball a thousandth of an inch and a clod of earth over the clubhouse. The other was Kev Walters being tackled, sacked and turned over like a washing machine on fast cycle. So no boys you are fine, I did not see either happen . . .

So to the entertainment; as VPs days go it was not the best supported as the weather had made a warm living room and a bowl of Complan seem more appealing but that said we still had a good turnout of old favourites; Red Brown, Nick Castle, Paul Cassidy, Steve Fish, Giz Gisbourne, Dick Griffiths, Mick Groves, Robbie Hopkins, Simon Hull, Grant Liggins, Spanner Lindon, Trevor Lyon, Ron McBride, Father Francis P McCullough, Archie McPherson, Terry Mosey, Lee Pegler, Bob & Steve Platt, Rocket Ron Randle, Sean Stanton, Tony suave Super, Steve Tate, Martin Trenholm, Rich Walters and John Wilson.

For photos click here they aint the best quality unfortunately.

It was great to see the club heaving with bodies and thronging with song both from the old farts and the current players. Thanks to Red for his ever enduring Alouette (although she has a few grey hairs down below these days) and also to our second team referee (whose name escapes me) for standing up on that chair, and taking a soaking while trying to decide what to sing; she is a great sport! John, Jane and Barbara did us proud too with food and drink a plenty; the table was groaning under the weight of the bottomless buffet and the curry was pretty damn good too. Finally gratitude to Red and Golly for keeping me company until 2am and helping me to feel so wonderful today . . .

Bar Quote

Steve Vallis to myself; You misquoting MOTHER F * * * * R!

I have to say I have never been called that before but then it is Covents and who am I to argue with one so eloquent?

Covents 2nds 0-0 Bedworth 3rds (Warks 3)

Respect to the 2nd team who took on Beduth 3rds on the bottom pitch and put in a gutsy display during a festival of Champagne rugby to draw 0-0.

Saturday November 7th

2009-11-06T12:36:00.024Z

Coventrians 16 - 15 Wellesbourne

(Mids 5 South)

Plucky Ws Vanquished as Covents Win Ugly

A week is a long time in rugby and we witnessed role reversal at a cold, damp autumnal Black Pad yesterday as it was Covents turn to win a game they perhaps did not deserve to by one point. With our usual plethora of injuries/non availabilities Covents still managed to rock up with four world record holders; Steve Vallis (worlds unfittest prop) Woz Garner (worlds strongest prop) Rich Scholes (worlds greediest prop) and the worlds heaviest crash centre, an out of position Supersize Me Keiran Martin.

If I am honest, the first half was a pile of old rubbish which started badly and went downhill. The blue and whites looked half asleep as Wellesbourne went over, unopposed after 3 minutes after our No 10 Duncan Keenan dropped the ball. Dunc made amends with a penalty nine minutes later for 3-5 but the Ws potted one of their own to make the score 3-8.

On 23 minutes Rohan finally got ball after anorexic hooker Danny Pearson (now on the flank) secured possession. Rohan turned on the style and turned Wellesbourne inside out mercurially dancing through 6 or 7 dizzy defenders before offloading to Lawrence who did well before being tackled. Covents were finally firing now and it was Lawrence again, who eventually running straight at centre used his considerable bulk and nearly went over. From the resulting scrum the fat boys pushed and veteran no 8 Dick Potter finished off a text book pushover try in the 29th minute that was unconverted for 8-8.

The next ten minutes saw the usual solid hits from John Field and a nice kick from scrum half Scrappy to clear our lines as the Ws attacked. In the 39th minute Jon Clifford, our young winger who weighs 5 stone in a wringing wet army coat made a superb try saving tackle in the corner but Wellesbourne scored and converted on 40 mins to go into a deserved lead at half time 8 – 15.

Just after the kick off we lost Danny Pearson after a blow to his head so Lenny Pitt (young John Kenny to you) came on at centre and Supersize Me went into the back row. Straight away we were almost in at the bowling green corner from a good looking move between Duncan, Lawrence and Lenny. On 48 minutes Rich Scholes came on for Woz at loose head and his athleticism, dynamic fitness and astute rugby brain turned the game as Rohan was taken off the ball resulting in a Wellesbourne yellow card. On 55 mins Covents were back in the game as scrum half Scrappy skilfully dummy scissored on the line to dot down to make the score 13-15.

This heralded probably the best period of the match with Wellesbourne stung back into attack and only a superb big hit by Supersize Me Martin in the corner prevented a certain score. In the 62nd min D J (playing at hooker) pulled out a bulldozer hit of his own and seven minutes later, John Field nearly cut a bloke in half with a fully committed challenge. So the blue and whites were finally awake and firing then and in the 74th minute, Lawrence thought he was away until the whistle brought him back down to earth. From the resulting Wellesbourne penalty, they didn’t find touch and Jon Clifford (looking more and more like Billy Casper from Kes) caught the ball and unsure whether to run, pass or kick had to consult his Rothmans Rugby Union Handbook before finally hoofing it away just in the nick of time.

In the 75th minute Rohan clicked his heels again and went on a whirling, spinning, mazy thing of a run which included body pops, pirouettes and a double pike before Covents were awarded a penalty on 80 minutes which Duncan (who had not had his best kicking day) coolly slotted for 16-15. So game over then as time was up? You must be joking! As there had been a few injuries our beloved whistler decided to play a whole new game and we had to endure an agonising 10 minutes of time added on which saw a second big hit from D J, a yellow card for John Field and Dave Bailey’s impression of the Incredible Hulk when attempting to rip the ball off his opponent for 30 seconds before realising the whistle had been blown 18 times and a penalty awarded to Wellesbourne.

As their kicker lined it up in the 90th minute, yes 90th minute, Dave could not bare to look but thankfully for us and Dave the kick fell short and the game was won. So a win is a win but although pleased with themselves every Covent knew that this was not good enough and that we were perhaps fortunate to finish on top. Fair play to Wellesbourne too who turned up in numbers, played with great spirit and were unfortunate to leave with nothing. This I believe is only their second season and we wish them well for the rest of it and for the future. I particularly want to mention their utility forward; he is 42 years old, 5 foot 6 and played at number 8, second row and flanker. He is never short of a word either; see you at your place!

Touchline Quotes

Steve Vallis on why he will not be part of a rolling maul Because I am intrinsically lazy.

Opposite prop to Woz It was like propping against a brick wall.

Sam Holtham who bruised his ankle Arghhhh, ooooh, arghhhhhh, I cant suck it in Trev, it hurts too much!

There are some great photos available if you click here. Our thanks to Wellesbournes photographer Dick Prior for his efforts.

Bare respect due to Trevor Roberts who conquered Kill a man for a giro all in aid of Help for Heroes i.e. British Servicemen. Well done mate, I will try and remember that fiver for next week.

Finally, my thanks to Mini Stanton and his mate Johnny who took time off from their Latin homework to walk down to the bottom posts and collect pads and flags as Springy was too idle to go. Thanks lads, Springy I want that quid back that I gave them for sweets.

PS - there was no 2nd team game as we had to cry off due to lack of bodies

2009-10-27T12:35:00.005Z

Saturday 24th October 2009

Copsewood 13 - 12 Coventrians Mids 5 W (S E)

Tries from Paul Brindley and Rohan Aitken and a Deadeye Douglas conversion were not enough to stretch Covents winning run to 4 games. The 2nd team game was called off at 2pm by Copsewood. Don't look too hard for a match report, I was in Carlisle.

Our league record v Copsewood is P2 W1 L1, against GPT Coventry P1 L1 and against GEC P1 L1. On the 18th November 1989 we lost 6-44 away to GEC with a try from Julian Brooks (against his old club) and a conversion from Wiggy Bennett. On the 17th February 1996 we lost 16-28 away to GPT Coventry, our try scorers Nick Castle & Dave Davidson with Davidson adding 2 pens. Last season our nadir came at home against bottom club Copsewood losing 6-9 on 25th October 2008 (Chris Potter pen) but redeeming ourselves at Allard Way on the 31st January 2009 winning 15-3 with tries from Nick Coates & Danny Pearson, Phil Jones's brother adding a pen & a con.

VP's & Old Boy's Day Sat 14th November at home to Cov Saracens 1:00pm

2009-10-23T11:59:00.008+01:00

Saturday 24th October 2009

Covents 2nds 21 - 29 Newbold 3rds (Warks 3)

Kev Walters 2 tries, Steve Vallis try, Sam Collinson 3 conversions - unlucky lads, great result.

Alcester 5 - 13 Coventrians (Cup)

Covents travelled to higher league opposition Ulster and made it 3 wins out of 3 as they triumphed in this Midlands Junior Vase Round 2 game, with a try from skipper Cozzy and 2 penalties & a conversion from Simon Needles. Unfortunately, Cozzy had his shoulder dislocated from a big hit near the end of the match.

2009-10-19T23:06:00.002+01:00

VP's & Old Boy's Day ~ Sat Nov 14th 1-00pm v Cov Saracens

Saturday 17th October 2009

2009-10-16T17:07:00.014+01:00

Coventrians 18 - 11 Atherstone Mids 5 West (S East)

Our all time league record v Atherstone is P27 W10 L17. Our first ever league encounter was on 10th Sept 1988 and we won 19-3 at home with tries from Paul Barrow 2, Tim Bycroft & John Kenny. Clayton Flick kicked a penalty. On the 12th Dec 1998 we lost at home 0-66 but on the 8th March 2008 we won away 45-14 with tries from M Kiburi, C Thornton, K Walters, R Aitken & C Simons 2 each & 5 conversions to Deadeye Douglas. Perversely that season, we found ourselves cheering Atherstone on in a rearranged fixture at OC's ground under lights as they went down to Old Wheats and we went into a play-off by virtue of 1 point eventually being promoted.

Atherstone Brawn 'Busted' by Slick Covents Backs

Covents, in the role of David, slew Goliath as The Black Pad resembled the Land of the Giants on Saturday. From the kick off (missing at least two of their more rotund pack members) Covents were soon struggling up front giving away height, weight and ground and this was underlined by Rohan Aitkin in our 22 having to make three big hits in as many minutes. On 8 minutes, with our pack going backwards, we were awarded a penalty which was marched forward ten due to Atherstone yap. From the lineout, Dougie hoisted into their 22 and Paul Brindley, sprinting in only just failed to gather as their full-back fumbled. Lawrence (Midas touch) Goddard popped up and dotted down but the referee brought it back. So it came to naught but Covents had glimpsed the Promised Land. Kick behind them and use our pace? Sounded like a plan . . .

For the next few minutes, the game see sawed end to end as Simon or Dougie kicked up field and Atherstone would run back, only to be stopped by solid tackling by Rohan or Paul Brindley. At one point one of Simon Needles kicks was caught by Geoff Capes who galloped forward but Simon stopped him with a cruncher. For number 8 Dick Potter and scrum-half Tom Gough it was a case of hot potato in the scrum as we were under pressure in the tight five. The pressure showed when Rohan took a great catch in his 22 and bellowed out, Body-arc! Answers on a postcard please but we think he meant mark.

In the 23rd minute an Atherstone penalty was kicked from way out (and I mean from The Brico) for 0-3 but one could not help feeling that after all that pressure and supremacy Atherstone would have expected more. A minute later, Paul Brindley took a catch on the touchline and sprinted up field beating four defenders; they just did not look happy when we ran at them. Covents forwards were fighting back too when Dick Potter cleaned out at altitude on 27 minutes and D J went on a surge that ended in a ruck from which Deadeye kicked and Atherstone messed up. Simon saw his chance, kicked on, picked up and dropped down to score for 5-3. Unusually, Deadeye missed his kick from very close, the ball going under the bar. Later, Dougie confided that he was just trying to emulate his kicking hero, Chris Potter . . .

Straight away, we Garryowened again and their full-back nearly messed up again. Then Paul Brindley went on another run which came to nothing and seconds later their full-back had to take again with big Simon breathing down his neck. So it seemed our backs mantra was have ball will travel, and as Churchill once famously said to President Roosevelt, Give us the tools and we will finish the job. The pressure told on 32 minutes as Goughie tapped and went on their 22 and as they were not ten, we took the kick instead. Deadeye, having removed his flipflops sent over a good one and we were 8-3. Two minutes later, Atherstone pegged us back to 8-6 with their own kick but in the 38th minute Tom Gough collected the pill, sprinted forward and put hooker Danny Pearson in on the right touch. Danny, throwing off the Ernie Wise tag skated up the wing and made 30 yards before being stopped.

The stroke of half-time saw Covents camped on their line after more good work from Dick in the lineout but the gnarled old street-fighters wheeled our eight and came away with the ball to leave the match nicely poised at the break, 8-6.

Trevor Roberts came on for Dick at Number 8 and in the 43rd minute Deadeye showed good soccer skills as he volleyed out in a dangerous situation. From the lineout Atherstone surged forward but again, solid defence from Jon Field and Rohan stopped them in their tracks. At this point prop Harry came off, Dave Bailey went on and Mr Versatile (D J) moved to the front row. On 45 minutes we managed to engineer the worst situation possible i.e. an Atherstone scrum on our line and guess what? Yeah, they scored a pushover but hit the post with the conversion leaving the score, 8-11. This prompted their packleader to shout, Right lads, we ll bust these now! (still early though old pal)

On 50 minutes Jon Field cut an Atherstone back in half and from the resulting lineout Deadeye ran a great angle before slipping to Rohan who at his mercurial best, produced one of his Specials by beating three attackers and dotting down under the sticks for 13-11. Deadeye slotted and things looked rosy again at 15-11. (To hear some hysterical idiot commentate on the score click here) The next 10 minutes and it was game on as both sides attacked and counter attacked. Rohan caught in his own 22 and throwing an outrageous dummy (those two Atherstone players had to pay to get back in) sprinted to half-way before being bundled in. The pack started to rumble after a quiet time of it in the first 40 and once again, Covents superior fitness told as Trevor broke free but was pulled back by a whistle.

On the hour it was our forwards putting the pressure on and a series of moves through the back row saw us camped in their 22 but the giants held firm against the pygmies. We were fired up and having won a penalty maybe got too excited and tapped. Luckily they were penalized again and with Steve Springate hysterically exhorting us to kick for goal we did just that, but Deadeye missed. This did not quench the Covents forward fire though and Ryan Gilbert had a trundle, supported by Jon Field and the ubiquitous Captain Cozzy. In the 68th minute we experienced deja vu as we won a penalty in their 22 and opted to tap, luckily winning another penalty which Deadeye kicked true for 18-11.

In the 70th minute, Deadeye sent another penalty into the corner and from the lineout Sam got a terrible cramp at 1500 feet but teak tough flanker that he is, took the pain like a man. So much so that when Monkey (love you and sneaker!) massaged it he screamed, Ooh it hurts, ooh it hurts. In the 75th minute it was hard, niggly but clean in the middle of the park and a series of mauls produced a run for Rohan via Lawrence and Jon Field which ended in a high tackle and our possession. Atherstone won it back and in the 78th minute got a slow drive on, inching our forwards back inexorably but a knock on put paid to their efforts.

Simon kicked away but a Covents player was offside and Atherstone opted for 3 points with a couple of minutes left plus any injury time. Break out the beer and big Cuban cigars here because surely Covents were home and hosed? You reckon??? Read on.

The kick fell short and Simon Needles, looking more relaxed than a cat in front of a roaring log fire who had eaten all the cream managed to somehow create a cliff hanging bombshell of an ending by farting about with the pick up and then knocking on resulting in a scrum on our line to the hairy monsters. So with Woz screaming hit him Ryan, lock out Ryan and other daft front row ramblings we scrummaged for our lives and solid it was too. They could not move us so opted to run it and tidal waves of relief swept over everyone in blue and white as their No 10 knocked on giving us the put in. Ball was won, kicked away and the curtain brought down on a thrilling game of rugby. Simon was off the hook and that lynching rope hurriedly taken down from the rafters inside the clubhouse.

So played three won two and a big win it was too as Atherstone had two out of two under their belts already before today. So many times on here I have paid deserved respect to our forwards over the last two seasons and there was no lack of effort today either against a bigger, heavier more experienced pack but this time the plaudits go to the backs who were tenacious in the tackle on the back foot and when the time was right, turned on the pace and skills to ensure the lads enjoyed a great win. My thanks to the Atherstone players and supporters who stayed for a good hour plus, ate some more pies and sank some more ale. Big Bear Burdett, great to see you again mate bring Clarky with you on the 14th November. Also a mention to the ref here who was virtually anonymous; this must mean he a had a good game then.

Old Covents 3rds 63 - 17 Covents 2nds Warks 3

All hail the seconds who travelled with 12 and seeking revenge for last years 60-0 thraping, OCs decided not to lend us players and even the sides up. So with Silver Fox Deano at prop and Terry (dodgy mags) Mosey on the flank a combined age of 101 played 80 minutes each. Deano himself told me that the credit goes to the younger boys who never gave up, kept running and tackled nearly everything. Big Sam Collinson scored a try, a penalty and two conversions and Alan Bedfords mate Ryan got the other try. Well done lads!

VP's & Old Boy's Day ~ Sat Nov 14th 1-00pm v Cov Saracens

2009-10-15T10:40:00.002+01:00

For results, click here - for league table, click on the blue link "League Table" to the right

2009-10-09T18:41:00.012+01:00

Saturday 10th October 2009

Warwickian 8 - 34 Coventrians Mids 5 West (S East)

Our all time league record v Old Warwickians is P19 W8 L11 and v Warwickian P8 W6 L2 so in total, P27 W14 L13. In our 1987/88 championship winning season the only game we lost that season was at O W 9-10 under controversial circumstances on 10th October 1987 (so 22 years to the day). Clayton Flick with a try, conversion and a penalty scored the points. The last time we played at Warwickian we won 50-8 on the 12th April 2008.

Debut Try the Icing on Covents Cake

Covents came away from Warwickian with a convincing win in an often scrappy and niggly game. There was also some role reversal as our usually omnipotent pack spent 40 minutes on the back foot and we played our best rugby in the first-half for a change.

So from the kick off it became apparent that with three regulars missing (supersize me, where were you?) Covents eight were not going to have it all their own way against a bigger home pack as the latter turned ball over in the 2nd minute. Then in the 4th minute, Covents scrum-half Tom Gough went down with a blood curdling scream that sent Monkey sprinting on fearing a dislocated head or broken spine. Turns out it was just a bit of trapped wind and after a good belch he was fine.

From the base, in the 5th minute, 73 year old Dick Potter surged forward, went to ground and Simon Needles, on a trademark ball in one hand glide, beat four defenders before being held up on the line. From the recycle, captain Cozzy dotted down under the posts leaving Deadeye Douglas to slot for 7-0. So with the forwards struggling for supremacy the backs took it upon themselves to set the tone and we nearly scored again after Ryan Gilbert got a gallop on and Lenny (damn he looks like a young John Kenny) aka Leonard Frederick Michael Pitt was nearly in on a crash move which he unfortunately dropped.

After some good work from D J driving from the flank we somehow gave a penalty away in the 16th minute and Warwickian slotted for 7-3. Three minutes later it did not matter as more good work from D J (with a pass inside) via Goughy put young John Kenny in to finish off a good looking move which Deadeye sent over for 14-3. Covents were now hunting and could smell blood in the water as good work from Potter Snr allowed Deadeye a deft kick which the Warwickian winger only just palmed into touch with Rohan breathing down his neck.

This resulted in a tap penalty on their line and from the resulting melee; the Warwickian No 6 found himself lying on the wrong side and received a good dose of Riverdance from Cozzy. When he protested, Cozzy bent down and said in no uncertain terms, I say old bean, perhaps you could refrain from taking such inconvenient positions in future then! Deadeye slotted the penalty for 17-3 as lots of silly yap broke out from the home ranks (mostly 6 and 10). In fact Springy and myself were accused of being too old to play the game; well no shit Sherlock, when did you get the first clue? As Tony Super once famously said, Anno Domini (not a pizza) and it happens to us all one day (except the evergreen Woz & Dick Potter it seems)

In the 28th minute a home penalty kick dropped short and Covents broke out with Dick Potter, Simon Needles and Deadeye all linking to put Chris Potter away with afterburners glowing. Chris was nearly in and passing to Rohan, saw him spill the pill on the line allowing Warwickian another let off. On 32 minutes a Covents penalty was marched forward 10 due to more silly yawping from an increasingly ill disciplined home side (remember the days when you opened your trap and your skipper gave you a dig?) and from the tap, scrum-half Tom Gough popped up behind enemy lines to dot down. Deadeye slotted unerringly and Covents had a very comfortable 24-3 lead.

As often happens, the losing side rally and the last few minutes of the half saw Covents defending solidly on their own line the highlight of which was a fine enveloping tackle from Rohan to hold a would be Warwickian scorer up on the line. From the resulting scrum Covents pushed Warwickian off their ball and frustration was evident as the home prop pushed his own No 6 over prompting No 6 to say, No f * * * er likes me! (Very shrewd this lad). At this point the ball was kicked away and Covents sub Visor bravely retrieved it getting slightly stung in the process by some naughty, nasty old nettles. These hookers are a tough breed though; they are even prepared to play on through the pain barrier of nappy rash.

So half-time 24-3 and Mark Farndon came on for Woz at loose head. For some strange reason, although the pack were now firing as a unit, Covents seemed to drop their intensity and at times joined in the silly yapping so popular with the home team. The second half became a disjointed, scrappy affair and Middlesex 7s it was not! In the 50th minute, our old mate No 6 was penalised for nattering again and this time his own players gave him a b*llocking. The 55th minute saw Covents awarded a penalty for the flanker breaking bind (thank you referees assessor) but strangely, Deadeye missed with a poor kick.

On the hour, the home side started to make inroads using their substitute (big lad wearing 19) and their other pacy back, No 14. In fact No 19 threaded through four defenders and was only just held by Potter Jnr. 5 minutes later, No 14 was on the charge when Rohan cut him down with a superb tackle around the ankles. On 27 minutes Sam Holtham came on for Cozzy (injured foot) and a minute later the home pressure finally told as they scored but missed the kick for 24-8. On 30 minutes, Lawrence Goddard came on to make his first team debut for Chris Potter who had injured his whole body earlier.

In the 71st minute D J found himself on the wrong side and the Riverdance was duly reciprocated; suddenly D J (you wouldnt like me when Im angry) changed into the Incredible Hulk and charged into a Warwickian attacker, cutting him in half! A minute later, Mr Angry, still green, still in ripped shorts grabbed the ball and roared up field snarling with opposition players falling like saplings. This resulted in a lineout in which Sam, at about 2000 feet, took great ball but the resulting rumble came to nothing. In the 74th minute Woz came back on for Mark Farndon and immediately Goughy to Deadeye put Lawrence in for a debut try but . . . the referee blew and his moment of glory was gone on the fickle wind of fate.

At this point, Covents hooker Danny Pearson, although a lot slimmer than he was, threw out a pass that hit Dick Potter in the chest and knocked him over. Danny, lay off those protein milkshakes mate. In the 80th minute Deadeye sent a penalty over for 27-8 and then Rohan went close but we could not seem to find that elusive last score to finish on, or could we? In the 5th minute of injury time, Deadeye passed to Lawrence in the home 22 and the centre with a props body, wearing a hookers shirt and the feet of a ballerina (thanks Chris) weaved, pirouetted and scored on his debut for 32-8 much to the delight of his team mates and away supporters. This left Deadeye to slot (14 points for him then) for a final score of 34-8 and all was well in the blue and white camp. Click here for commentary of THAT try.

So a much needed win and achieved with several regulars missing which can only bode well. There was a lot of good stuff on display but on the down side, in games like this, we need to concentrate and focus on what we do well and not get involved with any opposition shenanigans. Having said that, Warwickian are a good bunch of blokes off the pitch but ear plugs should be made compulsory during the game.

Touchline / Match Quotes

Warwickian player; please sir, he stole my rubber!

Deadeye; love you Sneaker

Warwickian player; please sir, he told me to get lost!

Young lad; Is he really a DJ? (Bless him)

Covents back; Forwards spread! (Is this a new type of margarine?)

Covents 2nds were due to play Warwickian 2nds in the 2nd team Cup but W cried off.

2009-10-06T20:26:00.004+01:00

Haircut 100 Play at Covents Anniversary

In 1996 Covents celebrated their 75th anniversary and thanks to Trace Blaster Bates and his photos you can re live it by clicking here

Here we see Nick Heyward grooving the night away . . .

2009-10-02T18:00:00.007+01:00

3rd October John Roden Memorial Game

Cov Welsh 27 - 3 Coventrians

Coventry Welsh captured the Jon Roden memorial trophy for the first time yesterday to leave each club on one win each in this newly created fixture. Injuries and unavailability left Covents with an unfamiliar looking pack but a back row of Deano, Trev Roberts and Wayne 6 brandies and the Ayatollah at prop did a sterling job. Taking the lead with a Deadeye Doug penalty, Covents kept the score at 3-10 until the last ten minutes when tiredness took its toll and the boys in red gave their win a more convincing look. Fair play to the Welsh then as we remember the main man himself Jonny Roden who was, we suspect, looking down from somewhere and taking the p*ss!

Just a quick note here; great to see Wozza back in the side and having a trundle; he spent 80 minutes looking for Tony Davies who apparently was at home with a mug of coco trying to work out Pythagoras Theorem.

Also, our heartfelt condolences to you and your family Woz for your recent loss; there is a lot of love in the camp mate.

Covents 2nds 0 - 60 Cov Welsh 2nds

I was absent on parade for most of yesterday but wandering into HQ during the seconds fixture with Cov Welsh was like going back in a time machine. Welsh had 14, we had 13 (after they had lent us a couple) and as Haydon (with an O) had gone off with a dislocated eye lash we were down to passive scrums. Twas a tad one sided so the ref decided to play 30 each way. What unfolded was an extravaganza of 1970s lower team rugby more Hearsall Common than Harlequins. Played out on a granite pitch that has felt no rain for a month, this wonderful theatre featured man boobs, beer guts and hairy, cavernous cracks as overweight pensioners threw off the shackles of a humdrum working week and attempted to jog. Our own, super athlete at scrum-half, Terry Mosey, still seeking that solo try to retire on, led the way for Covents (mostly backwards, chasing pacy Welsh backs who should know better.)

At half time, the energy drinks were shunned and I saw a pint of Guinness, a couple of fags, a hip flask and page 3 of The Sun doing the rounds. There were magazines (supplied by Mosey) for shin pads, axle grease for Vaseline and scrum pox. If only I had known I would have supplied a slice of razor thin orange and a blood stained, wet sponge.

The second half started with the hookers sending over arm throws into line outs and any forwards caught lifting their jumpers were jugged. There was no screaming, shouting or yawping just 27 men fully focused on breathing and trying to actually catch the pill and not knock on. Yes it resembled the Alamo and when Covents passed the halfway line they stopped and had to ask directions to the Welsh line but their heads never dropped and they took their punishment with great spirit.

Likewise, the Welsh lads were gracious in victory and looked almost apologetic when scoring. Their kicker even agreed to drop kick the conversions with his left peg and it was not until the 57th minute that we realised that he was left footed. Finally the Welsh batsmen declared and just as Covents opened their innings the game was abandoned due to bad light so technically it was a draw. Whatever the result, we had been treated to a wonderful spectacle that should have been filmed and filed in the archive under G for grass roots rugby!

Touchline Quote; It's only 8 scores Covents, you can do it!!!

Saturday 26th September 2009

2009-09-25T12:36:00.010+01:00

Coventrians 21 - 31 Trinity Guild

Second-half Courage Not Enough to Prevent Defeat

In similar circumstances to last season (i.e. leaving themselves a first half mountain to climb and then heroically nearly reaching the summit) the first team lads played the proverbial game of two halves against Trinity Guild at a sun baked, rock hard beast of a Black Pad yesterday.

From the kick off it was apparent the Guild were up for it and sprinting out of the blocks went 7-0 up in the 3rd minute with some incisive running supported by sloppy tackling (by us). Covents, stung by the score, brought the game back into Guilds half with good drives from Danny Pearson and Tom Carter resulting in a couple of scrummages in Guilds 22. Nothing was going right though and everything we tried seemed disjointed and clumsy. This was music to Guilds ears and in the 19th minute, despite a solid tackle from Steve Vallis, they scored and converted again to make it 14-0 on 20 minutes. So with sound kicking, powerful running and bullying us round the fringes (No 8, No 20) it was going very well for the Bagington men.

Looking increasingly disorganised we conceded a penalty in front on 25 mins which Guild missed but after good work from Simon Needles in our 22 we were penalised again and this time it sailed over, 17-0. This was improved by a Midas touch Guild and they went into a 24-0 lead with their third try on 33 minutes. During this move, prop Steve Vallis sustained a nasty back injury from a sickening fall in which he also cracked his head on the iron hard ground. After a lengthy delay, he bravely / foolishly attempted to play on and collapsed in a heap again and was helped off the park while an ambulance was summoned. During the injury time, green shoots of recovery started to appear from amongst the boys in blue and a blockbusting tackle from Jon Field was followed by a similar big hit by Keiran Martin. This set the tone and just as I was directing said ambulance into the club, Rohan went over with Simon converting for a half-time score, 7-24.

I do not know what was said at half time but the 14 remaining men were galvanised by coach Huw Duggan and while Rich Walters, Giz, Lee and myself were drawing straws to see who got to help lift the beached whale with a bad back into the meat wagon, Rohan broke again and put Paul Brindley in for a score on 44 minutes which Chris Potter slotted for 14-24. More good work from Brinders 3 minutes later as our line was breached and collecting behind the posts he charged up field only to be heroically scragged by bigger men. Although never really a dirty game, both skippers were spoken to by the man in green (no, not Robin Hood) after a Guild high tackle. This was indicative of Guilds frustration at a resurgent Coventrians. Showing greater energy, fitness and resolve the 14 blue boys piled pressure on the away team and at times, their ranks now silenced, they looked out on their feet. Unfortunately as is always the case when a team is chasing a game, we left ourselves open once too often and Guild capitalized with a score on 67 minutes much to the relief of their players and supporters for 14-31.

Covents came again though and collecting in his own 22, ball in one palm, big rangy fullback Simon Needles counter attacked only to be bundled roughly into Rich Walters, sleeping on the touchline. So baby giraffe hitting thousand year oak at 90 mph; no wonder Simon needed treatment. On 75 mins, perhaps the most baffling decision of the match occurred when go-faster hooker Danny Pearson emerged from a ruck and sprinted in from 40 yards only for the ref to bring it back for OUR penalty . . . Answers on a postcard please. Still we came and with Guild looking to the whistler (to whistle) Alan Hawthorn put Jon Field in at the bowling green corner (and I do mean corner) in a real gnats cock of a try. Chris Potter, having burnt his daisy cutters and wearing a pair of Dead Shot Keen boots sent a beauty over for a final score of 21-31.

So bruised, battered and baked players limped from the concrete field to congratulate each other but it was Trinity Guild who belted out the theme to Rugby Special in the changing rooms (and overall, deserved to do so) and our boys who looked despondent.

There are lessons to be learned here, mainly of a defensive nature and one day, hopefully soon, we can click into our second half high gear with only a few points in it. For my money, the boys should be proud of the rugby they played in the last 45 to 50 minutes of the match yesterday and it is still very early doors. To quote Churchill (greatest ever Briton, not insurance dog) Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.

Touchline Quotes

Steve Vallis being rolled onto board; owww, ouch, ooooh, owwww, arghhhhhh

Guild supporters between 45th and 67th minute;

Leamington 3rds 36 - 13 Coventrians 2nds

Another brave performance saw the 2nds go down 36 - 13 in an enjoyable game with tries from Trevor Roberts (behind enemy lines again) Scrappy and a penalty from Ben Davies.

2009-09-17T17:40:00.011+01:00

Coventrians 2nds 38 - 14 Trinity Guild 2nds

Fun in the Sun as Vets Pave the Way

They say the sun shines on the righteous and so it shone, all day, at The Black Pad as Covents took on Trinity Guild in a friendly 2nd team fixture which became a festival of free flowing rugby that at times could have graced the Middlesex 7s.

With both teams fielding 7 or 8 subs Covents were assured of two Guinness World records by claiming the oldest and heaviest pack ever. With Deano, Terry Mosey, Haydon (with an O) and Steve Vallis some may say they could have sneaked a third record with the ugliest too but I would never print anything as odious as that. So to strains of Who do you think you are kidding Mr Hitler the game kicked off.

After 15 mins of rugby chess in sub tropical conditions, Deano the Snake Hipped Silver Fox put Dave Bailey in for the first try which Ben Davies duly slotted for 7-0. Four minutes later, Carl Bonsor, playing at second row, served up a morsel slightly less ordinary when shaping to kick (heavy fine at Kangaroo court methinks) saw a gap, turned on the gas and left the Guild defenders dazzled by his Philippe Sella like deftness. Ben Davies converted, 14-0.

Shaken from their disbelief, Guild rallied and after a period of pressure on Covents line, their Sherman tank smashed over from 1 inch to make the score 14-7. On 34 minutes, perhaps still blinded by his own brilliance, Carl Lescarboura Bonsor crashed back to reality when looking for a second try dropped the ball on the line prompting Chris Potter to suggest from the sideline that perhaps he might have passed (GREEDY BAR-STEWARD!). It mattered not a minute later though as Simon Needles showed Carl how by gliding effortlessly, ball in right palm through four tackles to dot down. The conversion hit the upright and it was 19-7.

On 37 minutes, Terry Mosey, having built up a head of steam, snuck his lithe, athletic body through a hole in the ruck and with 60 yards to go was once again (remember Earlsdon last year?) cruelly denied a wonderful retirement solo try by the man with the whistle.

Half time, 19-7 and the age/weight plummeted dramatically as 6 or 7 changes were made. In the first seconds, Chris Potter showed Carl Bonsor how to do drop the ball properly much to the merriment of fellow Bedworthian (although Trace Blaster me cock Bates reckons they’re only aborigines) Steve Vallis and some less than appropriate banter passed between them which cannot be printed here. After 47 minutes another delicious treat was served up by the Covents second row, cordon blue kitchen. This time D J Sexton went over after a mazy run which he swears was 150 yards and contained 3 sidesteps. Chris Potter produced a daisy cutter and the score was 24-7.

At this point I was distracted by various ex players, among them John Wilson, Chris McDonnell, Rolly and Blaster Bates and some liquid refreshment so missed Keiran Martins try (his agent will not be happy) but it was converted for 31-7. Trinity Guild, who never gave up and provided spirited opposition befitting their proud status as the Citys oldest junior club scored again to make it 31-14 but Covents had one more score up their sleeve after good work from Potter Jnr as Adam Page dotted and Simon Needles slotted for 38-14. There was just time for Rohan to go on one of his blistering A-Z runs before passing to Adam Page who was held up on the line. At this point the referee brought down the curtain on a most entertaining game and the lads trudged off for a well earned cold one (beer not shower).

It has to said that I missed some of the action apparently most notably Danny Pearsons superhero tackle for which he donned tights and cape before diving in to stop a Guild attacker. Also, hooker Tom beer visors 3 strikes against the head and attempted drop goal. So praise for the former and a fine for the latter then.

Qips & Quotes

Sean Stanton - in response to you wont drag him down by the shoulders (Haydon - prop) Has he got any shoulders?

Referee in response to lineout throw before he got there – Whose idea was it to start? After an investigation, 3 players received a head-teacher’s detention.

Steve Vallis – My heart wasnt in it today whilst warming down with gin & tonic and a big fat Cuban.

Danny – Let me talk you through my tackle (17 times)

So there we were, shmoozing outside the club we love (upon which the sun never sets) lapping up this Indian summer, enjoying the craic, reliving old times (talking crap) and crying with laughter. Remember though, the roving mic is never turned off - turns out that I caught a lot of lineout ball in my day, Trace Bates soiled himself in Germany, Woz looks forward to playing 80 minutes every week for the 1st team, Adam eats a lot of crisps, Danny loves monkey and D J has mustard gas flatulence.

Next week the phoney war ends, time to fix bayonets and charge over the top as we entertain Trinity Guild in the first league match of the new season and the 2nds play Leamington away – can you afford to miss something this good? Covents is the place, we are the people.

Race Night to support Neil Walters - Saturday 26th Sept after first 1st team league game of season - please buy a dog & support - woof, woof!

Saturday 12th September 2009

2009-09-11T18:31:00.011+01:00

Eeeeee by bloody gum! The aroma of freshly cut grass (on the pitch not in a rizzla) and Deep Heat eminates, the pipes have been cleaned (beer not crack) as we excitedly await the start of a new season with delicious anticipation . . . Yes friends, there are two games today at HQ (aka) The Black Pad, so put the cat out, hire a baby sitter, eat a hearty lunch of salty bacon and get down to the club you love for some high class entertainment;

The new coach gets to grips at half-time

Coventrians 2nds 43 - 7 Harbury 2nds Warks 3

Under a blue sky and glorious, warm sunshine, a strong looking second team with 7 or 8 first team players but a flanker at scrum-half (Sam), a fullback at fly-half (Rohan) and Wayne 6 brandies (40 year old second-row) in the centre kicked off 2009/10 in style with a 43-7 victory over a spirited Harbury 2nds.

New coach Huw Duggan seems to have already made an impression as the guys look fitter and stronger. Paul Brindley dotted down in the corner on 29 mins with fulback Simon Needles converting. On 37 minutes, the new slimline hooker Danny Pearson (awww bless you monkey) scored a birthday try after a good off load by Trevor Roberts with Simon converting again for 14-0 at half-time.

In the 49th minute Rohan scored from close in at the clubhouse end with Simon converting again for 21-0. Just after this, the game was illuminated by wanna be fly-half (more like pie-half) Steve Vallis's customary charge up field with 'Fred Flintstone' twinkle toed 10 pin bowling run up much to the crowd's amusement. After 56 mins, Trevor Roberts set Rohan up again and this time he beat 3 or 4 defenders to dot down an un-converted try, 26-0.

At this point I buggered off to direct an ambulance over to a player with a neck injury on the adjoining pitch so missed the last 25 minutes but Wayne six brandies Brandfour dotted over a Keiran Martin pushover and a try from Jon Field (1 converted by Simon) completed the scoring with one reply from the lads in red and white.

A few mentions; In this section I will, over the weeks, include actual pre, during or post match player quotes starting with,

D J Sexton and the try that never was - "I'm proper gutted yeah, I drove for the (expletive deleted) line with about 7 or 8 Harbury players hanging off me, grounded the ball but the ref says no try. We gotta have a (expletive deleted) TMO and more bog roll in the toilets."

Keiran Martin - "Well clearly I'm slimmer, fitter and better looking than last year and today I thought I had an excellent game, rucking, driving and then scoring that magnificent pushover try. I do try and keep modest though. By the way, did my agent give clearance for this interview?"

Danny Pearson - "Love you Monkey x x x"

Springy - getting a gentle rub on his calf (which he pulled playing real tennis at his club) "Oooh, ahhhh, ouch, ooooh that's really painful!"

A special mention to Ryan Gilbert here for his first half thundering wildebeest charges up field. We'd all like him to get lower but unfortunately gravity might take over.

Coventrians Vets 5 - 12 Rugby St Andrews 3rds (game abandoned after 50 mins)

This was an amazing game, a throwback to 1970s grass roots rugby. (in fact the only thing missing was a toilet door to carry off injured players) As the bottom pitch was deemed unfit to play on (something to do with no markings, dog shit and world war 2 anti tank spikes) the lads set up on the football pitch between the Harbury game and a football match. They were going to use jumpers for goalposts but instead used the soccer goals. A pig's bladder was found for a ball and wooden studs provided. Hughie Neale passed to William Webb Ellis and the game was underway. Covents' try was scored by Alan Bedford but the game had to be abandoned due to a neck injury to Covents' Matt Steele. An ambulance was called and Matt trussed up in brace and board before being carted off to Walsgrave - we're happy to report that it was only bruising and he returned home for 6 pints and a Madras at 9pm.

A big THANK YOU to the Rugby St Andrews guys who stayed with Matt and for their help and support. I will try and contact their club to pass this on.

2009-09-06T11:38:00.002+01:00

Pre Season Friendly Saturday Sept 5th 2009

Coventrians 5 - 12 Pinley

Jon Field scored Covents' try and 9 subs were used during a good work out.

2009-08-18T14:37:00.007+01:00

Pre Season Ground Work Going Well

Lee Pegler puts the finishing touches to the pitch as Martin Trenholm and his crew take a break from bonfire collecting to do a bit of train spotting (bottom right) - Click on photo to enlarge

2009-08-14T00:05:00.002+01:00

I know it's slightly late but I only just picked this message up from Harbury's Jerry Birkbeck after the last game of the season 26th April 2009.

Mick

Good match report and assessment of the game which was fun to watch. We could do with some of your front row forwards! We wish you all the best for the future and would add that of all the Coventry sides we have played over the years Covents are the one team that aim to play good and fair rugby. I do hope that you manage to stay in M5W(S).

I was interested in your pre-match stats gosh I had forgotten those results!

Sincerely

Jerry Birkbeck
Harbury RFC

2009-07-21T14:05:00.002+01:00

For Sale

Superbly appointed retro bathroom suite built within fully fitted original Anderson Shelter. Experience the twin-tub feel, relax the aches away in luxurious Fairy Liquid suds. Blessed by the Pope and featuring built in 'floater.' Soft, shagged pile mildewed carpets will massage your feet softly, mmmmm feeeel the comfort as you trip delightfully towards the bubbling natural spring waters . . .

No knob turners or tyre kickers please.

2009-07-09T12:26:00.002+01:00

Results from AGM

President - Steve Springate

Hon Sec - Jane Connolly

Treasurer - Trevor Lyon (until replacement can be found)

1st XV Captain - Adam Costelloe

1st XV Vice-Captain - Keiran Martin

2nd XV Captain - Dave Bailey

Training starts Saturday 11th July at 2pm and Tuesday 14th July 7pm Sharp!

2009-05-16T12:20:00.001+01:00

Ranj Sinclair sent me these bonza photies all the way from Perth - click here and enjoy

2009-05-16T10:51:00.004+01:00

Coventrians RFC Club Dinner

Friday 26th June 7pm - tickets from behind the bar at 15 pounds per head - choice of chicken or beef - mixed evening.

AGM - Thursday 2nd July at 7pm

2009-04-26T20:40:00.001+01:00

Coventrians 2nds 3 - 63 Earlsdon 3rds

Covents took the lead through a Ben Davies penalty and everything was rosy but they couldn't quite hang on for the last 78 minutes against a strong Earlsdon outfit

2009-04-26T18:34:00.006+01:00

Harbury 26 - 0 Coventrians

Covents Second Best but Keep Respect Intact

On another sunny and breezy Saturday, Covents duly arrived at Harbury’s top of the league party with 8 regulars absent and cast in the role of sacrificial lambs. I arrived 5 minutes after kick-off as Springy drove over via The Panama Canal and encouraged by a large home crowd and 20 plus Covents supporters, both sides had started at a frenetic pace.

This game was almost a carbon copy of Keresley last week as poor positional kicking put Harbury’s slick, pacy backs in for three tries by the 31st minute as again our play seemed fragmented and individual rather than as a team. Feeling a little complacent, a Harbury flanker was overheard to say, “We’ve got ‘em now boys” and perhaps thinking our neck was to be wrung like a chicken. To quote Churchill, “Some Chicken, Some Neck!”

Half – Time 0 - 19

A different Covents took the field in the second half. A Covents that we all recognize and love. A spirited, passionate Covents, firing on all cylinders. Within 5 minutes the pack, driven forward by veteran No 8 Trevor Roberts and featuring an aggressive Giz at second row, were participating in their now weekly ritual of camping in the opposition 22. They were rumbling now, first-half cobwebs blown away, picking and driving, mauling and rucking, whipped into a frenzy by the belligerent Brum-Half (playing in flanker mode) the blue and white eight pounded at Harbury’s door time and time again. Powerful drives by Danny Pearson and Trevor Roberts, crash balls from Steve Vallis, surging runs from DJ or Carter were all soaked up by a solid Harbury defence but after every such exchange a red and white would lie injured such was the ferocity of the blue pack attack.

Similarly, the backs were doing their job when called upon; marshalled by Dougie at fly-half, winger Alan Bedford raiding out wide and Paul Brindley nearly in at the opposite corner before being bundled into touch. At the resulting lineout, Joe Swaffield once again cleaned out - he was a towering presence all day. At one point Trevor Roberts picked from the base, three yards out and taking several Harbury forwards with him, got over and down to score but was smothered and held up by good tackling. With 20 mins to go, Covents secret weapon, The Silver Fox (Deano) entered the fray and notched up the heat in Harbury’s kitchen by a few more degrees with his committed, aggressive play. Fair play to Harbury though, they withstood the heat and didn't leave the kitchen.

That said, Covents were in their half for almost 35 minutes with Harbury only kicking out three times only to return to desperate defence. When, in the last 10 they did counter, a series of big hits from full-back Simon kept our defensive line intact and as we entered the 5th minute of injury time, just as it looked like we’d draw the second-half 0-0 Harbury luckily scored a try from a rebound that they didn’t really deserve and the referee blew for time as the successful conversion was landed for 0 – 26.

So, congratulations to Harbury who will finish top if Redditch fails to win on Tuesday. League tables don’t lie, if you’re top you’re the best but once again, the blue boys put in a mighty day at the office. A second-half of blood, sweat, guts and determination made sure that once again, respect was due and left us supporters proud but wondering what if we’d played like that in the first-half. Not so good for the three quarters who would probably have needed to bring something to read but horses for courses as they say.

Don’t like to single anyone out but one or two mentions here; Wozza who shook everyone’s hand at the end saying that he’s retiring to play only second team rugby next season. (Yeah right) You're a long time retired big man, surely there's one more season of terrorizing opposition props left in you? Giz and Trev the two veterans who looked like they’d never been away, Simon for a standout performance at full-back, Swaff in the lineout and Cozzy for joining the backs in the second-half. Not to mention centre Lenny who with that ponytail, looked like a young John Kenny.

Highlights of the match – Deadeye Doug’s torpedo that found touch and then Springy’s car and Steve Vallis’s hand off that missed causing him to fall over. Finally Danny Pearson, throwing in from a lineout to number one jumper Vallis 3 yards out so hard that he knocked him over.

Boys I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed watching this season, I can hardly wait for September to roll round - Coventrians RFC – you know it makes sense!

2009-04-23T11:20:00.001+01:00

New album in gallery - if you can identify players or teams feel free. Thanks to Sean for the photos - to view click here

2009-04-23T09:43:00.003+01:00

Saturday 25th April 2009

Coventrians 2nds 3 - 63 Earlsdon 3rds (Warks 3) 3:00

Harbury 26 - 0 Coventrians (Mids 5 West South) 3:00

This is our final league match of the season - our all time record v Harbury in league rugby is P17 W3 D1 L13 two of those wins have been achieved at Harbury - 22nd April 1989 when Covents, with an outside chance of promotion went all out attack, winning 46-21 with a hat-trick from Chris McDonnell, a brace from Jim Bradford, Hunty, Rich Kenny and Cottage Pye among the other scorers. On the 11th Feb 1995 we won there 15-3 with tries from Andy Cooke and Nick Castle, Dave Davidson adding the extras - On the 24th March 2001 we crashed 0 - 98!

All the best to both the first and second team - let's go out in style boys.

2009-04-17T09:39:00.007+01:00

Saturday 18th April 2009

Coventrians 2nds 14 - 16 Bedworth 3rds (Warks 3)

If someone can tell me on the guestbook who scored I'll put it on but this still looks a great result against Beduth 3rds. Well done to the lads.

Keresley 20 - 0 Coventrians (Mids 5 West South)

Covents went down 0 – 20 at Keresley today in a classic game of two halves. In pleasant spring sunshine in front of a large home crowd (K’s VP’s day) we kicked off with Danny, Keiran, Joe, Carl and Kev all missing but still a strong-ish looking side. After a fairly even first 15 minutes with both teams feeling each other out (is this legal?) and Wayne Brandfour (2nd row) and Cozzy on the flank distinguishing themselves it was Keresley though who made the breakthrough in the 16th minute after a poor kick allowed them to run in and score an unconverted try for 0 – 5.

In the 23rd minute an outbreak of tennis broke out as both sides kicked to each other and the crowd exercised their necks but Keresley got fed up and receiving a kick that missed touch decided to run it in, again unconverted for 0-10. In the 30th minute, Ks were pressuring again but strong Covents’ defence kept them out. In the 36th minute however, a good tackle from Rohan wasn’t enough and the K-men scored again to make the half-time score 0 – 15.

In the 44th minute, Keresley found themselves with an overlap and their prop went over in the corner for 0 – 20. So with Covents looking a bit lack-lustre and dispirited some of us feared the worst but it signalled the best period of the match for the blue & whites as they rolled their sleeves up and took the game to the home side.

In the 50th minute Phil Jones (on for Dougie) almost scored in the corner when he only just failed to gather his own clever little chip. From a scrum, Covents made progress into K’s half through scrum-half Nick Coates and a ‘weighty’ drive by Steve Vallis. K’s were feeling the pressure now as a break from their base was halted by a trademark Wayne ‘hit.’ Attacking again from an accurate lineout throw to Dave Bailey from stand-in hooker D J, Covents looked dangerous with two waves of attacking play from Nick Coates as he beat three defenders before being stopped.

This led to a Covent’s penalty on K’s line but the opposition turned over and cleared to touch. From the lineout a K’s forward was penalized for being so far offside he was working undercover. This was now ‘camping’ territory as Covent’s set up home in Keresley’s 22, coming again and again through Nick & Dazzler and at one point putting Chris Simons in who beating 2 men was again stopped by solid K’s defence.

The game’s pattern was set now; Covents attacking, Keresley defending and suddenly with a ball from Cozzy, D J was sniffing the line, surged forward, but was held by 2 or 3 defending forwards stopping him inches short. This resulted in a lengthy injury delay and when play restarted Covent’s had a small village built on Keresley’s line and attacked from it with Wayne B this time in to score before knocking on at the vital moment.

Forget lack-lustre and dispirited, the blue & white boys were now full of attacking determination and a score was sure to come. The 58th minute saw us turn ball over and winger John Field, all 11 stone of him picked up and driving bravely into Keresley’s pack shouted “On me!” Unfortunately for John, he was slightly too quick and the ‘boys’ slightly too deaf as they decided to stand back and admire his courage. This led to another lengthy break as John limped from the field aching from every bone and the silver fox, Deano took the field like a gladiator to the fray with Wayne moving to the left wing. The next five minutes saw much of the same with Covents still camped in K’s 22 attacking and them defending. Another long injury break saw our full-back receiving treatment for a knock on the head. The physio shouted, ‘he doesn’t know who he is’ to which we shouted back, ‘tell him he’s Serge Blanco!’

In the 65th minute both Rohan and Phil Jones, (catching a poor touch kick) went close but were stopped short. A minute later, Cozzy, Deano, Dave Bailey and D J all had a go at driving forward against Keresley’s brick wall. In the 69th minute, Keresley actually made it into Covent’s half for the first time in about 20 minutes and two minutes later with Chris Simons intercepting he put Cozzy in and with the field suddenly opening up Cozzy tucked the ball under his arm and ran as fast as his little legs would carry him finally passing to Rohan who moving for the corner beat three or four defenders but was once again stopped short by desperate defence.

As this move broke down, the referee curiously blew his whistle for full time with what I made 8 or 9 minutes left to play – not that anyone complained. Strange that, we kicked off at 3pm and the game ended at 4:21. That’s 81 minutes with several long injuries and half-time in between. Answers on a postcard please.

So there we were, well beaten but able to hold our heads up high with a second-half performance full of guts and spirit. On another day we might have dotted down twice and then who knows? Fair play to Keresley, they scored the points and then soaked up all our pressure as we huffed, puffed and hurled several kitchen sinks at them. Well done to the boys and special mention to Cozzy who stood in as skipper today and put in a great performance.

2009-04-12T10:31:00.003+01:00

Saturday 11th April 2009

Spartans 3rds 22 - 38 Coventrians 2nds

A great win for the blue & white boys with tries from; Simon Needles 2, Sam Montague 2, Alan Bedford, Jon Field and 3 conversions from Ben Davis, 1 from Sam Collinson.

This was a league game and my apologies for getting names and scorers wrong - this was due to duff info from my snout.