Saturday 11th October 2008

Coventrians 10 - 34 Harbury

Only one game to report today as severely depleted Coventrians were forced to cry off their second team league fixture v Harbury due to lack of numbers.

So, with 4 or 5 second team players drafted in, the first XV kicked off against (second in the table) Harbury in bright sunshine and soon made their presence felt up front with a mixture of youth, experience and weight (Swaff – Dick – Vallis) The early possession and territory counted for nothing though as Harbury scored two unconverted tries in the 13th and 16th minute, slicing through our three quarter line to take a 10 – 0 lead.

Covents’ dominant pack rumbled back winning a penalty and refusing to kick for goal, exerted more pressure at the clubhouse end resulting in Dick Potter touching down in the corner after surging 20 inches. This was just reward for the fat boys’ efforts and if Chris’s kick had been nine feet higher, bonus points would have followed.

After 28 minutes Harbury scored again but were still struggling to hold our lads up front 2 minutes later as we took a scrum against the head and won a penalty which unfortunately garnered no points. The game continued in this vein with Covents turning the screw in the pack and Harbury using their possession skilfully. Taking advantage of lacklustre tackling on the stroke of half time they scored again and went in 22 – 5 at the break.

The lads regrouped at half time and again looked good in the 49th minute as concerted forward pressure produced a try for aggressive hooker Danny Pearson that was similar to Dick’s scintillating effort earlier. The kick looked good but sailed just wide as optimism started to flow through the large contingent of home supporters. This was a Pontypool-esque forward effort that was nearly at “Wildebeest” level, but unfortunately, missed tackles and good Harbury running surfaced again as they scored and converted in the 68th minute to go 29 – 10 up.

At this point Covents brought Harry (Wasps socks) on who immediately started to pick and drive powerfully and backed up by the other forwards Covents set up camp close to Harbury’s line. Danny was unlucky to be penalized for coming in at the side when he clearly picked and went through the middle for what surely would have been a try but in fairness to the referee; he had a pretty good game and had been scared by Woz growling at his prop.

The game ended as it started with Harbury breaking away and although Rowan and the other backs clung on, they dotted down in the corner to make the final score a slightly flattering 10 – 34.

So, depressingly familiar, here we are again, left to rue missing players, missed tackles and wonder what might have been if only . . . This sounds like sour grapes though so well done to Harbury and Coventrians have to look to next week with renewed hope after today’s spirited and passionate performance.

Highlight of the match - No 8 Dick Potter breaking from the base only to be blocked by his skipper, scrum-half and son Chris asking, “Is me tea ready dad, I’m starvin!”

Today's injuries; Swaff (leg & groin), Dave Bailey (neck & groin), Dick Potter (lack of breath & groin), Dave Sexton (just groin), Rich Walters (groin - suffered in clubhouse)

It should be mentioned that if there’s one more groin strain suffered, the club will dispense with the services of physios, Lauren and Megan.

For photos click here

Mick W