A strong Northampton Saints side containing a majority of players with first team experience overwhelmed a brave but outclassed Coventry Nighthawks side by 13 tries to one.
The power pace and guile were soon evident as constant moving of the ball finding the space in the centre especially through Luther Burrell allowed the visitors to go 4 tries up within the first 13 minutes. The Nighthawks did manage to stop the rot for the next 20 minutes but a further 3 tries gave Northampton a 43 nil halftime lead.
Coventry came more into it during the second half with more possession, and with Nathan Jones back on after illness they kept probing. Sam Herrington, a late call up from the bench at No 8 replacing the ill Matt Tibbatts had some typical runs and Liam Munro and Davy McGregor gave their all in the back row. Excellent Northampton defence allowed them to counter attack with devastating effect despite the gathering fog allowing a further 6 tries interspersed with a try by Liam Munro after a chip to the corner by Nathan Jones.
The pace and finishing of the Northampton wingers Artemyev 5 tries, Scott Armstrong 3 tries, Noah Cato and Tom Stephenson one apiece along with a dominant pack and direct running of the side proved the difference in class between full time professionals and part time players. Despite the score line the Nighthawks never gave up and continued playing to the end.
It was good to see the Coventry/Northampton Dr players from last season play against the Nighthawks.
Coventry Nighthawks 5 Northampton Saints 74.
Posted by: Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2013 17:01
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How things change over the years. Going back in time to midland merit table games Cov played against Leicester, Northamton, Moseley, Nottingham, Bedford, Birmingham, Nuneaton and Rugby. In those days Coventry where their or pretty close to the top. The lower sides always had good gates for the plum fixtures. It does give headaches for the coaching staff with big losses. But is and will be a learning curve for many of the COV team. I like others look forward to when we see some of the academy players become regular first team players. It is a long way back to get to the heights of the Saints. It is hoped by us all that our club can progress to the next level given funds and time. But slowly slowly is the method and not promising what the club can not attain.
I was worried for Coventry from the warm up. They (Saints) just exuded confidence and power and I am not surprised they have been selected for England U20. Did not see all the trys on Wednesday due to the fog but Kurt was impeccable on the tannoy keeping us informed of the score.
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