Coventry 18 Barking 19, a spectators view
By Epigone
February 13 2011
Once again so near yet so far, yet it was a Coventry performance full of grit and determination which gave unbeaten league leaders an almighty fright. In an absorbing close contest Coventry based their 1st half performance with the wind, on defence restricting Barking to just one try. The 2nd half saw more possession come their way but missed kicks and an injury time penalty to Barking denied Coventry a well deserved victory.
Coventry fielded a new player making his debut ,19 year old fullback Charles Sadler from Northampton, with Ryan Glynn and Nick Southern starting.
Coventry made an effective start after a series of phases with Southern and Herrington prominent, Seb Pearson scooted over by the posts after just 2 mins, for Ben Russell to convert.
Brett Daynes who was MOM soon made an impressive break down the wing, but as possession dried up Coventry came under more and more pressure with No 10 Harry Owens orchestrating Barking. The visitors were allowed back into the match after a quick Cov lineout went astray with Sadler subsequently yellow carded. Adam Armstrong kicked the penalty on 25mins but Coventry held out one man short and even fought back with a Russell penalty on 37mins making it Coventry 10 Barking 3.
Into injury time Barking broke out and impressive prop Alex Mackenzie finished off Barking pressure over in the corner, for Armstrong to convert making it 10 all at h/t.
Coventry had to face the strong wind in the 2nd half and straight from the kick off lost the ball. Barking maintained their pressure allowing Armstrong to kick another penalty making it Coventry 10 Barking 13.Almost immediately Russell missed a penalty as it was blown off course and Armstrong took full advantage on 60min with another penalty giving Barking a 6 point cushion.
If Barking thought it was all over Coventry had other ideas and started to put more and more pressure on, with replacement Matt Tibbatts prominent. Another Tibbbats 30m surge led to a 5 m scrum and from that a 5 m lineout. From the resultant maul Tibbatts broke down the blindside for an excellent score, Russell missed the difficult conversion, score Coventry 15 Barking 16.
Coventry were in the ascendancy and Kevin Sorrell was yellow carded on 76min with Coventry taking advantage 3 min later as Russell put Coventry into the lead, Coventry 18 Barking 16.
Deep into injury time Coventry lost the ball and a hand in the subsequent scrum allowed Armstrong to kick his 4th and most important penalty to deny Coventry at the death.
The result was cruel on Coventry but in the end a few mistakes at crucial times cost them, but Barking were mightily relieved to have won.
If Coventry can take this display as the start of their run in to the end of the season, and take confidence from it then Coventry’s next win will not be long in coming.
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Again, we played very well, well enough to win this game. It’s down to silly mistakes and discipline! They are the difference between us winning a losing… The quick lineout should never have happened, and who ever decided to put their hand in the scrum during the last play deserves a right rollocking. Admittedly these were two of many!!
We have proved again that we are good enough to survive and potentially do very well in this league. The effort and commitment were brilliant, and we are playing some lovely rugby. For the neutral, yesterday’s game was top notch, it had everything. From a supporter’s perspective, it was another game we should have won. We now come up against the poorer teams in the league, if we show the same passion, energy and commitment we will be safe.
although i have got to ask, how the heck Tommy didnt finish the golden opportynity to score possibly the winning try escapes me!
Anyhow I think if we can, we should start next weeks game with the same 15 and see how they fair against a poorer team.
woods, it's in the hipflask! (Steve Emms)
' COME ON COV '
