Coventry Rugby v Fylde match preview.

Finally after 7 long weeks Coventry are back home as they face third placed Fylde, here at the Butts Park Arena, Saturday 10th March, kick off 3pm.

Since the teams last met in November, when Coventry lost 45-14, despite their pack being on top, especially in the first half, Fylde have gone on to maintain a challenge for the title in chasing leaders Jersey, and are currently 8 points behind, whilst Coventry have struggled to maintain their early season form, not helped by an horrendous injury list.

Under Technical Director Brain Ashton and Head Coach Mark Nelson, Fylde have managed 16 wins, and 8 losses, in the process have scored the league’s record number of tries in 110. This fact gives a clue on how Fylde play the game, they have a free flowing offloading game, using their fast mobile pack to feed possibly the fastest back division in the league.

Interestingly their points against column is worse than Coventry’s, so opponents always have a chance to score, but the art is to stop and deny Fylde the possession so they can’t release their backs. Easier said than done as Macclesfield found to their cost on Saturday, after leading Fylde by 23-10 early in the 2^nd half they were then hit by 38 unanswered points for a comprehensive win.

Despite their wins, including the season’s opening game against Jersey, Fylde have had some surprising losses, with away losses at Wharfedale, and at bottom club Barking. Even at home they have lost the double to Barking, and losses to Rosslyn Park and Blaydon. Fylde’s pack is one to ignore at your peril, they might not be the biggest but are fast and mobile, and in Sam Beaumont, Ewan Stewart and lock Grant Ferguson, they can be a match for anyone.

With a backline bristling with Championship and Premiership experience, such as fullback Nick Royle, leading try scorer and scourge of Coventry winger Oli Brennand on 21 tries, centre Chris Briers, and halfbacks Richard Kenyon and Martin Wallwork, Fylde on their day have the speed and power to beat anyone.

Yet we have seen they are not invincible, but Coventry will need to be on top of their game, and put in a full 80min show and not just rely on a 2^nd half fight back. Both sides need to win for their very own different reasons, and Coventry will be buoyed by their last two draws away from home at Blaydon and Rosslyn Park, and will be looking to build on their confidence as shown especially in the 2^nd half of both games.

Another exciting and enthralling match is in prospect at the Butts Park Arena on Saturday 10^th March, kick off 3pm. The team needs all the support it can get after being away for so many weeks.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office