Cov have to settle status

By Coventry Evening Telegraph
February 25 2006

Coventry refocus on the important business of consolidating their mid-table position in Division One at Plymouth Albion tomorrow.

Coventry Evening Telegraph

24^th Feb 2006

John Wilkinson

 

After last week's trip to unbeaten leaders Harlequins - described by head coach Mike Umaga as "a one-off'" - Cov are among the teams between seventh and 12th places in the table covered by just seven points and still not sufficiently clear of bottom pair Doncaster and Sedgley Park for comfort.

 

Plymouth, currently occupying fourth place, are well out of the relegation mix and, 13-7 winners at the Butts Park Arena in October, represent a stiff test for Cov who have suffered heavy defeats on their last two visits to the Brickfields Recreation Ground.

 

But Cov had showed improving form to build a winning run of three games before their 52-12 defeat at the Twickenham Stoop and they will be encouraged by the fact that Albion needed a last-gasp penalty to beat visitors Doncaster last week.

 

"Harlequins was a one-off and you can go into games like that and try out different things," said Umaga. "It gave us a few lessons and the boys have taken them on board which will help us going into this week.

 

"It was a good experience for our lads who hadn't played in front of crowds of that size before, but the focus is now back on being prepared to battle for the four points

"The two over-riding things Harlequins have a lot of are pace and precision. If you compare that to Plymouth, they may have some pace but not across the board or the same international calibre of player.

 

"Plymouth haven't changed their game much over the years and play through their forwards, although coach Graham Dawe did say that he felt he hasn't got the personnel he had last seas on and the game plan isn't as effective .

 

"There is quite a large group of clubs who could find themselves in a relegation battle and no-one can afford to relax.

 

"We're no different and we have just go to keep focusing on each game and make sure we come away from Plymouth with a good result."

 

There is only once change to last week's starting line-up with Ma'afu Pale taking over from injured Kisi Pulu at loose head prop. Back row forward Mike Buckingham comes on to the bench with Ben Gulliver again ruled out by a hamstring injury, while winger James Moore needs two more points to reach 200 in the league for the season.

 

Coventry: Stewart; Millard, Geraghty, Tiueti, Moore; Higgins, Walls; Pale, Protherough, Bucknall, Campton, Clapham, Venter, T Johnson, Rheeders. Reps: K Johnson, Harvey, Chrystie, Brits, Treston, McNamee, Buckingham.