Coventry Clash Called Off

By Sarah Tunney
December 28 2004

Yesterdays local derby class against Coventry was called off due to the heavy frost that hit the Midlands over the Christmas period.

The match was going to be the second time the Bees travelled to the Butt Stadium after visiting for the cup game where the Bees came out 23 - 28 winners, but will now have to wait until 5th of February for the rematch.

With players travelling from Liverpool, South Wales, Gloucester and London for the game the players didn't have a wasted journey as the side were able to train in daylight for a change.

The fixture was going to see the return of Nick Baxter from injury and was also going to include players such as Ed Orgee, Rob Walton and Dave Knight who have niggling injuries. The weeks break should help rest the player for next weeks home game against Henley.

Despite the injuries, Phil Maynard, who had only lost once to Coventry with the Bees, will be disappointed to have to wait for February for the rematch. He told local press " I fancied the match against Coventry. I think we would have done well, the lads were up for it. But it is a week off, which will help with injuries. Nick Baxter (wing) and Ed Orgee (second row) were going to start the game and Rob Walton (lock) was coming in with a bit of an injury, and Dave Knight (full back) as well."

The next match will be the first game in 2005 but will be the last game for last seasons cup hero Mark Woodrow, who is moving back to Bristol to take up a full time contract.