Coventry 27 Moseley 10

In a pulsating and exciting encounter Cov ran out deserved winners in a full bloodied local derby. On a bright crisp Boxing Day, before a near 4000 crowd, we had the added pleasure of seeing Moseley supporters streaming out of BPA, with fully 20 min to go. In addition, the much vaunted Moseley threes and backrow were vanquished in a Cov performance full of confidence and endeavour.

Coventry started the game with the new Worcester loan signing Alex Grove in place of George Dixon, and Rob Dugard in for the injured Ovens.

An early Moseley missed penalty by Vasey saw Cov putting pressure on the away side resulting in a Dorrian penalty being kicked successfully between the posts after just 4 min.

Cov were showing their intention to run the ball at all opportunities, with the confidence to use the full width of the pitch. After just 6 min an excellent Winters break was quickly moved along the backs resulting in Alex Grove going over for his maiden Coventry try, which was duly converted by Dorrian, making the score Coventry 10 Moseley 0.

The first quarter continued in the same vein with Coventry swiftly moving the ball, with Hurrell having three strong runs. Further Cov pressure on 12min led to another Cov penalty, which was successfully kicked by Dorrian.

The 2nd quarter saw the home side eschewing kicks at goal, but despite a Moseley yellow card for stamping, Cov were unable to score. A further Moseley yellow card gave Cov the breakthrough they deserved, following a brilliant lineout move Nathan Jones dashed through a large gap to triumphantly dive over. Dorrian converted again to make the score Coventry 20 Moseley 0.

In injury time Moseley managed to claw a penalty back that was kicked by Vasey, to make the halftime score Coventry 20 Moseley 3.

The second half saw Cov continuing to press but Moseley were now getting more possession. However a further Moseley yellow card for stamping on 10 min led to increased Cov pressure, with McGlone finding a huge gap 2 mins later to dash 30m to the line. Dorrian converted again to make the score Coventry 27 Moseley 3.

The final quarter saw continual Moseley pressure that was helped by a yellow card which was given to Chris Whitehead on 21min. Sustained pressure on the Cov line finally led to the Moseley try on 32min which was well converted by Vasey to make score Coventry 27 Moseley 10.

The match now came somewhat disjointed, possibly due to the number of replacements used by both sides. Once Coventry numbers were restored, they finished the stronger with McGlone touching down with the referee unsighted and a further 2 chances went begging. Even Prichard Dental Practice couldn't fill up all the Moseley gaps as the Coventry backs and backrow had a field day.

On the whole an excellent team performance with the backs showing confidence and quick thinking in their handling. The only real downside was the lack of a winning bonus point, but this win should set up the team nicely for the must win matches against Esher and Sedgley Park.

For his 80 min performance my MOM was Laurie McGlone.

Tom Little