Injury-hit Cov’s last chance to save themselves

COVENTRY’S Championship future will be decided on the last day of their season after suffering a 37-5 mauling at Moseley. And with injuries to props Dai Maddocks and Jamie Hall, Cov are facing another front row crisis as they prepare for what is virtually a must-win game against Rotherham at the Butts Park Arena on Saturday. Cov played the final quarter at Billesley Common with

14 men as the game went to uncontested scrums after losing Maddocks, who suffered a knock to the head, in the first half and then Hall with a shoulder injury.

Fly-half Fangatapu Apikotoa (pictured), who aggravated a rib problem, his replacement James Thomas (leg) and second row Arthur Brenton (shoulder) also picked up injuries, and it means an anxious few days for rugby director Phil Maynard who could have just two fit specialist props – Rob Dugard and Scott Roberts – left standing for Saturday.

“We’ll have to assess where we are on Monday but we are carrying quite a few dents,” said Maynard. “Jamie could have ligament damage or a dislocation, and we’re not too sure of the extent of Dai’s injury but he’s not feeling good at the moment.”

The result means that Moseley, who are at home to Birmingham & Solihull on Saturday, are guaranteed Championship rugby next season while Cov go into the final round of relegation play-off games with a two-point advantage over bottom-placed Bees.

“It’s still in our own hands, but we have got no choice than to win somehow,” added Maynard. ”It’s a do-or-die battle, but I know the players can respond to it.

“I fancy us at home against anyone if we have got our heads on, and we will pick ourselves up from this to make sure we are ready.”