Barking v Coventry preview.

Saturday 16^th October kick off 3pm, at Goresbrook, Dagenham,  see Coventry visit and indeed face Barking for the first time in their respective histories.

 Barking were founded as Park Modern Old boys in 1930, moving to their present site in the 1980’s. Barking were crowned NL2 (south) champions last season, which brought them promotion to NL1. Under Director of Rugby Neil Kersey and Head Coach Alex Codling, they have made an unbeaten start to NL1, and are at present leading the table on 24 points, with 5 wins and a draw.

Barking have formed close links with Premier side  Saracens, both on the playing and community side.

Their President is England rugby legend   Jason Leonard,OBE, and other former players include Kris Chesney, as well as comedian Martin Frost, and actor/comedian Simon Pegg.

Players to watch out for include try scoring winger Nico Fraser, Matt Heeks at scrum half, and the twinkling toes of  flyhalf  Harry Owens. Jack Owens hooker from Leicester is earning good reports, as are ex Saracens Henry Staff and Sam Stanley.

Coventry also need to heed the goalkicking prowess of fullback Adam Armstrong.

Barking have won their first 5 games beating Macclesfield, Rosslyn Park, London Scottish, Cambridge and Cinderford, but were held to a draw 20 points each, away to Redruth.

As shown by their wins over Cambridge and league favourites London Scottish, they don’t fear anyone in this league, having a good all round game , and although not scoring as many tries as some others, are digging in and picking  up the wins.

Coventry, who will be smarting from their home defeat against Macclesfield, will need to up their game to get anything from this fixture.

The Coventry team is expected to be announced on Thursday.