Phil Maynard apologises for woeful defeat at Cinderford

RUGBY director Phil Maynard apologised to Coventry’s travelling fans after his side slumped to a 26-0 defeat at National League One strugglers Cinderford.“It wasn’t good enough and everyone knows it,” said Maynard. “It was a very poor performance by us and we can have no excuses.“We had good support today and for this to happen is very disappointing for all the fans who came down. We all know we let them down.”

Cov had scored at least two tries a game before Saturday and beat Cinderford 55-5 when they met at the Butts Park Arena in September but rarely threatened on Saturday as the home side snapped a run of seven defeats.

Added Maynard: “We were taught a lesson. Cinderford played the conditions well and outplayed us in every department – we were outfought by a committed side.

“The crowning moment was their final score, a 70-metre pick-and-go driving try which just about summed up our afternoon.

“There was a bit of complacency after the good run we have been on but there is a difference between arrogance and confidence which we have to decipher.

“We have achieved what we have this season through hard work and we mustn’t lose sight of that. We have to front up more in games like this.

“It was always going to be a bumpy ride with a young group of players and we just have to make sure we learn the lessons from today.”