Coventry v Cambridge match preview & weekend result analysis
By Tom Little
January 18 2011
Cambridge Match Preview: This Saturday 22nd January Coventry Rugby meet Cambridge at home at the BPA, kick off 3pm, in their NL1 fixture. Coventry will be smarting from their earlier away reverse at Cambridge by 43-22, after a poor 1st half, but a much improved 2nd. Coventry will be looking to stop 3rd placed Cambridge from doing the double, and will also need to put behind them last weeks poor display and result at Cinderford. Cambridge will be boosted by their win over 4th placed Macclesfield.
This season Cambridge who have survived their own financial problems with the taxman, and under abrasive Director of Rugby Bob Crooks and experienced captain Darren Fox they are at present 3rd in the league on 58 pts with 11 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses.
Following serious injury problems Cambridge have recently recruited 4 Northampton Academy players on a dual registration basis.
Cambridge are known for their expansive style, and in winger Jaco Du Toit they have the leagues highest try scorer. Coventry fans will also remember ex Coventry player’s hooker Stewart Pearl and lock Rob Hurrell.
After somewhat surprising home losses to Stourbridge and to unbeaten league leaders Barking, Cambridge were back on song with last Saturdays win over Macclesfield.
Coventry on their part will need to put behind them the disappointment of last week and show the Coventry faithful their true ability.
Another absorbing and thrilling match is in prospect at the BPA on Saturday.
NL1 Results Analysis:
As a new feature this week Coventry Rugby will review last weekend’s results in NL1 and their impact on Coventry.
It wasn’t only Coventry Rugby who suffered set back in last weeks results. Statistically only 3 teams in the top 9 managed to win and those 3 were the top three of Barking, London Scottish and Cambridge. The remaining 6 teams, including Coventry all lost.
The bottom 7 teams then managed to win 5 games between them, with only the 2 Cornish sides, Launceston and Redruth losing out.
League leaders Barking in beating Rosslyn Park, remain the only unbeaten side, whilst Cambridge came from behind to win a thrilling encounter at home to Macclesfield by 7 tries to 5. Initial league favourites London Scottish retain 2nd place with a hard fought victory over Redruth, who deserved their losing bonus point.
With Launceston losing and still only on 11 points after their 20 point deduction, it does look like they will occupy one of the 3rd relegation spots at the end of the season.
Although Coventry have slipped 2 places to 9th after the Cinderford loss, they are still only 3 points behind 5th place, which seems to emphasise how tight this league is especially between 5th and 15th position.
On their day most teams can and are capable of beating each other.
NL1 Results Saturday 15th January 2011.
Barking 20 Rosslyn Park 18
Cambridge 45 Macclesfield 37
Cinderford 26 Coventry 0
Otley 18 Blackheath 17
Redruth 15 London Scottish 21
Sedgley Park 17 Blaydon 0
Stourbridge 15 Wharfedale 30
Tynedale 26 Launceston 8
Tom Little
Coventry Rugby press office
18th January 2011
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You'd like to think Cambridge will suffer from us bouncing back strongly after Saturday's debacle against Cinderford.
Unfortunately I can't make it to BPA this weekend, but I will be willing Cov on like mad.
woods, it's in the hipflask! (Steve Emms)
' COME ON COV '
Hughesie was the stand out player on the park when Cambs played Northampton Wanderers, some achievement when you seee the quality of the side Saints had out that day. He also played the last 10 against the NightHawks a few weeks back. Has a strong all roung game, although with Cambs run from anywhere game plan they don't kick much! Regarded as a good prospect.
How are the loanees performing for Cov? Felt a bit for Ryan Glynn in the NightHawks game with the pack under pressure and the back division outside him offering little. Not much a 9 can do in that sort of situation. Haven't seen much of Parkin for Saints but when I have he's done okay. Fairly big lump for a young lad.
If they play with as much pride and determination as they did then they should be ok.
The players seem to get a lift from the crowd at the B.P.A , i am sure it gave them the extra push in the last ten minutes of the game when they looked tired.
So if all goes well and the lads get stuck in and give a 100% for the shirt then i think we will be in for another great game!
GOOD LUCK LADS - COME ON COV!!!!!!!!!
