Phil Maynard calls for Cov to start fast against Barking

PHIL Maynard has told his Coventry side they need to be more focused at the beginning of matches to avoid handing their National One rivals an early advantage.The Butts Park outfit were slow out of the blocks in last Saturday’s defeat by Rosslyn Park as they allowed the Londoners to open up a 14-point lead inside the first quarter.

Although they were nearly able to turn it round – they went on to lose to a late try blitz – Maynard says that won’t always be possible.

“We have talked a lot about not being quite at the races in the first 20 minutes but once again we gave ourselves a mountain to climb,” the rugby director said.

“Each player has to understand that giving yourselves that much work to do makes if very difficult. Although we lost we managed to get in front this time but we won’t be able to do that against every side.

“We need to be properly focused when we start – and that’s down to the individuals themselves making sure they are in the right mindset.

“If we do that we have shown we can live with anyone.”

Saturday was not the first time Coventry have fallen behind early on. Macclesfield were given a two-try start in the opening 20 minutes in the previous match and Cambridge scored a try in the first five minutes the week before that.

With undefeated league leaders Barking to play this weekend they know they will not be able to be so generous.

Cov’s preparations for that match have been given a boost by the news Sam Herrington and Seb Pearson will both be fit.

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