Ref in the spotlight as Coventry lose to Cambridge in injury

That left Tom Wheatcroft a simple conversion to win the game on the final whistle.

Cov skipper Luke Myring was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul four minutes before the decisive score after the visitors appeared to lose possession, and the referee – whose decision-making had also upset the Cambridge coaching team – left the field to a less than warm reception.

“It’s a particularly disappointing way to lose,” said rugby director Phil Maynard.

“I thought it was a good performance by the players and not a great one from the officials.

“There was a lack of consistency which is what annoys players and spectators. We have to take responsibility for how we play the game and what we do on the field but you cannot control the uncontrollable.

“But we have to put this behind us, take what we can from the game and move on.

“It was a tough game from start to finish and Cambridge are a good side. Our defence was outstanding again today and it was just unfortunate that the game had to end in the way in which it did.”