Blaydon 17 Coventry 17 by John Wilkinson.

With just one win to show in three months, shaky confidence and a much-changed line-up, Cov would probably have jumped at this result before the game against a side on a winning run of three including victories over two of the top three teams in the National League One table.

It looked ominous for their chances when they were shoved off a scrum ball by the strong home pack just ten minutes into the game, and turning to face a strong wind in the second half, a 10-5 lead seemed fragile.

Blaydon were soon back on level terms and bludgeoned their way in front early in the final quarter but, to their great credit, Cov dug deep to claw the score back and dominate the rest of the game with the home side, conceding two yellow cards as the pressure told, the ones who were grateful to hear the final whistle.

The forwards worked tirelessly to hold and eventually subdue the Blaydon pack with telling contributions from new boys Tom Hicks and Will Hafu.

Half-backs Lewis Barker and Khrist Kopetzky looked a promising combination while, defensively, Cov looked more secure than of late with Callum MacBurnie and James Otutaha standing firm.

And top marks too for one of the squad’s unsung players, Jamie Harrop, whose work-rate in the back row and tackle count was outstanding.

Cov went ahead after three minutes when Kopetzky fired over a penalty from 42 metres but although they continued to force the pace with the wind behind them, they were unable to penetrate a solid defence before the fly-half pushed another kick wide from 30 metres.

Blaydon made their first real opportunity count, kicking a penalty into the corner for their forwards to drive over from the line-out with prop Robbie Kalbraier touching down, but Cov responded immediately and a storming break by Harrop led to a Brett Daynes try from close range which Kopetzky converted for a 10-5 lead at half-time.

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