Points machine Hodgson happy to take one for the team...

COVENTRY points machine Cliffie Hodgson insists he is relishing his current role at full-back.The South African, who moved to Butts Park in the summer, started the season at fly-half but has spent the last three games in the No.15 shirt.

Youngster Will Maisey was brought in for the last match before Christmas as Coventry looked for the right combination to turn their potential into results.

And with Hodgson dropping back to full-back that is exactly what has happened, with the Blue and Whites winning all three and taking 14 of 15 points to haul themselves back into the top half of the table.

The consensus at Coventry is the system has worked well and is one of the major reasons for their New Year renaissance.

“I have played full-back before so it’s not new to me,” Hodgson said. “I always prefer to play ten because you are more involved in the action but it is working for the team and that’s the most important thing.

“Having two kickers works well for the team, especially left and right-footed. And Will Maisey is playing well at the moment so we’ve got good balance.

“It’s not about denting anyone’s pride, I have always said, when I was playing fly-half, that I would have liked another kicking option. Will is a brilliant young player, who has a lot of talent and a lot to learn.”

The signs are that Cov are learning fast as a group and Saturday’s 27-6 victory at Loughborough was the first time in a couple of years the Students have been held out.

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