COVENTRY RFC were ousted by Bedford Blues in a thrilling match at Goldington Road, going down in a 53-52 defeat.
The visitors scored eight tries, but were unable to find their way past Bedford, who remain with just one home defeat to their name all season.
Coventry held a 35-14 lead after half an hour, but slipped to just a seven point advantage by the break which drastically harmed their chances.
The breathtaking first-half began when Scott Tolmie finished over the line after Heath Stevens and Adam Peters made headway into Bedford’s third, Tony Fenner kicked his first of a further four conversions before the break.
James Lennon levelled for Bedford with a converted try, but Coventry pulled ahead through tries for Rob Knox and Tom Jubb, before a counter from the visitors led to a second for Knox.
A fifth try in 30 minutes came through full-bacj David Halaifonua after some strong carries from Tolmie and George Oram, but two converted scores followed for Bedford Blues.
Ryan Hutler claimed the first, before a bonus point try arrived courtesy of Mark Flanagan to close the gap before the break.
A late tackle from Pete White led to a sin bin which accelerated Coventry’s downfall, Jarad Williams then scoring a try followed by a Jake Sharp conversion and penalty, putting the Blues in front for the first time.
Tom Kessell received from Rich Lane to go between Coventry’s posts for a sixth converted try as the advantage was extended.
Coventry reduced the gap when James Gibbons finished off a line-out drive that was converted by Fenner.
Ben Nutley then flew threw Bedford’s midfield to fall over the line to remarkably put Coventry back ahead.
It would be short lived though as Fenner was forced off through injury and had to re-shuffle their pack, Ben Stevens moving into the centre.
Bedford overturned the scoreline when Sharp smashed a penalty between the posts, but when Nutley went over for his second try two minutes into added time, it looked like it was game over.
Even deeper into stoppage time, Bedford forced a final charge and were triumphant when Hutlet claimed his second try and the match winner.
Coventry have a two week break in between welcoming Hartpury to Butts Park Arena on Saturday 9th February (3pm), where they look to pick themselves up from the Bedford disappointment.
