RUGBY UNION: COVENTRY stretched their winning run to 17 games, a new club record, on Saturday after defeating Cambridge 40-7.
The win means Coventry move seven points clear at the top of the National League One table, with nearest rivals Darlington and Plymouth giving chase on 37 and 35 points respectively.
Despite Cambridge showing positive signs in their last three fixtures, the home side made too many mistakes in their build up play and crumbled under the pressure which Rowland Winter’s men added in the 22.
After dealing with some early pressure, Coventry got on the try chart after ten minutes when Scott Tolmie crashed over the line for his seventh try of the season – Will Maisey added the conversion.
Coventry doubled their lead five minutes later when Cambridge conceded a penalty try for pulling down a maul.
A third try came on 24 minutes after Anthony Matoto crossed over in the far right corner. In form Maisey converted for the third time to make it 21-0.
The crucial bonus point was secured three minutes later when an exchange of passes between James Stokes and Tom Emery saw Coventry make it 28-0 with ease as the half closed.
Though Coventry never reached the same heights in the second half, the game’s result was rarely in doubt.
Brazier departed the field with a wrist injury while Cambridge enjoyed more time in possession throughout the opening part of the second half.
Despite this, a clearance on 54 minutes while the home side threatened to land their first try saw Narraway break before Emery supplied Max Trimble who scored his first try of the season.
Coventry then moved 40 points clear when Phil Nilsen powered his way over the line for the visitors sixth try.
But good things must come to an end, and following more than 200 minutes of rugby without conceding, Coventry were finally unlocked on 78 minutes when centre Albert Portsmouth drop kicked a conversion.
Another comfortable five league points for Coventry who have only dropped one league point this season.
Cambridge: try J Ayrton (78); conversion Portsmouth (79). Coventry: tries Tolmie (10), penalty try (17), Matoto (24), Stokes (27), Trimble (54), Nilsen (71); conversions Maisey 4 (10, 26, 28, 72).
Picture: Nick Meredith.
