RUGBY UNION: WE’VE got to go and beat Darlington next week.
That’s the message from Coventry director of rugby Rowland Winter as his side prepares for their biggest game of the season against promotion chasing Darlington on Saturday.
Coventry are 13 points clear at the top of the National League One table, and a win against their northern rivals on Saturday could see that lead extended to a massive 18 points at the league’s halfway stage.
Speaking after Saturday’s home win against Ampthill, Winter said: “We’ve got a big week coming up.
“Darlington are solid on their patch so we need to forget about today’s win and concentrate on the game coming up.
“We’ve got to go and beat them. If we do that we’re in a good position for the second part of the season.”
Darlington are unbeaten at home this year, and a win for Winter’s men will further boost their hopes of earning promotion back into the second tier of English rugby union.
Confidence within the club is at an all time high, and Saturday’s home win only added to that.
“To score nine tries is exceptional and shows the work the coaches are doing to get the detail there,” said Winter.
“With a little more accuracy and a touch more patience at the beginning and at the end of the game, we could have had more.
“But we’ll take the win – it was a good day at the office.”
Despite thrashing Ampthill, Winter revealed his side can still step up another level.
He said: “Gradually, this team is starting to settle the more weeks we play
“We’re only halfway through the season, and I’m sure things will get better and players will gel together more as the season goes on.
“There’s still a lot more to come from this side and that only bodes well.”
