RUGBY UNION: A STATEMENT of intent was how director of rugby Rowland Winter assessed Coventry’s first-ever win at Blaydon in National League One.
After six previous unsuccessful visits to the Crow Trees Ground, Coventry secured a 25-19 victory on Saturday built on a strong all-round team performance.
The Coventry defence in particular stood out and when chances came their way, the visitors took them including a try after just 12 seconds by Darrel Dyer.
Tony Jubb scored twice and Tony Fenner slotted home a penalty as Winter’s side recorded a 14th win of the season to move within two points off fifth-placed Rosslyn Park.
“It was a big statement, not just to get the monkey off the back in terms of the club’s history up here but also about our away form,” said Winter.
“It wasn’t the prettiest of performances or the best game of rugby I’ve ever seen, but we dogged it out and really put some heart into it.
“We battled from the first to the 80th minute, and that was what was needed to get the win.
“There was some great defence, some big shots, and everyone worked hard. It needed a full squad effort, some of the boys did the hard yards early on which was superb and all the replacements added impact when they came on.
“I don’t think we got the reward in the scrum that we deserved, but Saturday was about showing some battling qualities.
“We outworked them, we’ve not been able to say that too much this year, and we are really trying to finish the season with some momentum.”
Up next for Coventry is a home clash against Ampthill at the Butts Park Arena (2.15pm kick off).
