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The Morning After The Night Before
The journey ended at Goldington Road. Should we have expected anything else? Recently Cov's win record there has been on a downward trend. And so it proved. A decent first half became a distant memory as the hosts exploited our errors , an interception , a charge down, two tries in a minute and it was game over. There was no way back. The players gave their all but you have to give Bedford credit for some impressive defence. Beford for the final and, on that form, could be successful. So, what about Cov?
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The Playoff Stakes - 2026
With 3 more Elinor Champ Rugby rounds to go, where are we in the playoff scenarios? Let's take a look. Ealing Trailfinders are the powerbrokers, the key holders at the top of the division. They have to play Cornish Pirates, home next Saturday, then Worcester Warriors on May 2nd (a) and Bedford at home on May 9th. Surely with the regular season wrapped up they will ease off? I have more chance of swimming the English Channel than that! The chance to create a record 26 wins, a record that, in my opinion, will never be bettered or matched plus winning a 'Threepeat?' Fat chance. I think the top four will be Ealing, Worcester, Bedford or Cov. I still think Cov have a chance of a second place finish but not if the form showed at Nottingham is repeated. The remaining two places will be between Chinnor, Cornish Pirates, Hartpury and Nottingham. The two teams successfull out of these teams face a trip to play a quarter-final at a team who finished 3rd or fourth. Still plenty to play for and to keep the interest going. Although, I have to say, imo, Ealing Trailfinders will still be the deserved and real champions as their form has been nothing short of incredible, they have been in some sticky positions this season but have managed to find a way to win. Unreal season.
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Matt Gallagher - An Appreciation
The sad news received yesterday of the passing of Matt Gallagher was deeply and keenly felt. Matt, diagnosed with MND in October 2023, was, as typified by his on field performances, battling to the end, the creation of his Matt Gallagher Foundation surely a fitting testimony to his spirit and purpose against this debilitating disease. The support of his wife Lisa, together with his close family and an unbelievable friends network , ensured Matt was never alone, or will be forgotten. The Foundation has , and will surely, be a continued success in the fight against MND.
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John Wilkinson (4.5.1951 - 21.1.2026) - The Last Farewell
Attended the Service for John at Canley Crematorium, 11.15am, today. John, a lifelong Atheist, had requested a Humanist ceremony for his family, friends, the rugby community and former work colleagues. Tales of fun, of John's career, life and important dates, were delivered with style, humour and honesty, including the final timeline provided by John himself. Barry, John's son, spoke with love, affection and heart of John's various moments of his life, including John's request for not, in Barry's words, ' soppy bol--cks.' Ex-boss, former Sports Editor , Alan Poole, provided a glowing testimony to John's work ethic , pride and professionalism. Truly epic. The approx, 80, attendees were also provided with a glimpse of John's musical tastes including Prefab Sprout and Kenny G. Who knew. Following the ceremony, BPA was the venue for the wake. It was a moving and a classy send-off.
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“ Peace In Our Time?” No chance!
So, how is your season going? As well as you thought it would be? The, and it has to be said, massive turnover of players was bound to lead to a period of ' bedding in.' And that's, imo, is how it has been turning out. I am sure we all have our favourites, can see faults with some, but, and I think it's worth saying this, the team are as united as a team as I have seen in recent years. I know the coaching staff have full confidence in this squad to make the end of season play-offs. That's if they actually happen.
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Murder at The Rectory
Hyperbole? Probably. Like the title of an Agatha Christie novel? Certainly. Because for any Coventry Rugby supporter at the game yesterday, it was murder to bear witness to it. It was like a slow motion car accident, you knew it was coming but you were unable to prevent it happening. The first 20 or so minutes were like a dream, to my eyes anyway. Three good tries, for Morgan Strong, Ewen Baker and a David Opoku-Fordjour special, the winger benefitting from superb work from Strong and Tom Ball to create the long-range run-in. Two conversions from Tommy Mathews. It looked so good. The wheels then came off.
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Paul’s Perilous Positional Predictions, 2025/2026
Just under two weeks away from the start of The Champ, I thought I would have a go at being ' Psychic Paul' and see how it might all end. Here goes.
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The Champ 2025/2026 Preview and Predictions - Part 2
Concluding my look at the freshly invigorated The Champ, the runners and riders. In my own opinion only. Here goes:
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The Champ 2025/2026 - Preview and Predictions
With the start of The Champ just over 2 weeks away, time for a look at the runners and riders. All these views are my own and we will take the clubs alphabetically, Part 1 today, concluding tomorrow.
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Newcastle Red Bulls - A Game Changer Or Not?
The news that Red Bull have completed their takeover of Newcastle Falcons certainly raised some interest in the different news outlets. It offered the headline writers a chance to be goldenly creative, ' Falcons Fly', ' Falcons Get Their Wiings!' or ' No Bull, it's Red Bull!' With the talk of a franchise system on its way still bubbling away, although not everyone is 100% on board with this prospect, I hear. In the wake of the deal being confirmed, you can already see some results.
