Coventry RFC 48 Richmond 27

Cov, who have now scored 101 points in their last two home games, were back to their best...

Another sparkling first-half performance from Coventry, backed up this time by a stronger second 40 minutes, secured an impressive victory over one of National League One’s danger sides.

Cov, who have now scored 101 points in their last two home games, were back to their best as, with a stiff breeze at their backs, they ran the opposition ragged with 15 points in the first seven minutes and five tries before the break to lead 36-10.

A slight wobble followed and, as against Wharfedale two weeks earlier, doubts began to creep in.

Richmond, who had scored just before the end of the first half, accepted a gift interception try and quickly went over again to close to within two scores.

But Cov dug in to weather the storm and, although never able to relax against a Richmond side with some powerful line- breakers, the way they ran down the clock in the closing minutes with some controlled possession before a final flourish to score the 12th try of a hugely entertaining game was a sign of progress.

This was Cov’s most complete team display of the seven games played so far, with stand-out performances all round.

It underlined that, with good possession and direct running, they can create the opportunities for what must be three of the division’s most potent wingers in Dom Lespierre, Dan Rundle and Will Hurrell, who will cause problems for any team.

Cov could not have asked for a better start, the visitors knocking-on from the kick-off on their 22 and Cliffie Hodgson putting over the penalty, and it was followed by two tries in the next seven minutes.

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