Hull Ionians 16 Coventry RFC 21

Coventry held on a tense finish to secure an invaluable away win against a Hull side much improved from their first foray into National League One two seasons ago which ended in relegation.

Cov hit the ground running to lead 12-0 after just ten minutes, but they came under pressure at the scrum and line-out for the rest of the game and picked up two more yellow cards in the first half to add to their difficulties.

But some outstanding defence, led by skipper for the day George Oliver, and three penalties from Matt Jones saw them keep Hull at arm's length to move above their hosts in the table in what aready looks a tight promotion race.

Cov made a perfect start with tries from Sam Pailor and Devlin Hope, the first converted by Jones, before an Isaac Green penalty gave Hull a foothold.

Pailor and Hope were then sent to the sin bin in the space of three minutes, putting Cov down to 13 men, and Hull made the most of the extra space it gve them to stretch the visitors wide for an unconverted Aquile Smith try, but Cov resisted any further damage and eased clear again with a brace of penalties from Jones on the run to half-time to lead 18-8.

Cov spent the entire third quarter battling away in their own half and were eventually breached with a close-range try for Will Foden which again went unconverted.

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