Doncaster Days
Really Sir!
By AdminBTCov
December 8 2018
Topsy turvy. Back and forth. Ebb and flow. What should have been a comfortable 16 point 5-0 win so very nearly turned disaster for Cov in the dying seconds of a pulsating second half at the BPA in this Championship Cup qualifier.
After stuggling to get to grips with Donny's powerful forwards-based game in the first stanza, and turning round narrowly in arrears, (with Rob Knox displaying a hitherto unsuspected seige gun of a right boot to narrow the arrears with two monster penalties, along with a more usual effort from Maisey), the Cov backs began to turn the screw in the second, following their own forwards' lead after Dawidiuk touched down at the sharp end of a strong drive.
Rob Knox, Sam Tuitupou, and Junior Bulumakau all crossed following flowing moves where the Cov backs imperiously sliced the visitors' defence apart.
Cov, at this point, were cruising - or should have been - at 31-15, and one could sense the Blue n White faithful almost as one willing the team to just hang onto the pill, and secure the maximum.
However, ever generous, and ever willing to test the batteries of any pacemakers in the East Stand as usual it seems this season, we were then treated to the sight of the home side, in stoppage time, calmly handing the ball to their opposite numbers, and pointing towards Butts Road.
So the 5-0 turned, in moments, to a 5-2, even though qualification for the KO stages of the competition was still achieved.
Nobody can say Cov don't endeavour to entertain this season, but a little less magnanimity might not go amiss with those of a more nervous disposition.
Cov Scorers:
Tries, Dawidiuk, Knox, Tuitupou, Bulumakau
Cons, Maisey
Pens, Knox (2), Maisey
Crowd: 2028
Man of the Match: Rob Knox
Final Score: Coventry 31-29 Doncaster
Official Site Match Report: HERE
All Images: Nick Meredith
Doncaster Days
Posted by: Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2018 19:31
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2018:12:15:15:17:20 by AdminBTCov.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2018:12:15:15:17:20 by AdminBTCov.
Re: Doncaster Days
Posted by: Derek G (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2018 21:34
Nervous minutes at the end, but some sparkling rugby from Cov in the second half. Despite playing with the wind in this half, Doncaster could not make use of it. Once Cov had seemingly nullified Doncaster's forward power which produced the tries in the first half, Doncaster did not to have a 'Plan B', and it seems to me, there are other teams in the Championship which also do not have a 'Plan B' either.
The scoreline does rather flatter Doncaster, but with Cov playing with James Stokes as passenger during the last few minutes, I am sure this contributed to the ease with which Doncaster seemed to score their last 2 tries. Did Cov run out of replacements, or was it decided that it probably didn't matter if James stayed on - the game was won !
Once again, when the Cov back line is let loose, there is nothing better to watch; the back 3 have pace to burn, and Rob Knox seems to have been re-invented now he is in the centre again. It is very satisfying to see that most of the backs who are causing opposition so much trouble were in last seasons squad - none are out of place at this level. Credit to them and the coaches.
Some may think that the Cup is a waste of time, but I am enjoying watching the team play more rugby and how many of the team are emerging as better players because of it.
The scoreline does rather flatter Doncaster, but with Cov playing with James Stokes as passenger during the last few minutes, I am sure this contributed to the ease with which Doncaster seemed to score their last 2 tries. Did Cov run out of replacements, or was it decided that it probably didn't matter if James stayed on - the game was won !
Once again, when the Cov back line is let loose, there is nothing better to watch; the back 3 have pace to burn, and Rob Knox seems to have been re-invented now he is in the centre again. It is very satisfying to see that most of the backs who are causing opposition so much trouble were in last seasons squad - none are out of place at this level. Credit to them and the coaches.
Some may think that the Cup is a waste of time, but I am enjoying watching the team play more rugby and how many of the team are emerging as better players because of it.
Re: Doncaster Days
Posted by: Mark7070 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2018 21:54
Derek G .
Fantastic.
Last season our backs were immense. .. Many players have been brought in but the back bone and more from last season have shored up the new recruits lack of boom.
Dan .F Jack .R , tongan lads , (not looking to spell check, ) Dan Lewis look total quantity .. but the establishment show heart which proves the mighty Coventry is still there as a badge to be ultimately proud to play for
Fantastic.
Last season our backs were immense. .. Many players have been brought in but the back bone and more from last season have shored up the new recruits lack of boom.
Dan .F Jack .R , tongan lads , (not looking to spell check, ) Dan Lewis look total quantity .. but the establishment show heart which proves the mighty Coventry is still there as a badge to be ultimately proud to play for
Re: Doncaster Days
Posted by: timdouglas1 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2018 22:11
My concern is the line outs. Am I the only person who thinks we don't look like we want to challenge the opposition when we defend a line out? Regarding the game, I thought Sir had a very bizarre game indeed. Knoxy was awarded Man of the match, but for me, Latu was immense.
Re: Doncaster Days
Posted by: OldNick (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2018 22:20
There’s no point defending lineouts in the air if early on ‘sir’ has shown he is willing to allow the ball to be thrown behind the jumper.
When later on they were awarded a penalty when their no5, jumping at 2, missed his supporters, and fell crookedly, with none of them touching or touched by a Coventry player, that justified the decision. Had a Coventry player been up high in the air competing they would probably have received a red card.
When later on they were awarded a penalty when their no5, jumping at 2, missed his supporters, and fell crookedly, with none of them touching or touched by a Coventry player, that justified the decision. Had a Coventry player been up high in the air competing they would probably have received a red card.
Re: Doncaster Days
Posted by: Jean H (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2018 08:21
Rob Knox superb kicking!Where did that come from and why haven't we seen it before?MOM it was a no brainer!!!
Re: Doncaster Days
Posted by: Mark7070 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2018 08:36
Quote:Jean H
Rob Knox superb kicking!Where did that come from and why haven't we seen it before?MOM it was a no brainer!!!
He is part of the kicking squad.
Been kicking in warm ups all season but at last been used.
We needed points on the board and for once the decision was made to build a score.
Two fantastic efforts.
Onwards and upwards hopefully
Re: Doncaster Days
Posted by: HoboAl (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2018 08:56
Potentially our best performance of the season ruined by suicidal decisions by the backs in the last 5 minutes. Even before that there were the normal signs of panic, rushing and over elaboration. When will our very promising squad learn to control a game.
One thing this game proved is a big pack isn't everything in this league. Coventry's pack technique and mobility proved the better option the longer the game went on. The lumbering Doncaster no8 said "I am knackered" and that was as they were going off at half time.
Regarding Sir. He seems oblivious to the American football tactic of blocking employed by Doncaster. Also on at least two occasions they split their maul and had a decoy maul. One resulted in a Doncaster try. I don't like to criticise refs as they have a difficult job. But for me it was the worst performance I have seen this season and for more reasons than I have mentioned.
One thing this game proved is a big pack isn't everything in this league. Coventry's pack technique and mobility proved the better option the longer the game went on. The lumbering Doncaster no8 said "I am knackered" and that was as they were going off at half time.
Regarding Sir. He seems oblivious to the American football tactic of blocking employed by Doncaster. Also on at least two occasions they split their maul and had a decoy maul. One resulted in a Doncaster try. I don't like to criticise refs as they have a difficult job. But for me it was the worst performance I have seen this season and for more reasons than I have mentioned.
Re: Doncaster Days
Posted by: tonker (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2018 09:30
cracking game & encouraging 2nd half from cov-apart from last few minutes. signs of ball retention & patience with good handling.
defence looked more intense & effective. good to see cov players running onto the ball and generating quicker ball from rucks.
standouts up front oram & the no 8, but good all round.all the subs made an impact as well.
enjoyed the game in front of a 2000 crowd, which was unexpected given weather, time of year, not a league match.
defence looked more intense & effective. good to see cov players running onto the ball and generating quicker ball from rucks.
standouts up front oram & the no 8, but good all round.all the subs made an impact as well.
enjoyed the game in front of a 2000 crowd, which was unexpected given weather, time of year, not a league match.
Re: Doncaster Days
Posted by: tom snr (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2018 09:59
good crowd of 2028 even bigger than at bedford. good sign for future as even at the ricoh wasps only had 13599 with free tickets.
Re: Doncaster Days
Posted by: covkid53 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2018 10:14
Disappointing that both Cov and Sky Blues both conceded two scores in the last couple of minutes of their respective games. I can't remember a time when that has happened.
Here at Cov we do seem to start matches slowly and gradually wind up and turn the screw, therein lies the problem. We have succeeded in winning some marginal games at home, but those games could have been so easily lost. Yesterday the scores at the end typify what is wrong with the our game, Championship teams all have a determination that league one teams didn't, they don't roll over because they are near the end of the game and two or more scores behind, if they can't win they go in search of bonus points. For that reason, they keep going for 80 minutes and Cov need to do the same. That said, it was a great game with some brilliant flowing rugby from both teams. The cup competition has been really good in that the whole squad is getting game time without risking league status, helping with the step up in class of rugby.
I left almost feeling like we had lost the game, so for me, the guys need to start playing with intensity for 80 minutes, week in and week out. Away results are a concern and perhaps yesterday shows up the reasons why. 80 minutes hard effort will make games at home more comfortable and maybe get us closer to winning margins away from home.
Here at Cov we do seem to start matches slowly and gradually wind up and turn the screw, therein lies the problem. We have succeeded in winning some marginal games at home, but those games could have been so easily lost. Yesterday the scores at the end typify what is wrong with the our game, Championship teams all have a determination that league one teams didn't, they don't roll over because they are near the end of the game and two or more scores behind, if they can't win they go in search of bonus points. For that reason, they keep going for 80 minutes and Cov need to do the same. That said, it was a great game with some brilliant flowing rugby from both teams. The cup competition has been really good in that the whole squad is getting game time without risking league status, helping with the step up in class of rugby.
I left almost feeling like we had lost the game, so for me, the guys need to start playing with intensity for 80 minutes, week in and week out. Away results are a concern and perhaps yesterday shows up the reasons why. 80 minutes hard effort will make games at home more comfortable and maybe get us closer to winning margins away from home.
Re: Doncaster Days
Posted by: Cliff Bennett (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2018 11:59
I’m worried that our game management skills are lacking. In the Friday evening game at Nottingham we eschewed a penalty kick at the death which would have given us three points on the board and a losing bonus point. Yesterday we didn’t have the nouse to stuff the ball up our jumpers in the last five minutes to deny Donny any possession. What on earth possessed us to throw the ball about, when the game was won, and to almost snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by gifting Donny two tries which brought them oh-so-close on the scoreboard and gave them two losing bonus points?
It’s naivety of this sort which confirms that we haven’t yet come to terms with Championship level rugby.
That said, the purple patch in the second half was compelling rugby and was a joy to watch.
It’s naivety of this sort which confirms that we haven’t yet come to terms with Championship level rugby.
That said, the purple patch in the second half was compelling rugby and was a joy to watch.
Re: Doncaster Days
Posted by: AdminBTCov (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2018 12:56
Have added a few pictures to the front page story. All courtesy OldNick.
Re: Doncaster Days
Posted by: Bono546 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/12/2018 13:12
At 31-15 I was on for a nine pointer in the prediction league but after those defensive lapses I will only get 5 and remain in my lowly position
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