Free-Scoring Cov Repel Military Advance

Cov’s first ‘Gift to the Community’ game last night wasn’t short on action, skills and efforts, Cov easing to a 65-12 win over the visiting UK Armed Forces side, (formerly known as Combined Services). Most of the action, and not without its controversial or at least surprising moments, took place in the first period.

Cov, with a side bolstered by Tobi Wilson, Joe Snow, Ollie Betteridge and George Smith took control practically from the off, despite a yellow card for Ray Kanyasa for what looked like a line-out offence, jumped into a 17-0 lead through close range tries for hooker Owen Postlethwaite and Smith and a fine run from George Hallam, Wilson converting the initial score, this with 25 minutes gone.

The UKAF team then lost their outside centre to a red card for a tip tackle on the impressive David Okupu a few minutes later.

Smith’s galloping run on 33 minutes, the lock giving his finest Harlem Globetrotter’s impression, one-handed carrying and passing inside to the supporting Snow led to the next. Wilson converted.

Two more visiting yellow cards, for offside at a close-in ruck and another maul offence sandwiched tries for the impressive James Bennett and the powerful Kanyasa, Wilson converting the former. Another Kanyasa try, unconverted, closed out the half for a 43-0 home lead, the servicemen ending the first period with 12 players.

It had been an impressive first half for Cov.

Home changes ensued at the break, Wilson, Betteridge, Snow and Smith all being replaced, but the scores continued unabated.

James Bennett grabbed his second, Okupo and replacement Christian Bannister also crossed the whitewash, all unconverted.

Two late scores(65) and (74) from the visitors were just rewards for their commitment and efforts, the latter converted.

It was left to Kanyasa to complete the scoring, the lock completing his hat-trick for his eventful 80 minutes. Leo Jowett added the extras.

David Okopu was named Man of the Match; a fitting and deserved acknowledgment of a display of pace and verve throughout.

The bulk of the side was from the Coventry Rugby Under 19s squad, having an impressive season when they manage to play a game, their last two matches being cancelled due to various issues. I have to say, if these players continue to progress, and it is with Coventry Rugby, then the future looks very bright indeed.

The attendance was a respectable 1240, obviously the free admission the key, but if it continues to showcase the efforts Coventry Rugby are making, trying to spread the word, trying to increase awareness then their efforts will, hopefully, be rewarded.

The next ‘ Gift to the Community’ game is next Wednesday, March 1st, again a 7.30pm kickoff when RAF visit the BPA.

Words: Paul Ingleston

Pics: John Coles