Weeks 11 and 12

Two poor results for Cov completed the latest round of matches before yet another break.

'Breaks' seem to be a part of the plan these days. The Championship season has become more and more fractured, and it seems that clubs have to either make that almost impossible step up, or more likely accept relegation if they aspire to a more complete programme.

Regular fixtures are definitely something to look back on fondly, and clubs at level two must be wondering how long they can survive the neglect by the so-called ruling body, who themselves appear to be in thrall to the likes of PRL and CVC.

Speaking of breaks, serial try-scoring winger Ryan Hutler collected a rearranged nose during the narrow home defeat to in-form Cornish Pirates, and therefore missed the trip to ever-improving Caldy, who also did a number on Cov in round 12, taking the full five points while also restricting the Blue and Whites to a mere three tries (unusual in itself this season - and unheard of two weeks on the bounce).

The home game saw a very healthy crowd figure of 4307, many of whom will have been disappointed with the result, and will have their resolve tested when matches recommence - particularly following the Wirral reverse.

Cov 19-22 Pirates (1-4)

Tries: Rigg, Martin,  Lane

Cons: Pellegrini (2)

Caldy 26-22 Cov

Tries: Nkwocha, Poole, Anstey

Cons: Pellegrini (2)

Pen: Pellegrini 

Attendance: 1046

In other Round 11 matches, basement side Scottish suffered a 0-5 defeat at Bedford, with 3307 in attendance.

Cambridge showed their mettle beating Caldy 33-14 (5-0) in front of 1199.

Hartpury saw off Ampthill at the Alpas, running in eight tries with only 646 witnessing the spectacle of a 54-34 scoreline.

And Ealing did what was required with a 49-31 (5-1) win over visitors Doncaster. Sadly, only 1157 souls - boosted by the Knights' travelling faithful - bothered to offer their support though, as Ealing regained top spot.

In Round 12, Ealing further consolidated their lofty position with an efficient dismissal of Hartpury, winning 36-20 (5-0). Perhaps the 'Students' support doesn't travel quite so well though, as a mere 745 spectators rattled around in the Trailfinders' ground. How is this sustainable, even given the unwavering backing of their benefactor, who, realistically, must be tearing his hair out at the lack of support?

Doncaster bounced back with a 29-19 (5-0) win over Cambridge - although the support level was somewhat depleted compared to previous home games with only 1382 showing up.

Nottingham impressed at Ampthill, running out 36-43 (2-5) winners, in front of  the lowest crowd of the day, 523.

Cornish Pirates maintained the pressure at the top, along with their very impressive run of results, with a 21-27 (1-4) victory on the slopes of Goldington Road. Bedford fans perhaps saw it coming, though, as the attendance didn't quite live up to expectations, with a considerably lower number, than the previous weekend, 2734, turning out.

League Table

Ealing: Played 10, Points

Cornish P: 11, 38

Bedford: 11, 36

Doncaster: 11, 35

Coventry: 11, 34

Hartpury: 11, 27

Nottingham: 10, 27

Ampthill: 10, 25

Caldy: 11, 22

Cambridge: 11, 16

London S: 9, 12

Average Attendances

Coventry 3706

Bedford 3048

Doncaster 1886

Cornish P 1621

Caldy 1221

Cambridge 1183

Ampthill 1155

Nottingham 1143

Ealing 905

London S 732

Hartpury 655

Top Scorers

Pellegrini 91

Bazalgette (Har) 89

Willis (Eal) 85

Maisey (Bed) 78

Parks (Amp) 66

Top Try Scorers

French (Bed) 11

Gallagher (Cal) 9

Williams (Not) 9

Hutler 8

Martin 8

Cavan (Cam) 8