Championship Review - Week 15

Cov dig deep to upset the title favourites and all the other games seem to go true to form.

This Championship week saw an expected try-laden clash on Friday night between Nottingham and visitors Hartpury.  Sadly, fireworks were in short supply as the visiting Gloucestershire side travelled back with a 3-0 win, a penalty the sole score.  A game for the purists or Friday Night Non-Fever? Att: 1049

London Scottish welcomed Doncaster to the RAG and it was a BP win for the Yorkshiremen, running out 34-20 winners. Visiting fly-half Russell Bennett was the story here, a 5 from 5 display, 3 conversions, 2 penalties, the other score a penalty try. Att: 481

Bedford Blues travelled to Cambridge and secured a 22-12 win at Grantchester Road, a BP win, tries for Sean French, Dean Adamson, again, Will Maisey and Luke Frost.  Matty Williams scored a brace of tries for the hosts.  Att: 1989

In today's (Sunday) final fixture, the Mennaye saw Cornish Pirates subdue Ampthill, 33-14, to leapfrog Cov back into second place with a BP success. A hat-trick for winger Matt McNab was the highlight here, despite the early shock of a Pete White try, converted, that gave ' The Mob' an early 7-0 lead.  Att: 1247

And so, to THAT game.  The BPA on Saturday saw Cov host title pacesetters and favourites, Ealing Trailfinders, at the time, a 3rd v 1st match-up.  I think it's fair to say the match lived up to expectations.  An early 10-0 deficit looked ominous for Cov but they battled back to lead, 14-10, through tries for Ollie Betteridge and Jordon Poole, both converted by Pat Pellegrini  The lead changed at least three times, Ealing leading 22-21 at the break, Poole's second try almost cancelling out tries for Nathan Earle and Craig Hampson, Craig Willis only able to convert Earle's try. 
The tension grew throughout the second period, nip and tuck, James Martin's 64th minute try, sharp passing by PP, PP converting to add to his early second period penalty. The hobbling Pellegrini was unable to take a 74th minute penalty attempt, Tobi Wilson's left foot strike successful. Earle poached a 79th minute try, but Billy Twelvetrees was off target with the draw making conversion attempt..  Still a nervy last couple of moments, solid defence within possible penalty range before referree Tom Foley released a mass of home celebrations.  Att: 3182

Cov v  Ealing Trailfinders 

Tries: Betterridge , Poole (2), Martin

Cons: Pellegrini 4

Pens: Pellegrini, Wilson