A Day to Remember, A Result To Savour
By Paul I
November 10 2024
Four tries in 8 incredible first half minutes gave Cov a platform for an impressive 33-19 success , Welford Road for us old-timers, but the Mattioli Woods Welford Road to give it its current sponsored title. Or branding?
It was good to finally get to the game itself. Wearing my other hat, four weeks of dealing with coach bookings, payments, email's flying everywhere, it was good to get to the ground on game day. The last time I was at the ground, Rugby Lions were the visitors. That's how long it had been for me. I have to say, the stadium is very impressive and found the gate staff marvellously friendly and welcoming.
The Remembrance service was brilliantly done, very moving and immaculately observed.
Once the game started, it had to happen, Will Wand, late of this parish opened the scoring. Fears of a roasting grew. I should have had more faith of a team with a record of 6-0 this season.
The pack bared their teeth, battled for every ruck or maul and tackled every green and white shirt that appeared in view, and reach. Aaron Hinkley, Jordon Poole, Tom Hitchcock and David Opoku, on for the unlucky Steff Davies, helped off, hopefully not a long lay-off. Tommy Matthews at 10 kicked for positions and efffect.
Tigers came back in the second period, Kata and Archie Van Der Flier scoring tries to reduce the arrears to 26-19. However, on a day that military memories were foremost, fittingly, up stepped Lance Bombardier Senitiki Nayalo to race over from 25 metres, Matthews converting.
Defensively Cov were strong in defence, sharp in attack. All in all a good day. Memories?
The sound of COVENTRY, COVENTRY, resonating around the Welford Road environs, loudly and often, the sporting praise from home supporters to the Cov performance and the sheer joy of the whole playing staff, coaching staff and the aforementioned supporters. You don't get many days such as we experienced yesterday.
Just a final thought. I did find it rather strange to find the bars, where we were in the Bredon Stand closed at the final whistle. Not too sure if this is a regular occurrence but perhaps signified the difference of elite rugby and the levels below. Lower down, on the final whistle, certainly at Championship level, the bars stay open. Rugby as a ' social event' , but above our level , more money focused? Whatever, next game is a big one at the BPA. Just the small matter of Northampton Saints on November 23rd. Could well be a sellout. Get your tickets now!
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:12:19:21:01:58 by Kimbo.
Saints will be another level, but looking forward to seeing the lads go again.
Quote:tigerburnie
Not seen any of the game, but have to say this is what the game should be about, players from the Championship and young players from the host Premiership side getting the chance to play in front of a big crowd in a famous ground. I just hope the Premiership clubs continue with the policy of selecting new talent and don't go loading the sides with first team players, using it as a "warm up" for PRL league games.
Tigerburnie
Have to agree with the principle but suspect , as I think Cov do, is that Northampton Saints are likely to put an increased number of experienced players in for round 3, mainly due to the return of the PL the following week.
However, you have to say it works both ways. Just ask Bristol Bears. Play two fixtures in two days, v Australia A and then Bath in the Premier Rugby Cup. First game is a 10-all draw, but then the youthful and inexperienced Bears side goes to Bath and suffers a 70+ points pumping. I hope the latter young side can learn from the experience? Add to that Sarries 99 points win and you can see the challenges faced by Championship sides.
But at least these contests are taking place. It's a start.
In the 16 Prem v Champ head to head matches so far, Prem has won 14 with Champ on 2 wins.