Combine 2025 - an excellent initiative

After four gruelling training sessions, skills , hard work and reviewing,  the final part, The Game, took place at the BPA last night.  It ended in a win for Team One, 38-24, over Team Two in a very high action encounter but played in an excellent spirit throughout.

Firstly, this initiative, I think,  has to be classed as a success. The offer of a pro-contract was the carrot and, even if there isn't a player taken on to wear a Cov shirt, it's just my opinion that some of these players you will be hearing more of going forward. I think this shows that there is plenty of talent in the game even though they are not on the desired pathway route.  The talent is still there.  Where Coventry lead, others follow. 

On the game itself, Team Two, roared into a 24-7 first half lead, reduced to 24-12 with a late first half converted try. I have to say Team Two looked to be a bigger side than their opponents, to my jaundiced eyes anyway!  The second half was an altogether story.  A raft of interval replacements turned the tide , with four tries, two converted,  completing the one-sided scoring story.  All of the 40+ players involved showed spirit, skills, enthusiasm and desire.  What more could you want? Many thanks to the coaching staff, volunteers, medical staff and everyone involved in putting this together, a great initiative. Good luck and best wishes go for all the players who took part, at any stage of the Combine.  Good luck for your rugby futures.

To finish, I will relate my Good Deed of the day. 

Met the parents of one of the players, they having travelled down from Leeds, at a BPA parking meter struggling with the vagaries and difficulties of said machine.  Helped them to avoid a Parking Ticket to land on their hallway carpet in two weeks time.   Fine avoided, their son played well in the game and some much needed and welcome PR for Coventry Rugby.   Result. 😇

Now then me hearties, them there Pirates await me 'andsome!