RUGBY UNION: ROWLAND Winter praised Coventry’s resilience and strength of character after they dodged a shock defeat to Old Elthamians.
Accurate kicking from Will Maisey ensured Winter’s men fought to a four-point win over their southern rivals.
It marked Cov’s 11th win of the season from as many matches, and Saturday proved to be only the second time Coventry dropped points as they failed to secure a bonus point.
Despite this, Winter realised the challenge his side faced and praised his side’s determined display.
He said: “There are definitely areas of the game that we need to look at closely, but the character and battling qualities that this team have really stood out today.
“OEs challenged and pressured us in every area of the game, they were determined and they gave us our hardest test of the season.
“But the character the boys have shown to get the win will stand us in good stead as the season goes on.
“Not many other teams in this league have got that much strength to put up with lots of things that didn’t necessarily go our way, and to defend our line with that much pride and passion is important and a good quality for us to have in the team.
“The line-outs were hit and miss, that’s something we’ll look at.
“We kicked the ball away a couple of time and spilled ball up a bit more than usual as well on a tricky day and the standards we set ourselves are higher than that.
“Now they have a week off to mentally freshen up and relax which is well deserved before going into the Plymouth game, which is a big one.”
