RUGBY UNION: A SOLID second half performance helped Coventry defeat Blackheath 37-10 on Saturday at the Butts Park Arena to keep the pressure on league leaders Darlington.
Coventry are now unbeaten from their opening four games of the season, and sit just one point short of their northern rivals.
Though Blackheath sat third in the league table prior to Saturday’s clash, the contest proved more one sided than first thought as Coventry improved as the game went on – winning the second half 17-0.
Rowland Winter’s side took the lead on two minutes when Nile Dacres crossed the line for a converted try.
Dacres positive start counted for little though as Blackheath drew level minutes later when scrum-half Josh Davies set-up Mark Cooke for the visitors first try of the game.
Sustained pressure in the Coventry half told when Blackheath were awarded a penalty, which was comfortably converted by Tarrant.
Maisey brought the sides level once more when the Coventry man successfully kicked a penalty on 25 minutes, which was followed up by a second kick deep into the opening half.
Despite Ben Palmer being shown the yellow card after kicking the ball away, Coventry extended their lead to ten points before the break when White crossed for Coventry’s second try – handing the home side a 20-10 lead at half time.
Knowing the next score could dictate the remainder of the game, Coventry wasted no time in adding their third try when James Stokes registered Coventry’s third try of the game.
Kent-based Blackheath were now being forced to spend more time in their half as Coventry opened up a 20-point lead when Jack Preece touched down.
Though Blackheath showed signs of scoring, Coventry’s watertight defence proved too strong.
The game ended with a fifth try for Winter’s side when Coventry were awarded their first penalty try of the season, now worth seven points on its own.
