RUGBY UNION: COVENTRY strengthened their grip on the top of the National League One table with a dominant 36-0 win against Loughborough Students.
The promotion race is very much on for Rowland Winter’s men as his side equalled the club’s record for most consecutive wins, which now extends to 16 games.
Despite storm Brian doing its best to disrupt the game, Coventry started the game with intent and discipline.
They were quickly rewarded and within minutes were 15-0 ahead.
Brett Daynes forced his way over the line after six minutes to earn Coventry’s first try while kicker Will Maisey struggled in the unfavourable conditions.
Nathanael Titchard-Jones powered through the midfield to set-up Latu Makaafi on the right who earned Coventry’s second try of the game while Maisey added Cov’s third moments later.
That proved to be Coventry’s last scoring of the half though as a resilient Loughborough defence stood up to the pressure Coventry threw at them.
Winter’s men earned their bonus point moments into the second half though when a scrum penalty was converted into another five points after Makaafi landed his second try.
With the wind in his favour, Maisey made no mistake from the tee and Cov were in clear water at 22-0.
Replacement Olly Povoas raced under by the posts with his first touch of the game on 51 minutes to bag Coventry’s fifth try while Maisey provided another conversion.
Though Loughborough still looked dangerous on the counter attack, Coventry continued to deal with any threat and further extended their lead with nine minutes to play when Scott Tolmie charged over the line for the home side’s final try – Maisey again converting.
The win leaves Coventry on 39 points having played eight and won eight. Nearest challengers Blackheath are in second on 33 points as are Plymouth Albion.
