RUGBY UNION: COVENTRY’S lead at the top of National League One extended to 13 points after Rowland Winter’s side defeated Ampthill in convincing fashion.
In front of more than 1,700 fans, Coventry brushed aside their promotion rivals with ease – cruising to a 63-14 win.
The win means Coventry are now 13 points clear of Darlington, and a further six points ahead of third-placed Blackheath while Plymouth are two points behind them.
Coventry opened their account on 11 minutes when Tom Kessell crossed over about Rob Knox helped create the home side’s first try.
With Ampthill seeing little possession and territory, most of the play continued in the visiting half – although it was 27 minutes before Cov added to their score.
Lock George Oram was held the visiting 22, but he was on hand shortly afterwards to claim his first try for the club – Maisey’s extras made it 14-0.
Ampthill fought back when a lapse in concentration at the back allowed the visitors to enjoy some possession before Kevin Barratt crossed over, James Pritchard converted.
Within the last five minutes of the half though, Coventry rubbed in the superiority that had been building.
Jack Preece crossed over before a second try for Kessell transformed the game as Coventry built a 28-7 lead.
It got worse for Ampthill when winger Max Trimble scored the first of five Coventry second half tries on 45 minutes.
Kessell was soon to complete his hat-trick, followed on 58 minutes with replacement Brett Daynes ploughing his way over.
A brilliant catch and drive from the forwards was only just held up before the forwards produced a fine five-metre scrum allowing Daynes to control the pushover try.
A rare Ampthill incursion saw winger Sam Baker cross in the left hand corner after the visiting forwards had set up a series of catch and drives with Pritchard converting from wide out.
Maisey registered Coventry’s ninth after coming back on the field as a replacement. He also added the conversion while Tony Fenner clocked three points of his own.
Coventy are next in action against second placed Darlington Mowden Park away from home.
Coventry: tries Kessell 3 (11, 40, 49), Daynes 2 (58,,64), Oram (27), Preece (37), Trimble (45), Maisey (77); conversions Maisey 6 (12, 28, 38, 40, 46, 50), Fenner 3 (59, 65, 78).
Ampthill: tries Barratt (31), Baker (73); conversions Pritchard 2 (32, 74).
Referee: Neil Chivers.
Attendance: 1,776.
