COVENTRY Rugby backs coach Gordon Ross admits ‘too many mistakes’ cost Coventry Rugby in their defeat at Bedford Blues.
Cov suffered an agonising 27-23 defeat at Goldington Road after the visitors lost captain Jordon Poole to a red card early in the second half.
Alex Rae’s side conceded 16 penalties and lost five of their 14 lineout throws and backs coach Ross admits Cov’s indiscipline allowed Bedford back into the contest.
Ross said: “At times we did very well and I thought Tommy Mathews had a great game at fly half and kicked all his goals but we just made too many mistakes across the 80 minutes.
“Our indiscipline and a few errors allowed them back in the game and gave them a few opportunities which a team with their attacking threat will eventually turn into points.
“We showed tremendous resolve and huge pride in the jersey against a confident Bedford team.
“When we were ahead with five minutes to go we thought we might just nick it but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.
“We had a really good start to the game with Charlie Robson’s wonder try but when we then had some possession in Bedford’s half we weren’t clinical enough.”
The lead changed hands six times although Poole’s dismissal for two yellow cards, along with the award of a penalty try to Bedford, turned the game in the home side’s favour.
That came after Charlie Robson and Ryan Hutler crossed for tries before Tommy Mathews kicked three penalties to edge Coventry into a three-point lead late on.
However, Bedford drove James Fish over the line four minutes from time with Cov forced to settle for a losing bonus point.
And Ross hopes Cov learn from their display against Bedford ahead of returning to Premiership Rugby Cup action this weekend.
Ross added: “It was our own errors that hurt us. We had enough possession but we turned it over far too often which allowed Bedford lineout, kick return or attacking scrum opportunities.
“By allowing them chances inside our 22 we created situations where we were unable to keep our line intact without conceding penalties and that eventually led to the two yellow cards.
“It was especially disappointing because we had an opportunity to get the ball off the pitch but instead allowed Bedford to get possession on our 22, win a penalty and kick to the corner.
“When we scored our second try we looked really dangerous with ball in hand which was great to see but we weren’t able to sustain that due to the number of mistakes we made.
“We have to learn from that as individuals and as a group before we play in the Premiership Cup next week.
“We give the lads a game plan which we think will help us win the game and we have to be better at sticking to it.”
Coventry are next in action against Nottingham in the Premiership Rugby Cup on Saturday, February 1 with kick-off at 2pm at Butts Park Arena.
