COVENTRY Rugby conceded a late try in a narrow 29-24 defeat against Cornish Pirates in the club’s penultimate game of the season.
Tries from David Opoku-Fordjour, Eliot Salt and Murray Davidson, along with nine points from the kicking tee, put Alex Rae’s side on the brink of victory at Mennaye Field.
However, the Pirates crossed for a bonus point try four minutes from time to snatch the points in a closely-fought contest.
And the result means Coventry sit third in the Champ Rugby table just two points ahead of Worcester Warriors with one game left to play.
The Pirates scored the game’s first try after just three minutes as Matt Cannon forced his way over in the corner following a catch and drive and Arwel Robson converted.
However, Coventry responded on nine minutes when Opoku-Fordjour chased his own grubber kick to touch down and Tommy Mathews added the extras.
The visitors then lost Matt Johnson to the sin-bin and Cornish made the most of the extra man on 28 minutes as Morgan Nelson finished from a driving maul at a lineout.
Coventry reduced the deficit when Mathews kicked a penalty from range only for Harry Yates to score the home side’s third try on 33 minutes with a try out wide following a handling error.
Robson’s conversion sent Coventry into the break facing a nine-point deficit before Salt powered over on 57 minutes and Mathews converted.
And Coventry took the lead on 64 minutes when Davidson finished at the back of a dominant driving maul and Josh Thomas added the extras.
However, Charlie Rice forced his way over on 76 minutes as Robson’s conversion put the home side back in front.
And Robson kicked a late penalty to take the game out of Coventry’s reach as the visitors came away with a losing bonus point for their efforts.
Coventry finish the season with a home game against Worcester on Saturday, May 9 with kick-off at 3pm at the Nick Newbold Stadium.
