WILL Lane scored a late try in vain as Coventry Rugby were knocked off top spot following a 21-19 home defeat against Cornish Pirates.
Lane crossed at the death for Cov to earn the home side a losing bonus point after Will Rigg and James Martin both touched down at Butts Park Arena.
The result means Coventry drop to third in the Championship table three points behind leaders Ealing Trailfinders who have two games in-hand.
Alex Rae’s side broke the deadlock on 20 minutes when Rigg forced his way over from Will Chudley’s quick tap penalty after Pat Pellegrini produced a sublime 50-22 kick.
However, the Pirates hit back seven minutes later as Joe Elderkin cut a good line before dotting down with Tom Pittman converting to send the teams in level at the break.
The visitors completed the turnaround on 52 minutes when John Stevens drove over and Pittman added the extras after Cornish won an attacking lineout close to the Coventry try line.
And Pirates struck again two minutes later as Ruaridh Dawson collected Chudley’s long pass and raced in from 75-metres out to score an intercept try with Pittman again converting.
Cov reduced the deficit on 65 minutes when Martin finished well from Pellegrini’s excellent cross-field kick after good work from replacement Elliot Chilvers.
And the home side earned a losing bonus point with the final play of the game as replacement Lane ran in unopposed after Jack Bartlett made a fine break with Pellegrini adding the extras.
Coventry are next in action away at Caldy on Saturday, February 3 with kick-off at 2pm at Paton Field.
