JORDON Poole scored two tries as Coventry RFC made a winning start to the RFU Championship season with a 26-18 victory against Bedford Blues.
The Coventry skipper scored either side of a penalty try to put the home side in command before Suva Ma’asi sealed a bonus point win at Butts Park Arena.
And the game took place as scheduled, following guidance from the Rugby Football Union (RFU), as both teams paid their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II with an emotional rendition of the national anthem before then taking part in a minute’s silence.
When the game began, Coventry made a disastrous start as Bedford’s Dean Adamson struck inside the opening minute as he raced away to score in the corner.
And the visitors extended their lead to eight points when former Coventry player Will Maisey kicked a penalty from over 40-metres out after the home side infringed at the scrum.
Coventry eventually found a way through when Poole scored from a driving maul following an excellent charge down from George Smith with Pat Pellegrini adding the extras.
And another driving maul looked set to give Coventry their second try only for Bedford’s Alex Woolford to be sent to the sin bin after halting the home side’s progress.
However, Coventry were not to be denied after yet another driving maul was brought down illegally with the hosts awarded a penalty try to head into the break with a 14-8 lead.
And Coventry picked up where they left off in the second period when a quick tap and go allowed Poole to cross for his second try of the night having been denied moments earlier.
The home side remained camped inside the Bedford half and scored their fourth try through Ma’asi after he burrowed his way over the line with Pellegrini successfully kicking the conversion.
Bedford remained a threat at the other end as Woolford returned from the bin to touch down before Jack Hughes dotted down from a driving maul as Coventry held on to claim an impressive opening day win.
Coventry are next in action away at Jersey Reds on Saturday, September 17 with kick-off at 3pm at Stade Santander International.
