COVENTRY were outclassed by Richmond as they slipped to their second consecutive defeat in National League One on Saturday.
Richmond were in control from the outset and recorded a confortable 31-7 win to leave the visiting coaches and supporters who made the trip down south bitterly disappointed.
A very significant feature at the end of a match was the sight of the match squad grouped in a huddle with head coach Scott Morgan for fully 15 minutes before they finally departed the Athletic Ground.
Most of the major damage had occurred in the opening 30 minutes with Coventry struggling after seeing Matt Price, Tom Poole and Sam Pailor all being yellow-carded to add to the two penalty tries awarded by the referee.
Ironically, Coventry had looked more positive early on during the opening period even when down to 13 men but they found themselves 19-0 down at the break.
The visitors battled but when they managed break out of their own half, efforts though were far too predictable and the two penalty awarded tries, both converted by Kirby to add to the swiftly run in try by winger Gadby, had all but ended any hopes of a comeback.
The departure of Rob Knox within two minutes of the second half certainly did not help the situation but with more changes by choice also being made, Coventry did for long periods enjoy more territory, with Dom Lespierre doing his utmost to try and lift the situation.
Danny Wright knocked on in a promising situation and Devlin Hope dropped the ball over the line which summed up Coventry’s afternoon.
Finally though, but rather belatedly, Coventry claimed what was to be their only score. Hope stole possession at the front of the line out, pressure again built, but this time replacement Scott Hamilton was able to scoot over for the try which was converted well by Matt Jones.
But in the remaining ten minutes, Richmond responded well and scored two more tries through winger Charlie Broughton and Ben Longergan, the first of which earned the hosts a first bonus point of the season.
Kirby converted the first try with the seal being put on a convincing win which quite rightly delighted the home support.
