DIRECTOR of rugby Rowland Winter says Coventry Rugby can go up a gear after the club’s promising start to the season.
Coventry find themselves fifth in the RFU Championship and are well-placed to progress to the quarter finals of the Championship Cup after nine weeks of play in the current season.
Winter believes the signs are positive after matching their early goals for the campaign, and says the foundation has been laid to continue their upwards momentum.
“There is lots of evidence that we’re moving ahead as a club, both on and off the pitch,” he said.
“I think we’ve got another gear to go into and we’ve put ourselves into the position to be able to be successful.
“Now we’re going to be looking for more consistency week by week. That’s the biggest learning point from the first six games in the league, looking at the small details.”
The Coventry chief has attributed a near-clean bill of health behind the positive start, adding: “Twenty out of the 23-man matchday squad has stayed pretty consistent week by week.
“We’ve rotated around who’s started, but we’ve been able to put a similar group out each game – which helps consistency.
“The cup gives opportunities for players to come back into the team, like Andy Bulumakau and George Oram, to show us what we’ve been missing.
“There are also others like Nile Dacres, James Stokes and Rory Jennings, who have played every minute of every game, who can have a bit of a rest and give players like Tony Fenner and Ben Nutley some more time on the pitch.”
Coventry return to action in the cup at home to Ampthill on Saturday (3pm), kicking off a four-game run of fixtures before the New Year.
Having had a mini-break since the disappointing 46-7 downfall away to league leaders Newcastle Falcons, Winter is aiming to go on an unbeaten run through to Christmas.
“Results will come if we get the performances right, and if the performances are consistent, then we can go unbeaten between now and Christmas,” said the 34-year-old.
“But there are some tough games away to Bedford and Ealing, and some tough games at home as well.
“So we’re going to have a few days off and then concentrate on our next game against Ampthill. They’re going to be much improved and will be more Championship-hardened, so that will be a big test for us.”
