Coventry had a point to prove against a strong Otley side. Much to the players and fans’ delight the team were able to record a crucial 30 points to 14 victory, their first of the season and no doubt a big confidence booster.

The Coventry line-up included several key changes from the squad that lost to Rotherham Earth Titans last week. Coventry welcomed back Jon Higgins and Kurt Johnson into the squad after illness and injury respectively, and gave a start to new prop Pete Bucknall. In other changes captain Hendry Rheeders moved to number 8 to replace the injured Dan Farani.

Otley came to the Butts Park Arena on the back of two disappointing defeats, including a narrow loss last week to Harlequins. The stage was set for an interesting encounter.

Playing for the first time an almost first choice team, Coventry started confidently, placing solid pressure on the Otley defence. This positive opening quickly reaped its rewards when Gravell broke away to allow Davies to score in the corner, with Moore successfully converting. Otley were able to get on the score sheet by way of a penalty, but this brief lapse did not prevent Cov from adding a second try, this time for Gravell, after a long passing move started with an interception by Rich Protherough. Otley came back strongly but found Coventry able to soak up their pressure, presenting a strong defence and on the break some confident passing moves, including a try opportunity for winger Kurt Johnson. Shortly after another Otley penalty, one of many the traveling side were awarded in the half, Otley were to find themselves on the back foot. Lock Paul Clapham was accused of a deliberate knock on during a Coventry attacking move deep into the Otley half. A subsequent Coventry penalty was converted by Moore in another consistent kicking performance; his opposite half, Otley fly half Simon Binns was unable to match Moore’s kick and as the half-time whistle was blown Coventry led 15-6.

Otley started confidently in the second half, however their eagerness led them to give away a converted penalty to Cov, before the home side again stung Otley with a try, a second for Gravell, later named Man of the Match. At this point Otley were visibly panicking, as evidenced by their decision to bring on several substitutes. Although no doubt encouraged by this, Coventry’s fortunes were to turn when Tom Johnson was sin-binned for having his hands on the ball in the ruck. Coventry however did not lose their nerve, converting a penalty before Kurt Johnson cleverly intercepted an Otley move on the 22-line and ran towards the line for a sensational try that led the Butts Park faithful to erupt into celebration. Several substitutions followed for Coventry, but progress was muted when Tom Johnson was again yellow-carded and sent off, seemingly for the same offence.

This was not enough to dampen the mood as Coventry held out to record their first victory of the 2005/06 campaign. The team has many positives to build on from such a successful performance and can enjoy a greater sense of confidence as they contemplate their first trip away from home next week to Doncaster.