By Coventry Rugby 
Coventry produced a disciplined, hard-fought performance at the Butts Park Arena to see off Hartpury. In a contest that was tight in the first half, the game changed with the weather as Coventry edged clear in the second half.
Hartpury got us underway through Bazalgatte, and Morgan Strong immediately signalled intent with a powerful first carry. However, the clearance kick drifted out on the full from just outside the 22, handing Hartpury early territory. Coventry’s defensive line speed was excellent, forcing a knock-on, and the hosts recovered well. The hosts were unfortunate not to strike within the opening five minutes, threatening on multiple occasions but lacking any final accuracy.
Just as in the reverse fixture, Senitiki Nayalo took matters into his own hands. A dangerous lineout five metres out resulted in a free-kick, and the quick-thinking second row powered over for the opening try. Exactly the start Alex Rae would have wanted.
Hartpury responded with sustained pressure inside the Coventry half. An unpopular high-tackle decision against Maunder pushed the visitors to the line, and a second penalty soon after gave them another platform. This time they made it count, executing a well-drilled lineout maul to level the scores at 7–7.
The game felt disjointed at times, but the forwards again imposed themselves to restore Coventry’s lead. After watching Hartpury’s driving maul, the hosts delivered one of their own. With patience and power, they edged forward before Jordon Poole broke away to score. 14–7.
Hartpury refused to be shaken off. Another penalty on 23 minutes allowed them to build pressure, and eventually Harry Short finished well on the right to bring the sides level once more.
The final ten minutes of the half were tight and scrappy. Coventry enjoyed possession but overplayed at times, while a dump tackle penalty on Adderly-Jones offered a late opportunity that went begging. Hartpury ended the half positively, pinning Coventry back with an excellent kick chase, but resolute defence ensured the sides went in level.
As rain began to fall, Tommy Mathews restarted proceedings and quickly lifted the crowd with a superb 50:22 after an exchange of kicks. Coventry pressed for control, and although Allan Ferrie was held up, the breakthrough soon arrived.
The try of the match came through Api Bavadra, but it was created by Sam Maunder. A perfectly weighted kick over the top was gathered in stride by the Sevens star, who finished calmly to restore the lead. 21–14.
With the breeze behind them, Coventry looked to create breathing space. Hartpury remained stubborn, but a dominant scrum and intelligent territory from Mathews put the visitors under pressure. From the resulting lineout, the maul functioned flawlessly once more, with Jordan Poole peeling off for his second of the afternoon. 28–14.
The second half lacked the chaos of the first and it became a game of control and territory. Hartpury stayed in touch after Morgan Adderly-Jones was penalised for tackling the scrumhalf, and Alex Gibson produced an impressive solo effort to narrow the gap. The missed conversion proved significant, as Coventry retained their two-score advantage.
Tommy Mathews, much improved from the tee from last week, eased nerves with a well-struck penalty from inside the Hartpury half to make it 31–19.
From there, Coventry managed the closing stages professionally. There were a few chances for Hartpury, but these were well extinguished by a Cov outfit who had managed to keep the Hartpury backs quiet in the second half.
Coventry’s 31-19 bonus point victory was built on control, patience and forward power. Coventry’s set-piece superiority and game management in the final quarter ensured the result never slipped from their grasp. In testing and changing conditions, it was a mature, disciplined performance that keeps momentum building at a crucial stage of the season. Next up we travel to Ampthill before some well-deserved rest for the lads. We look forward to seeing as many of you in Ampthill as possible!
Referee- Jonathon Cook
Attendance- 2,229
Goal kicking:
Tommy Mathews- 5/5
Harry Bazalgette- 2/3
Try Scorers:
Coventry Rugby- Senitiki Nayalo (8’), Jordon Poole (19’, 60’), Api Bavadra (44’)
Hartpury College- Harry Short (14’ 24’), Alex Gibson (65’)
Lineups:
Coventry Rugby- Aristot Benz-Salomon, Jordon Poole ©, Eliot Salt, Mackenzie Graham, Senitiki Nayalo, Allan Ferrie, Tom Ball, Morgan Strong, Sam Maunder, Tommy Mathews,Api Bavadra, Morgan Adderly-Jones, Dafydd Rhys-Tiueti, David Opoku-Fordjour, Tom Bacon
Finishers: Murray Davidson, Keston Lines, Matt Johnson, Jack Shine, Onisivoro SukaniNayagi, Josh Barton, Ewan Baker, Dan Green
Hartpury College- Archie McArthur, Will Crane ©, Alex Gibson, Steele Barker, Jack Davies, Cameron Cobbett, Harry Short, Tom Worts, Rhys Price, Harry Bazalgette, Ollie Holiday, Ollie Allsopp, Robbie Smith, Bradley Denty, Isaac Marsh
Finishers: George Knowles, Louie Trevette, George Perry, Peter Paramore, Ellis Hart, Cai Gealy, Kieran Clark, Josh Fields
