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(A View From The Stand)
A Coventry Rugby Blog - 2025/26



Coventry Rugby 14 Chinnor 19 - Chinnor forwards the difference in another disappointing Cov performance
In some ways, it's unfortunate that the Forum didn't occur a couple of weeks later - back then, we were on a 5 or 6 game unbeaten streak, and the meeting's tone was optimistic regarding our on-field performance. After the disappointing games against Bedford and Chinnor, I believe there would have been different questions posed to Alex Rae, and given his commendable honesty, some straightforward answers as well.
If the online Supporters' Forum is anything to go, the vulture
1874tsmith
4 days ago7 min read
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Bedford Blues 38 Coventry Rugby 31 - when the dream ends the reality is sometimes better...
With a minute to go before the break, Cov were 14 points clear and had they managed to defend their lines in the final play of the half, perhaps things might have been different. But urged on by a loud and understandably partisan crowd, Bedford's pack rumbled over the line and suddenly Cov were just 7 points clear and facing the steep slope (in rugby terms) second half, it always looked to be an uphill task from thereon in.
And so it proved.
1874tsmith
Jan 258 min read
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Coventry Rugby 41 Cornish Pirates 26 - 15 men on a dead man's chest, yo-ho-ho and a Happy New Year
Well, Roll My Breakfast,
'Cause I'm A Hungry Man.
I Said Shake Rattle And Roll,
I Said Shake Rattle And Roll,
I Said Shake Rattle And Roll,
I Said Shake Rattle And Roll;
Pirates were at first shaken, then rattled but it's Cov who remain on a roll as they go into the break with 7 wins from their last seven outings, showing the sort of form that should see them comfortably into the play-off places come the end of the season in May.
1874tsmith
Jan 38 min read
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Cambridge 19 Coventry Rugby 33 - bonus point win sees Cov continue winning run
...but Cov have slowly built up momentum and despite what was, for me, a pretty average display against Cambridge, they've consistently picked up points of late and look to be in a good place right now.
A significant amount of recognition should be given to Alex Rae and his coaching team. Despite facing criticism early on from certain quarters, they managed to ignore these external distractions and concentrate on their strengths, effectively responding to their critics
1874tsmith
Dec 28, 20258 min read
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Coventry Rugby 41 Nottingham 36 - Cov just edge it in festive thriller
After establishing a seemingly decisive position at halftime with a 24-7 lead and dominating the last 15 minutes with a four-try salvo, Cov lost their discipline resulting in a series of penalties that allowed an increasingly confident Archers' team back into a game that appeared all but over when the outstanding Allan Ferrie scored just 5 minutes into the second half, extending Cov's lead to 24 points.
1874tsmith
Dec 21, 20258 min read
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Cov Rugby 61 London Scottish 10 - yer bum's oot the windae if you think Cov are on the slide as hosts gie it laldy to peelie-wally Scottish
I'm not sure whether the stats would back this up, but it felt as if we kicked far less than we have at times this season and with far fewer handling errors going forward, we caused the Scottish defence all sorts of problems and in truth, they struggled to handle the pace and directness of our runners. The penalty count, 21-7 in favour of Cov, is indicative of the pressure that Scottish found themselves under and I thought they were a little lucky to get away with just a coup
1874tsmith
Dec 7, 20258 min read
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Richmond 17 Coventry Rugby 52 - Alex's half-time changes offer a Rae of hope
Post-match, there have been plenty of comments rightly praising the likes of Maunder and Thomas for their roles in changing the momentum of the game, but I've not heard or read anything regarding what was for me a very different, a very tactical, use of the bench. Had there been a couple of further injuries at the start of the second half, then Cov could have been really exposed but, as it was, the plan worked to perfection
1874tsmith
Nov 2, 20258 min read
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Coventry Rugby 36 Ealing Trailfinders 63 - how I wish you were here...
Alex Rae had suggested in his post-match comments (after the Caldy game) that the players would learn things about each other during the course of the week leading up to yesterday's game against Ealing and for most supporters who turned up yesterday, the performance as much as the result was of greatest importance. Just what had they learned and to what extent would it impact on the team's performance on the pitch?
1874tsmith
Oct 26, 20258 min read
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Chinnor 47 Coventry Rugby 26 - who (forgot to) let the dogs out...?
And I can't see colour, any colour will do I'll stick on you, that's why they call me "pit bull" 'Cause I'm the man of the land When they see me they say, who? Who let the dogs out? Who, who, who, who, who? Who let the dogs out? Who, who, who, who, who? Who let the dogs out? Who Let The Dogs Out - Baha Men It should have been the ideal photo to highlight Coventry's first away victory of the season, featured prominently in game reports and tagged atop the club's socials. It wo
1874tsmith
Oct 19, 20259 min read
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