Cov managed the game exceptionally well yesterday. They maintained a steady pace in the opening quarter, then increased the tempo before halftime, which led to gaps opening up, initially through Nayalo and later as the backs, especially Tom Bacon, got involved. Cov appears to be a very fit team nowadays, and it was quite evident that when the ball was released in the tackle, there were frequently multiple options available. As the gaps emerged, Notts' defense became stretched

Skeptics might argue that the second-half surge was largely due to the Pirates playing 8 minutes with just 13 players. While this is factually accurate, it's important to note that the quick loss of two players was a result of the pressure we applied early in the second half. Also, in the past, we've sometimes failed to put teams away when we've held such an advantage, but yesterday we were brutal and had the pace and power to make the most of the gaps that suddenly opened u

The problem for Warriors fans, as I see it, is that up until Christmas they believed everyone else saw there side as very much the 'enfant terrible' of The Champ, disliked by many for reasons which they felt were unfair, and in the case of some supporters (like those from Cov) grossly hypocritical. We see it differently, of course, but as a group it united them against a common foe and in so doing gave them strength.

Rae has said previously that he'll only bring in players who will strengthen the squad and his track record as far as recruitment is concerned is impressive...Imagine an additional 9 players added to this squad all better than those leaving. Not only does it give the coaches more options, it should also raise performance levels to even greater heights and narrow the gap between ourselves and Ealing, hopefully enabling us to be the best of the rest which is pretty much all we

...whether this had any impact on the game itself is all hearsay BUT from the opening whistle Nottingham were as fired up as any team this season in those opening minutes. Notts flew out of the blocks and it took some excellent defence to keep them from scoring, with Cov struggling to gain any decent possession. Fired up they most certainly were but Cov managed to hold firm and Ferrie's opening try was really against the run of play. A second try two minutes later following a

That's not so with Caldy. The have a little of the old school look about them - especially in the front row where fitness doesn't appear to be their greatest asset to be fair. Cov have a really mobile pack with the second rowers able to play in the back row such is their mobility around the park. Nayalo, Strong, Ferrie, Shine and Green are all excellent ball carriers, whereas Caldy really didn't have players who could punch holes in Cov's very well organised defence.

Interestingly, before the game, Cov led The Champ with more offloads than any other team in the league this season. They seem to have adapted better than most to the recent law changes regarding the lowering of the tackle, which now make offloads less risky than before, as noted by Shaun Edwards in today's The Rugby Paper. But that is true of the opposition, too, which is perhaps one reason why we're seeing more tries scored this season.