Gnr Senitiki Nayalo (7 Para RHA) got back into the scoring habit for Coventry on Friday night, but despite coming out on top against London Scottish the blue and whites nevertheless suffered heartbreak in their chase for the Championship Cup semi-finals.
That was because Doncaster Knights, who needed a minimum of two points from their trip to Bedford, overturned a 14-point deficit during second half injury time to secure a 42-all draw and the three league points that came with it.
This made Coventry’s effort at the Athletic Ground meaningless in terms of competitive outcome, although the 47-31 result will nevertheless give the club a fillip ahead of the league’s return on March 4th.
And for Gnr Nayalo there was a first try since Boxing Day, snapping a four-game streak without a try which was his longest barren spell of the season.
The number eight crossed after 12 minutes, put over for a five-metre run to the line without being touched.
This was one of three tries which Coventry scored inside the space of 10 minutes, which gave them a 19-3 lead which Scottish were unable to close significantly.
There was also a disappointing result for Spr Lauren Brooks (RE) and Harlequins on Saturday afternoon.
Spr Brooks came off the bench for Quins 30 minutes into their Premier 15s clash with Saracens at the StoneX Stadium, but by then the visitors were facing a 27-0 deficit thanks to a five-try onslaught from Saracens in the opening stages.
Harlequins did have the consolation of winning the second half, 12-5, but the damage had been done, although Quins remain in the league’s top four with seven rounds of matches remaining.
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Words © New Dogs, Old Tricks
Header and Featured Image © Jon Coles
