Skipper Phil back for Cov in tough test

SKIPPER Phil Boulton is back from injury as Coventry make three changes to their 20-strong squad for tomorrow’s top of the table clash with Plymouth Albion at Butts Park Arena (3pm).

Boulton sat out Cov’s win at Old Elthamians two weeks ago with a hamstring strain but returns at tight head prop for the National One leaders, who also have second row George Oram back from injury after missing the last two games while dual-registered back Tom Emery is available again and on the bench.

Anthony Matoto has his first outing at centre, moving inside from the wing as Fraser Dingwall has been recalled by parent club Northampton, with winger Max Trimble coming up off the bench.

Boulton’s return seen Nathanael Titchard-jones move to the bench, Oram replaces Tom Jubb, and Cov continue their rotation policy in the forwards with hooker Scott Tolmie and flanker Latu Makaafi starting ahead of Phil Nilsen and Brett Daynes.

Cov go into the game with 11 wins from 11 and an 11-point cushion over third-placed Albion who, widely tipped as title challengers, have lost two games and drawn twice.

But at the start of a run which sees them face all three of the other top four in the space of four weeks, Cov are firmly focused on extending their overall winning run to 20 games and know they will have to produce their A game.

“Our approach hasn’t changed,” said director of rugby Rowland Winter. “When the fixtures came out we looked at this game as key and it’s what we’ve been working towards for the last 11, 12 weeks.

“Plymouth pose a massive threat, they have a big set of forwards and backs that like to run the ball, but we’re well prepared and everyone is excited to take them on.

“It’s a top of the table game. It will be a battle up front to start with, a wrestle for possession which will give a platform for when the game opens up later. It’s a pressure game and, to be honest, that’s what it’s all about.”