Loughborough RFC slip to narrow defeat in cup, but positives are taken from debut performances

OLD COVENTRIANS 17 LOUGHBOROUGH 14

LOUGHBOROUGH put out a squad of promising hopefuls, to be worn down by a well drilled Coventrians on their home turf.

Coventrians kicked off the game towards their club house. The ball was collected and taken into contact by skipper Kieran Hewgill which put Loughborough on the front foot. A few consecutive penalties against Coventriants put the gold and blue shirts ten metres from the home sides try line, a quick line out to the rising Toby Williams saw Loughborough pack rolling forwards to be passed along to a very impressive crash line directly under the posts by Aaron Brown. Kick converted by Thomas Kirkby.

Loughbrough starting strong and full of confidence the team continued with some strong defence and equally as promising attacks from the likes of Adam Lee and Jacob Abraham throughout the first half but a strong Old Coventrians defence kept Loughborough out.

The first half came to an end with the home team’s pack carrying consistently hard around the fringes causing Loughborough to crumble and concede.

The second half kicked off and the men in black, red and yellow had a aura of confidence as they collected the restart. Some impressive defending by Loughborough kept their hosts at bay but eventually their rearguard was broken and Coventry scored a try.

A determined Loughborough found themselves almost instantly coming back and after some excellent rugby by the Boro pack Jacob Abraham skipped his way through to find the line.

Coming towards the end of what felt line a long second half, littered with penalties for the away side unfortunately their efforts had not been enough as they went down 17-14.

Loughborough head coach Stephan Duffus congratulated the handful of debut player on their fantastic performances during the game including Will Noble, Tommy Christian, Samuel Franks, George Hicks and Eddie Brown.

Loughborough now turn their focus to the league on Saturday and an away clash against currently unbeaten Melbourne.