Cov fight back for maximum points as Park pay penalty
COVENTRY overturned a half-time deficit to take maximum points and move above their visitors into fifth place in the table with a fifth successive win.
Park edged a fractious first half 24-20, but Cov controlled the second period with their dominant scrum drawing a succession of penalties and providing the platform for an ultimately well-deserved win.
And director of rugby Rowland Winter was understandably delighted at the second-half turnaround.
“It was a good all-round performance, particularly in the second half,” he said.
“The boys dug deep after Park hit us with a double score just before half-time, they regrouped and came back strongly.
“To make sure Park went away without any points and maintain our strong home record was really important to us.
“Our discipline was a lot better, Park are a strong, physical side, but we stopped their maul on a couple of occasions and were always on top in the scrum.
“We are looking to finish the season strongly and move forward from that.”
Park had all the early possession and Harry Leonard converted the second of two penalty chances to put them in front.
Will Maisey equalised on 12 minutes to give Cov a and they went in front two minutes later when Heath Stevens gathered a chip ahead from Max Trimble to run in a try which Maisey converted.
The visitors drew level with a converted penalty try, for a collapsed maul, which also brought a yellow card for Freddie Tuilagi.
However Cov hit straight back to regain the lead when the forwards drove over from a lineout for Matt Price to touch down.
Tries in the space of three minutes from wingers Sam Asplandfoothold, Robinson and Mark Kohler, both converted by Leonard, took Park into a 24-15 lead.
However Cov brought the half to a close with an unconverted try from Jimmy Litchfield to cut the gap to four points.
Cov secured their fourtry bonus point midway