By John Wilkinson MISSION accomplished – but it’s just the start, says director of rugby, Rowland Winter.
Coventry Rugby’s 55-12 win at Caldy yesterday wrapped up the National League One title and promotion with five games still to play, but amid the joyous celebrations which broke out on the final whistle Winter’s thoughts were already turning to next season and the Championship.
“We set the target to the boys back in pre-season that we wanted, if we could, to top every part of the league and be the best in attack and defence, and so on,” said Winter, “but that it was just the first step.
“We said the real target was to get the club back up to the Championship and become an established club at the top end of that, and we’ve achieved part one.
“I’m over the moon, delighted – of course I am – but now we need to finish off this season the right way and create a lot of momentum to take into next season and keep pushing forward.”
Cov made a perfect start, scoring two tries in the first eight minutes, and the game was effectively over by half-time at 43-0.
“The boys settled the nerves a little bit by going out there and scoring some early tries and then having the bonus point won in 25 minutes or so,” said Winter. “It’s a pity perhaps that we didn’t kick on, but credit to Caldy, they got back into the game and got their couple of tries which were well worked. They’ve given us a fantastic reception up here.
“The players will have their celebration now and enjoy the win, and then next week we’ve got to go to try to take Plymouth’s unbeaten home record off them.
“There are five games left, and we want to make sure we go out and win those games and create a real momentum for next season.”
Added Winter: “I’m very honoured to have a fantastic coaching team in Nick Walshe, Louis Deacon and Luke Narraway – they’re terrific coaches and have led the group superbly well all the way through
“And we couldn’t have done it without a fantastic squad and all the people behind the scenes as well, it’s been a great team effort.”
