We have to take our chances, says Winter

A GAME of few clear-cut opportunities came down to taking chances when they arrived – and director of rugby Rowland Winter conceded that Ampthill did the better job as Coventry slipped to a 22-8 away defeat.

“It was a tough battle which we fought well for the majority of the game,” said Winter, whose side led 8-5 at half-time.

“It had a real stop-start feel to it with no real broken play or any prolonged period of multiple phases in the wet conditions which meant it was a game of few chances.

“In short, we didn’t take ours but they took theirs.

“We handled everything Ampthill chucked at us, we’ve adapted to losing players to injuries, and we have then worked hard to get good field position and opportunities to add to our lead.

“But we missed those opportunities, and that’s something we need to improve on in close games like this.

“We gave away a silly penalty which allowed Ampthill to equal the scores, and we’ve then missed another two chances before allowing Ampthill into our half with poor discipline. They’ve then been clinical and taken their chances.”

Flanker Olly Povoas, who was making his full league debut for Cov, was checked out in hospital after being stretchered off with a neck injury midway through the first half and later released, while fellow flanker Eoghan Grace was set to have a precautionary x-ray on a wrist injury and full-back James Stokes went off with an ankle injury.

Added Winter: “All the injured players will be assessed and we’ll know whether they will be available for next weekend as the week progresses.”

Coventry are at home to Cambridge ths coming Saturday.