Coventry slump continues
The Coventry Jets losing streak in all competitions has hit a club record four games after Sunday’s 42-0 defeat away to the Bristol Aztecs. Head Coach Gerry McManus and his side last tasted victory at Filton WISE, the sight of Sunday’s contest, way back in September 2010 as they swept aside the Aztecs in the BAFACL Premier semi-final. There was no such repeat this time around though as a Bristol squad, minus a few key players, romped to a comfortable victory.
It could have been a different story though as the Jets were the architects of their own downfall. The first quarter showed the best and worst of the new look Coventry outfit. A fumbled snap on the first series of the game allowed Nick Proctor to scoop the loose ball and waltz into the endzone for the games’ opening score. Dayne Robinson took on the kicking duties in the absence of Jon Wyse and was a perfect six for six on extra point conversions.
Coventry mounted their best drive of the day in response to falling 7-0 behind, Dominic Olney directing the offence into the hosts redzone. Another fumble put paid to their progress though as the Bristol offence headed onto the field for the first time. Ian Hugo was taking the snaps, with American quarterback Derek Yenerall unavailable, and the youngster found the going tough. His first pass was picked off by Olney as the Coventrian played both ways.
Bristol kept the ball on the ground for the majority of their ensuing possession, Chris Taylor gaining the majority of the yards and finishing off a 70 yard drive with an eight yard touchdown run. Turnovers seemed to be the order of the day for the Jets as they gave away six but came up with as many themselves.
A 28-0 half time deficit grew even wider in the second as Robinson raced in with a 74 yard effort. Matt Barrett rounded off the scoring, diving in from short range.
McManus blooded another group of youngsters for the visitors as rookie Parminder Kundi saw action for the first time and Chris Sear, Matt Ball and Alex Clarke all started a senior game for the first time. Clarke marked a memorable debut with an interception to add to Olney’s brace. Rookie linebacker Craig Jackson got his first sack as he continues to grow into the role. Perhaps the most notable debut though was that of Jennifer Hilton, who, as the first female player for the Jets, saw time at defensive end and caused one or two problems for the Aztecs’ offensive line.
“I was pleased with the team today” said McManus in the aftermath of the defeat. “We made a few mistakes, the sort that you expect from young teams, but we’re learning all of the time and I can see progress all the time. We have a few weeks before our next game and we’ll use that time wisely to prepare for the Farnham Knights.”
For more details on the Coventry Jets, please visit their website www.covjets.com or follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.
Find out more about the Bristol Aztecs at their website here, and follow them on twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/AztecsAdults.
Game report courtesy of Coventry Jets.
