Coventry Rugby Club went down to a 16-27 defeat to Bristol Rugby Club this afternoon in a Championship fixture.

Championship leaders Bristol took the lead at Butts Park Arena through a tenth minute Lee Robinson try.

Watched by a crowd of 1242, Fangatapu Apikotoa kicked a 19th minute penalty for Coventry but Bristol hit back with Ross Johnston (23 mins) and Redford Pennycock (31 mins) both scoring tries, the second of which was converted by Thomas Ascott. In between that, Fangatapu Apikotoa had kicked a 27th minute penalty for Coventry which meant that Bristol lead 16-6 at half-time.

Johnston scored a second try three minutes into the second half with Fangatapu Apikotoa kicking his third penalty in the 52nd minute.

The scoring continued very late in the game with Alaifatu Fatalofa going over in the 79th minute and David Askew getting a try for Coventry four minutes into added time which Fangatapu Apikotoa converted.

Other Championship scores are Doncaster 10- 17 London Welsh, Exeter 42-19 Bedford and Moseley 25-24 Birmingham and Solihull.

Next Saturday, Coventry travel to London Welsh.