The Coventry Jets took a backwards step as they limped to a 40-6 home defeat against Premier newboys the Tamworth Phoenix. Former Jet, and unsung hero of the 2008 National Title team, James Hossack returned to haunt his previous club with a hat-trick of receiving touchdowns while running back Adam Hope ran in two scores and Tom Tandurella returned an interception for the guests' other touchdown.
Once again Dominic Olney was the star of the show for the Jets, his 88 yard kick off return provided Coventry's only score and was one of few bright spots on a wet and miserable afternoon. The Jets defence started well enough, holding the Phoenix to just a field goal attempt through the first quarter. Tamworth did score early in the second though as Hossack waltzed into the endzone on a 19 yard reception from another former Jet, quarterback Stu Ennis.
Tandurella made a spectacular play on Martin Ringeisen's throw just three plays later. The talented defensive back picked a pass intended for Olney and found his way into the endzone on a 30 yard return. Coventry blocked Dave Winter's point after try to keep the deficit at 13-0. The Jets responded with a good drive on the back of consecutive completions from Ringeisen to Olney but the American quarterback went to the well once too often and his next throw was intercepted in the endzone.
Hossack punished the Jets with another touchdown connection from Ennis, this time from 41 yards. Trailing 19-0 Olney made a spectacular play, a mazy 88 yard return for his third touchdown of the season. He was unable to reel in the snap on the point after try though and kicker Alan Steel had to athletically dive to cover the loose ball. The halftime score was 19-6 to the visitors when the rain finally stopped.
Coventry's offence consistently failed to move the football and left a tiring defence on the field way too long. Tamworth, with greater numbers and depth were able to exploit this for further second half scores, one more for Hossack, 12 yards, and two for Hope, 14 and 6 yards. The Jets didn't manage a single first down in the second half as they were forced to go three and out five times.
"We managed to protect the ball better on offence" said Head Coach Gerry McManus, in his eighth year in charge of the Jets. “We had a few positives” continued McManus, “defensively we were much better than last week and our special teams play was the best it’s been for some time. We’ll look at the film to see why our offence didn’t function as well as the previous week and see if we can sort it for the weekend.”
Next up is the return leg with the Farnham Knights as they visit Pinley on Saturday the 18th of June. Entry is £2 for adults, £1 for under 16s. For more details on the Coventry Jets and to find out how you can be part of their 2011 campaign, please visit their website www.covjets.com or follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.