Having previously waited 19 months for a victory the Coventry Jets secured their second win in a week with a resounding 48-20 triumph over the Shropshire Revolution in Telford on Saturday. Elliott Strong took MVP honours in only his third game as a senior with impressive receiving numbers, a touchdown, and excellent special teams play. The young receiver has made the transition from Junior level to Senior look incredibly easy and is one of the leading lights in the Jets’ crop of talented young players.
The hosts handed Coventry an ideal start as they failed to retrieve Matthew Penrice’s kick-off. The Jets, whose improved special teams play has been one of the catalysts for their revival, fell on the ball deep in their opponents half of the field. Sam Hyde took a 15 yard pass from Joe Brammer before Tony Perkins bundled into the endzone for a 14 yard touchdown, his fourth in three games, and an early 6-0 lead. Strong kicked the PAT to extend the advantage to seven.
Coventry’s first defensive series was highlighted by a Jake Skelton sack as the Jets were quickly back in possession. Running back Sean Hanlon, seeing his first action since a game ending injury early on in the season opener, burst through the middle for a gain of 19 yards before Brammer hit GB Junior Alex Preece for his first senior reception, a 51 yard touchdown, and a 14-0 lead after Strong’s second PAT kick. The MVP was involved shortly after as well, recovering his own kick off at Shropshire’s 33 yard line. The Jets didn’t move the ball this time though and turned it over on downs.
Three plays later however Skelton chipped in with his second sack, this time forcing a fumble that Mufaro Dune recovered. Shropshire turned the ball back over though with an interception at their own 10 yard line after a lengthy Jets drive. The home team, still struggling to gain any momentum, were forced to give Coventry possession and Perkins notched his second touchdown of the game, and fifth of the season, with a two yard scamper. Thomas Singleton-Wells ran in the conversion for a 22-0 margin in favour of the Jets.
With the help of several penalties, as Coventry slipped back into a few of the bad habits that haunted them at Nottingham, Shropshire moved the ball swiftly downfield and scored to reduce the deficit to 22-7. The respite for the hosts was short-lived though as Michael Billinghurst had a rare kick return which he took into Revolution territory. Hanlon took a carry 10 yards sandwiched in-between two Singleton-Wells receptions, the latter of which was for a 21 yard score and a 29-7 lead.
The Jets heaped on yet more misery for the Revolution as Dominic Olney secured his third interception of the season and Brammer went to work completing passes to Singleton-Wells, Chris Hobbs and finally Strong for a 12 yard touchdown to leave the half time score 36-7 in Coventry’s favour. The third quarter saw the frenetic scoring snubbed out with Adam Biggs’ interception the lone play of note but the fourth quarter was a different story.
Shropshire engineered a good drive that saw them crash into the endzone on fourth and inches, the resulting kick was no good though and they trailed 36-13. The sides failed to move on their next possessions and the Revolution drew next blood with an interception return for a score off the passing of back-up quarterback, and debutant, Fraser Oliver. The point after kick was converted this time and the result was a sixteen point deficit and the hosts were within two scores.
Coventry weren’t ready to lie down though, some more strong running from Perkins set up Lawrence Grugeon for a score from the one yard line. Strong’s resulting PAT was no good for the only blemish on what was an otherwise perfect afternoon for the youngster. A Daniel Shodipo sack forced another fumble for the Jets ferocious defence and Oliver set about moving the offence in the final few minutes. A completed pass to Hobbs was initially ruled a touchdown before being spotted on the two yard line. However, as time expired Oliver picked out the ever-reliable Hyde for the touchdown and a final score of 48-20.
Head Coach Paul Rickhuss was pleased with the progress his young squad is making “I’m very, very proud of everyone, players and coaches alike. They all looked great out there today and represented the Jets very well. Special teams were vastly improved and it was just a great job all around. It’s over now though and we have a very short turnaround before our next game.” The Jets face the Lancashire Wolverines on Sunday at 15:00. For further details of how to follow, or join, the Jets visit their new website www.covjets.com or follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.