Skolars Coach Jermaine Coleman says his team’s focus will be on continuing their recent run of form starting fast out of the blocks and focusing on applying pressure throughout the game.

“Things didn’t really start well for us well before the game (North Wales) but we went out and made a really good start once the game got underway.   Despite North Wales coming at us, we managed to pull away at the end and I think the score line didn’t really reflect maybe how comfortable we were in that second half,” he said.

“We’ve had a tendency to start well and drop off and that’s probably where we’re looking to do better now.  After starting a game well, is making sure we don’t have that period where we allow teams back into the contest,” he said.

“I think for the three of us (coaches) it’s been a real focus for the last twelve months of making sure we have that desire on our goal line.  I think where we came from last year off the first two games, conceding 40 points set the tone for what we needed work on,” said Coleman.

“Defence is a real focus of ours something the boys have really bought into and at the moment are enjoying,” he said.

Consistency has also been a key message driven by the coach.

“It’s massive focus for us this year, backing up our efforts each week.  We spoke about after Doncaster, it wasn’t about Doncaster being the pinnacle.   It was about Doncaster being the start of something this year.   So Coventry at home this weekend, it’s really important we turn up and as you said Coventry are going to be flying and will really look to kick start their season,” he said.

Coventry have started the season relatively slowly racking up some heavy defeats, however these were against some of the more fancied teams this year for promotion (those being Toulouse, Rochdale and Barrow). They did manage to beat the only southern team they have faced in the league this year. That win came against Gloucester, it was a thrilling 29-28 victory that will have re-instilled some confidence. For Skolars to create history and record their fifth victory in a row this weekend, the team will have to be sure not to underestimate their opponents as they did last season and were well beaten 20-46.

Skolars Squad