THERE will be little need for motivation when we travel to Coundon Road on Saturday.

The name of Coventry evokes one of the worst memories of my whole career after their 31-22 win back in October.

I've lost in cup finals and for Wales during my time in the game but that was one of my darkest days - one which will not be forgotten quickly.

The beauty of sport, however, is that there is always a chance of redemption and that presents itself in the form of victory at Coventry.

It is a great opportunity to go there and lay a few ghosts to rest. Being Midland rivals, that win was extra special for them and they genuinely feel they can finish above us in National One this season.

We made such a poor start that day and they really took advantage with a very quick try. We were always playing catch-up after that, in the game and in the league, and it was a devastating defeat which still rankles.

However, four months on and we go into the match on the back of a 10-6 win over London Welsh. Having studied the game on video this week, it was clear that we could have claimed that bonus point if we'd been more clinical where it mattered. Yes, the conditions were terrible with the rain hammering down but there was a general consensus among the players that we could have done better. I thought Jim Jenner was excellent, however, he scored a try and his overall contribution was superb.

We need to play territory a little better, however, instead of playing from 20 or 30 metres with ball in hand. It is always nice to play wide, expansive rugby but in the winter the conditions simply are not conducive to that. The weather is a real leveller and we must use our heads at Coventry and play what is in front of us.

We know that they are a very ambitious club and they will desperately want to do the double over us. I think they see themselves as title contenders this season no matter what other people believe.

Most feel that there are only two teams, maybe three, who are capable of winning the league but they beg to differ. They certainly wouldn't have brought in Zinzan Brooke if they simply wanted to hover around mid-table.

From a personal point of view, the match gives me the chance to re-establish myself as a player after three weeks out. I've been training very hard since I was dropped and with the injury to Richard Nias, I've got my chance.

Myself and Chris Yates obviously feel we've got something to prove and I suppose that's good for the coaching staff because the players that come in are busting a gut to play well.

I will be concentrating on my game a little more than usual because at times this season I've let my captain's role take over too much. I'm hoping that the team will run a little smoother now without so much direction from me.

Richard Smith and Craig Chalmers now take a lot more on themselves and that's good for me because I need to concentrate on playing well and keeping hold of the jersey.

I remember only too well how I felt trudging off the Sixways turf on that black October afternoon. Victory at their place will go some way to making up for a day of utter despair.