RUGBY Welsh suffered late heartbreak at Copsewood on Saturday with the home side scoring with the last kick of the game to secure a narrow 8-5 win in the Midland 5 West (South) division.
The visitors looked set to earn a share of the spoils but Copsewood scored a late penalty to seal an inury-time win.
In muddy conditions, the game was generally a war of attrition with both sets of forwards trying to gain the upper hand.
The opening exchanges indicated that the Coventry side would use the catch and drive from the lineout as their main attacking ploy and they caused Welsh early problems denying them any quality possession.
However Copeswood were unable to capitalise on their early possession with Ross Timms and Andy Higham proving effective in the Welsh defence.
Gradually the visitors came back into the game but neither side failed to create any clear-cut chances until five minutes before half-time.
A piece of individual brilliance from Adam Bond saw Welsh take the lead when he caught a misplaced kick in midfield and side-stepped a couple of players before racing down to the corner for a well taken try.
But Copsewood responded immedietly and levelled the scoreline before the break.
The second half saw Welsh dominate the opening quarter, spending most of the period in the opposition half.
The forwards began to win more possession but they were constantly thwarted by the home defence with the muddy conditions also slowing up the chance of moving the ball out wide where Welsh perhaps held the edge.
Copeswood seemed to gain in confidence as they had held out the huge Welsh effort but as the half continued the game developed into even more of a forward battle and it looked like any further scores were unlikely .
However late in the game Welsh were reduced to 14 men following a sinbinning and in the final attack Copeswood were awarded a penalty in front of the posts which was converted to give them a narrow victory.
Welsh were left to regret missing their opportunities but will look forward to another tough battle this Saturday when they face league leaders Five Ways Old Eds at Alwyn Road (2.15pm).
