Old Albanian went into their game with Coventry wanting to lay a marker down and nobody could argue that they hadn’t succeeded in doing that – even though they ultimately went down to a 21-19 defeat.

The improvement shown against Ampthill was there in spades again and Gavin Hogg’s men can consider themselves unlucky to only pick up one point.

The lead changed hands four times during the game, Heath Stevens’ converted try cancelled out by OAs Tadgh McElroy and Dan Watt.

A penalty shortly after put OAs in front but another converted try was enough to give Coventry a half-time lead, despite another three points from Watt.

Watt’s fourth penalty gave the hosts the lead again, which was soon wiped out by a third Converted Cov try.

Watt landed a fourth penalty but another shot at goal with 10 minutes to go shaved the left upright and A’s did not get that close again.