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The Coventry Jets return after a week off and the chance to rest has given them a boost on the fitness front. Their recent trip to London saw Coventry’s squad decimated by injury and illness as they travelled with just 25 players. That number may well be doubled on Saturday as the Jets seek to secure their first victory of the year and to snap a losing streak that dates back to last season and now spans five games.

Wide receivers Dervan Alleyne and Benjamin Barker are both set to return to the starting line up after missing the 39-20 loss to the London Blitz at Finsbury Park Stadium. Alleyne has been in dazzling form this season and already has a 100 yard receiving game since signing from the Peterboro’ Saxons in the spring. Barker is the only receiver other than Jeremy Simms and Courtney Pope to have scored a touchdown this season. It’s not all good news in the receiving core though, Carl James is awaiting the results of a scan on his injured knee.

Whilst Coventry’s line showed signs of improvement in their last outing, they will be delighted by the return to fitness of Adam O’Reilly, Barry Driver and Matt Barrett. The defensive line has also received major boosts with the return of Mick Mills and Mark Connolly. The game arrives too soon for linebacker Will White to resume his storied career, however, legendary defensive back Nigel Dias is set for his long overdue debut. David Saul, who left the last game early, has regained full fitness and the club’s second leading tackler will once again line up at safety.

Lawrence Grugeon, one of the original Coventry Jaguars, returns on Saturday and will play his first game for the Jets since leaving after Coventry’s thrilling Britbowl XXII victory. A running back by trade Grugeon will compete with Tony Perkins and Shadrach McCook for time in the backfield whilst contributing immediately to the Jets porous special teams. Rookie linebacker Mark Wade will return to his natural position after being asked to play defensive tackle. The young Rugby convert played outstandingly in his unfamiliar role as did rookie defensive end Colm Jones.

Head Coach Gerry McManus is delighted to have his players returning but delivered a warning to his squad “with such a small squad the last time out we had to ask a lot of a few, everyone of those players stood up to be counted and the guys coming back will have to fight to regain their spot. I learned an awful lot about the character of some of my younger players and I think they have really benefited from the experience as well. They’re chomping at the bit and hungry to get back out there and carry on where they left off.”

Both teams will be desperate for a victory as the Cobras look to improve their playoff seeding after picking up a first win against the third placed Farnham Knights last week. Coventry currently trail the new boys and desperately need a victory in this first ever match between the two as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive. The game takes place this Saturday at the Butts Park Arena, kick off is set for 18:00 and entry costs are £5 for Adults, £2 for Under 16s with a Family Ticket (covering 2 Adults and up to 4 Children) costing £10.For more details on the Coventry Jets please visit their website www.coventryjets.co.uk or follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.

Photo shows Rookie Mark Wade (Courtesy of Scott Moynihan)