MATT Gallagher scored a superb hat trick as Caldy came back from a half time deficit to beat Coventry for the first time in the club's history.

It was the visitors who made the most of the opening exchanges scoring after six minutes from the lineout as second row Obinna Nkwocha bounced off two Caldy tackles to go down in the corner.

The game became tight and there was no rhythm to the play and both sides got stuck in a midfield battle. The turning point came when Ollie Hearn gave way to an injury bringing the returning Gallagher off the bench.

Coventry did extend their lead at the midway point of the half when, after a great kicking game to get the ball down the wing, Poole ran in for the visitors second.

In the 25th minute, Connor Wilkinson, brought Caldy back into the game after a cracking kick and run to the delight of those on the bank.

Coventry scored their third of the afternoon five minutes before the break and it looked as though the promotion chasing Midlanders could run away with the game in the second half.

On the stroke of half time, Caldy kicked a penalty to the corner and took advantage of the lineout on the five metre line, which allowed Gallagher to score his first of the afternoon and make the half time team talk easier.

Into the second half and Caldy looked like the professional side as Coventry had no answer to the pressure that the Ravers and those watching on the bank put on the away side reducing them to a single penalty on the 47th minute.

The final quarter of the game belonged to Caldy and to Gallagher in particular with the home side taking advantage of the penalties with a quick kick allowing Gallagher to go across for his second of the afternoon.

From a lineout with eight minutes remaining, the ball fell to the grateful arms of Gallagher who went over and despite a nervy final few minutes, Caldy held out for another famous and well deserved victory.

The victory over Coventry leaves Hartpury as the only current Championship side that Caldy are yet to beat either home or away since promotion to the second tier.

Caldy will be looking to build on the Coventry victory with a win next week in the rearranged home game against Bedford Blues.