JEZ HARRIS kicked an injury time drop goal to keep Coventry's Courage League first division dream alive at Coundon Road last night.
Flyhalf Harris' dramatic strike ended a tension filled relegation playoff clash which saw the lead change hands seven times during a frantic second half.
Whether Coventry's slender two point margin will be enough when the sides meet again in London next Sunday remains to be seen but a 7,000 full house enjoyed terrific value for money.
Irish looked on their way to victory when wing Niall Woods scored a spectacular try when he broke out from defence and sprinted 65 metres just before halftime.
But second division Coventry, inspired by player coach Derek Eves, showed memorable resilience as centre Jason Minchull rounded off a period of concerted forward pressure and Harris converted.
The former Leicester man then took part in a kicking duel with his opposite number - Irish international David Humphreys - but it was Harris who won the day with his thrilling last gasp effort.
The Coventry pack shaded a titanic set piece battle, with line out giant Danny Grewcock impressing watching England selector Mike Slemen through a towering display.
Grewcock must now be in the front line to replace Northampton's injured Martin Bayfield when England leave for their two Test tour of Argentina on Sunday week.
Coventry lacked flair and ideas behind the scrum though, and Irish looked set to secure a priceless first leg lead as Humphreys slotted a penalty hat trick to outgun Harris.
Coventry, who were in the third division just two years ago, then confirmed what a remarkable revival they had enjoyed under Eves when they discovered fresh momentum in wet, stamina sapping conditions.
Following Minchull's try, Harris put them 10-8 and 13-11 in front, yet all his hard work looked to have been undone courtesy of Humphreys' third successful penalty three minutes from time.
Eves demanded one more effort, and when the forwards drove relentlessly up field it gave Harris the platform from which to raise the roof as he rifled the winning kick high into the night sky.
