Seasonal problem play by Coward (3,5)

I believe the answer is:

hay fever

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'play by coward' is the definition.
'hay fever' can be an answer for 'play' (I've seen this before). I am not certain of the 'by coward' bit.

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hay fever that I've seen before include "Rhinitis resulting from an allergic reaction to pollen" , "The result of an allergic reaction to pollen" , "Irritation caused by pollen" , "Coward play" , "summer glums?" .)

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