Crucial fixtures lie in wait in National One

Last weekend, we saw another chapter in this title race written as league leaders Richmond dropped points and this Saturday is set-up for another fantastic installment.

The same can be said at the other end of the table as four of the bottom five teams face off.

Richmond v Esher
After coming from behind to earn a draw against Coventry last week, table toppers Richmond may have hoped for an easier fixture than Esher for this Saturday.

Esher have performed well against Richmond in recent years and come into this latest encounter in a fine run of form and off the back of a win over Hartpury College last weekend.

The two sides are separated by eight points so a win for Esher would certainly signal their title credentials while victory for Richmond would wipe away any fears of a blip.

Blackheath v Rosslyn Park
Second place Blackheath weren't in action last week as their game against Darlington Mowden Park was postponed but they face a tough assignment after a week off as they host Rosslyn Park.

Park have not fulfilled their pre-season ambitions to date, but they are still achievable after a comfortable win at home over Hull Ionians last Saturday and will be looking to make it back to back wins.

Club will know that the ball is now in their court after Richmond dropped points last week, so they must pick up maximum points this Saturday to take full advantage.

Hartpury College v Blaydon
On their club twitter feed this week, Hartpury College described their performance at Esher as 'unusually limp' so they will looking to strengthen their title challenge when they host Blaydon this Saturday.

Their visitors are currently fighting for their league survival as they are three  points clear of the relegation zone after not playing last week due to their match being called off against Loughborough Students. Crucial for both sides to pick up the points from this clash.

Darlington Mowden Park v Ampthill & District.
It would be interesting to know whether Darlington Mowden Park would've enjoyed their week off or not, considering they were on a run of eight straight wins.

They managed to pick up from where they left off before Christmas with two more victories in 2016, but know they will be in for a tough test when Ampthill and District visit on Saturday.

The A's will make the 205 mile trip to the North-East this weekend currently sitting in fifth place and four  points off the top four. Ampthill are also on decent run of five straight wins so something has got to give this Saturday!

Plymouth Albion v Coventry
Plymouth Albion put their surprise defeat to Hull Ionians behind them last weekend as three tries in the final seven minutes turned a loss into a win against Fylde. Their next task sees them back at Bricklands looking for a win against Coventry.

The Blues are looking to build on their performance against Richmond where they led for the majority of the match. That should give them confidence heading into this encounter with Albion as they look to move further into the top half.

Hull Ionians v Fylde
Inconsistency. Unfortunately that's the word to sum up both of these sides season so far.

Both teams suffered tough losses last Saturday but can also turn on the style when it matters.

Fylde will be wanting to put their horror last 20 minutes against Plymouth Albion to the back of their minds when they travel to Brantingham Park on Saturday while  their hosts are 11 points clear of the bottom three and will be looking to move away from the drop zone sooner rather than later.

Wharfedale v Henley Hawks
This relegation battle could see Wharfedale move out of the bottom three as they look to build on a draw last weekend against bottom club Cinderford.

'Dale will know a draw away from home wasn't the end of the world and it would certainly be points gained rather than dropped if they beat Henley Hawks.

As for Henley, they sit a place and two points behind Wharfedale and are on a run of no win in three matches. The Hawks beat Cinderford just before Christmas so will be hoping for a repeat in another relegation dual.

Loughborough Students v Cinderford
Cinderford travel to Loughborough Students this weekend who are only five points clear of the bottom three. Both sides are desperate for the points on Saturday as the race for National One survival grows stronger.