National 1 Round 19 Predictions

Rugby reporter Steve Smith casts his eye over this weekends National League One fixtures and gives his predictions.

Blaydon (11^th, 38pts) vs. Blackheath (5^th, 55pts)

The hosts head into this without a win or a point in 2015 but may fancy their chances when Blackheath comes to Crow Trees on Saturday. The visitors have been in superb form and will be pleased with the progress as the majority of their squad were new arrivals in the summer. They have continued to improve as the season has gone on but the trip to Blaydon is never an easy one with Coventry already slipping up there this season. On that basis and the fact I know the men in red can play good rugby when things are going well I think they might edge it. Blaydon by 6

Cinderford (15^th, 29pts) vs. Ealing Trailfinders (1^st, 83pts)

Despite three wins in their last five the Stags remainl in the bottom three and will not be hopeful of victory when the league leaders Ealing come to Dockham Road this Saturday. The promotion favourites have recovered from their minor blip in early December to win five back-to-back games. They also have the divisions two top try scorers in Philip Chesters (20) and Arthur Ellis (16), which means they will likely win and by a large margin. Ealing by 35

Esher (8^th, 45pts) vs. Hartpury College (7^th, 47pts)

The College's fairytale season continued last week as the newly promoted side overcame Macclesfield to rise to seventh following a fifth consecutive victory. This weekend will be tough for them as although Esher were comprehensively beaten away at Fylde last week they have a very impressive home record, winning seven of their nine games at Molesey Road. This game is the toughest to call this week, but I will side with the hosts as I expect a reaction form them after last weeks very poor performance. Esher by 5

 Loughborough Students (12^th, 32pts) vs. Fylde (4^th, 67pts)

The Lancastrians travel to the Students in search of just a third away win of the season but will be confident following their dominating victory over Esher on home turf last week. The hosts have won 50% of their home games but come into this off the back of three consecutive defeats. Although neither side has particular pressure on them heading into the clash I think the free-flowing visitors have the upper hand after scoring seven tries last weekend. Fylde by 8

 Macclesfield (16^th, 7pts) vs. Darlington Mowden Park (10^th, 38pts)

Darlington Mowden Park have been superb in the last two weeks, recording victories against Richmond and Cinderford respectively. Bottom of the table Macclesfield have not won at home this season, so following what was deemed a fantastic team performance last week from DMP they will be optimistic of making it three consecutive wins and climbing further away from danger. Darlington Mowden Park by 18

 Old Albanians (13^th, 31pts) vs. Rosslyn Park (3^rd, 73pts)

Rosslyn Park will be hoping they can close the gap on the top two by coming away with maximum points when they travel to face Old Albanians at Woolham Playing Fields.  The OA’s have done great to turn their season around and get out the bottom three but I don’t give them much hope in this clash as Parks powerful forward line will without doubt dominate from start to finish. Rosslyn Park by 12

 Richmond (6^th, 49pts) vs. Tynedale (14^th, 29pts)

Injury troubled Tynedale’s crisis worsened as they were narrowly beaten by relegation rivals Cinderford last week, which means the club from the North East are now on a run of eight back-to-back defeats. Richmond themselves have not been in the greatest of form as of late and are without a win so far in 2015. However when you put their season into perspective this is a game they would expect and should be able to win convincingly. Richmond by 14

Wharfedale (9^th, 41pts) vs. Coventry (2^nd, 77pts)

Coventry face a testing trip to Wharfedale this weekend as they continue their pursuit of league leaders Ealing. Wharfedale have been good on home turf this season winning five from seven; but Coventry have an even better away record with seven wins from eight outings. I think Cov will take maximum points with winger Dominic Lespierre probably touching down a few tires to add to his tally of 15. Coventry by 19