National League 1, Preview and Predictions

Talking Rugby Union and The Rugby Paper reporter Steven Smith previews and predicts all the upcoming weekends fixtures from Round 21 of National League 1.

Blaydon (12^th, 41pts) vs. Loughborough Students (11^th, 41pts)

The Students travel to Blaydon with just one win all season away from home and will be in for an intense battle when they travel North to face Blaydon at Crow Trees. Micky Ward’s men in red are quite unpredictable and on their day can be a very good side having already picked up a major scalp against Coventry on home turf earlier this season.  Due to the Students not travelling well I think the hosts will record a second successive victory on home turf. Blaydon by 8

Cinderford (13^th, 33pts) vs. Blackheath (5^th, 64pts)

The Stags have rallied since the turn of year with two eye catching performances against the top two, beating leaders Ealing while losing out to Coventry. This weekend they take on Blackheath, who have had a terrific season, but have struggled on their travels having only recorded four win from their ten away games. The revival has saw Cinderford move out the bottom three and they have Sam Hanks to thank for that as the Center has touched down a crucial four tries in the last two games. Blackheath will prove another tough challenge but I think the hosts may claim another major scalp in their battle to avoid to the drop. Cinderford by 6

Esher (9^th, 35pts) vs. Tynedale (15^th, 30pts)

Despite losing three on the bounce Esher have been superb on their own patch, winning seven of their ten home game so far this season at Molesey Road.  Their visitors Tynedale are in deep relegation trouble following ten back-to-back defeats. Neither side therefore come into this in any great form but you would expect, despite their recent struggles, Esher to win comfortably in the end. Esher by 15

Hartpury College (6^th, 57pts) vs. Darlington Mowden Park (8^th, 47pts)

Although these sides may be in their inaugural seasons they have both maintained one hundred per cent records in 2015 so far. The College triumphed where no team had this campaign when they ran out assured winners away at Fylde last week, which extended their winning run to seven consecutive victories, while DMP’s home victory over Esher means they have now won four back-to-back. Considering all three promoted sides were relegated in 2013-14 these two have done exceptionally well to adapt to the demands of National 1. When picking a winner the College are probably the favourites due to their form and home advantage, although they have stalled on home turf a few times this season meaning either side could win it. Hartpury College by 7

Macclesfield (16^th, 13pts) vs. Ealing Trailfinders (1^st, 90pts)

This weekend sees bottom of the table Macclesfield welcome top of the pile Ealing Trailfinders as they continue their search for a first home win, but will have a degree of confidence following a terrific result away to Tynedale last weekend.  The Trailfinders however are at the moment on course the instant return to the Championship and due to the gap in class, points and league position will likely stroll to a relaxed victory on Saturday. Ealing by 30

Old Albanians (14^th, 31pts) vs. Fylde (4^th, 68pts)

The Lancastrians impressive home record came to an abrupt end last week,meaning they lost back-to-back games for the first time this season. It was a pretty gloomy weekend for the OA’s too as they came away empty handed from Loughborough despite putting in a good performance. Fylde winger Oli Brennand, who has scored 17 tries this season, is just one off the all time try scoring club record and could break it if he scores this weekend with what would be his 199^th try for the Lancashire club. Nevertheless OA are in a real scrap once again for their National One lives and when you consider Fylde have just three away victories this season they may find this trip to Hertfordshire particularly difficult. Old Albanians by 5

Richmond (7^th, 55pts) vs. Coventry (2^nd, 86pts)

After starting the season well Richmond have began to slowly began to slip down the standings while Coventry are quite the opposite having started the campaign rather sluggishly but are now on a run of 16 uninterrupted wins. Cov have won eight of their nine away trips, but have recorded try scoring bonus points in just two of them. I think Richmond will make a game of it as they have a try scorer in Chris Davies, but their leaky defence has conceded 579 points this season, therefore the visitors are my preference. Coventry by 6

Wharfedale (10^th, 42pts) vs. Rosslyn Park (3^rd, 82pts)

The Yorkshiremen will have a real challenge when Rosslyn Park, who have the best away record in the league, come to Priory Park this weekend. Park themselves are still with an outside chance of getting promoted but are eight points off the top. Wharfedale have won five of their eight home games but have struggled in 2015 having lost all three of their games since the turn of the year, which includes a home clash with Coventry. Park are flying and I think will continue their persuit of the top two with another win on Saturday. Rosslyn Park by 12