National League One Round 18 Review

The third tier of Rugby Union saw seven home wins and one away win for Cinderford this weekend in what was as usual a thoroughly entertaining weekend of rugby.

Blackheath 33 Old Albanians 8

The hosts notched a third consecutive victory in a five-try showing against Old Albanians which  keeps them flying high in fifth while Old Albanians, who lost their opening eight games this season, sit uncomfortably in 13th just two points above the relegation zone. It was a comfortable five try victory for the hosts with Geoff Griffiths touching down a brace.

Coventry 34 Blaydon 15

The hosts finally laid their jinx against Nat 1 rivals Blaydon to rest and recorded their first win over the North-East side in four seasons. The buoyant home side had taken a slender 14-12 lead into the second half before falling behind to a Andrew Baggett penalty.  Nevertheless, two tries from outstanding flanker Sam Pailor ensured the hosts took maximum points while Blaydon travelled home with nothing despite a battling performance.

Darlington Mowden Park 43 Richmond 12

An impressive team performance led by man of the match Grant Connon meant Darlington Mowden Park could overcome a spirited Richmond. The win showed exactly what DMP are capable of as the men from the North-East touched down six tries to pick up a valuable five points. The hosts have now moved up to an impressive tenth while Richmond remain sixth but lost vital ground on local rivals Blackheath who sit one place above them.

Ealing Trailfinders 78 Wharfedale 12

The league leaders underlined their status as promotion favourites with an incredibly dominant performance against Wharfedale in which they secured the four-point bonus point by the 23^rd minute. They now lead the division by six points while Wharfedale remain ninth.

Fylde 48 Esher 17

The Lancastrians scored seven tries in victory over Esher, stretching their unbeaten home run to ten matches.  The Lancastrians raced into a 19 point lead in the opening 20 minutes through tries from Warren Spragg, Paul Arnold and Ryan De La Harpe. Esher got on the scoreboard through Spencer Sutherland but a Chris Johnson penalty and a second try for De La Harpe meant the hosts were well in control. The visitors did have a lifeline however after they were awarded a penalty try on the brink of half time. Nevertheless Fylde continued to dominant, touching down three further tries through Spragg again, Sam Beaumont and Oli Brennand. The win leaves the Lancastrians secure in fourth while Esher’s poor away form means they remain eighth.

Hartpury College 54 Macclesfield 10

Although bottom of the table Macclesfield scored in the first and last minute of the match the College ran eight college ran in eight tried between to record a fifth straight win in what has been an astonishing inaugural season.  The win means Hartpury are up to a superb seventh while Macclesfield remain rock bottom.

Rosslyn Park 38 Loughborough Students 17

Rosslyn Park made it back-to-back wins in 2015 at the Rock after a dominating victory over the Students. The win means Park remain in third while the Students sit safely in mid-table. Park Flanker Sam Shires fine individual try summed up what was a convincing performance from the hosts as they continue their pursuit of the top two.

Tynedale 5 Cinderford 10

Defeat means the hosts fall further towards the relegation trap door while Cinderford continue their recent revival by recording a third win in their last five games. The crucial victory means the Stags move level on points with Tynedale but both remain in the bottom three heading into next weekend.