National League Two South Review - Round 15

The first half of the season is over and Henley have been in top spot since week one, but their lead was cut short to just a point as their 100 per cent start to the season ended on Saturday. Dorking took full advantage of this and eight of the top nine were all victorious meaning the bottom half remains extremely close.  Here is what happened in Round 15. 

Worthing Raiders 30-7 Henley Hawks 

Henley Hawks’ 14 game winning run came to an abrupt end as they were humbled by Worthing who came into this game knowing they had done the double over the Hawks in the last two seasons. The Raiders won the title decider against Henley in 2012/13 and dished out another blow to Henley’s chances of silverware after a commending display. Yes, Henley still remain top by a point but Worthing showed much more desire to win this one. Henley go to fifth placed Chinnor on Saturday with Worthing looking to capitalise on this complete performance as they host second placed Dorking.

Dings Crusaders 19-32 Dorking 

Dorking took full advantage of Henley’s slip up as they saw off bottom side Dings Crusaders at Lockleaze. Dorking are now on a 14 match winning streak and are the closest they have been to Henley all season. As for Dings, they slip back to the bottom of the table after this defeat having won just three games all season. Dorking travel to Worthing on the weekend whilst Dings have a bottom of the table clash against Lydney.

Bishop’s Stortford 40-11 Southend Saxons

Bishop’s Stortford maybe 13 points behind Dorking but have now won their last three matches after this victory over Southend. Stortford moved ahead of Taunton into third after exerting their dominance on Southend from the first whistle. As for the visitors they are in 14^th place and their win against Taunton last week faded away early on. They will look to bounce back next week as they host fellow strugglers Shelford whilst Bishop’s Stortford travel to Cambridge.

Taunton 23-20 Cornish All Blacks

Taunton returned to winning ways as they edged out the in-form Cornish All Blacks at Hyde Park. Taunton have been through a sticky spell lately which has seen them lose touch with the top two sides, but this will give them confidence heading into their final game before Christmas against Clifton on Friday night. The All Blacks’ three game winning run came to an end but they are still just five points outside the top half. They currently sit 11^th and host Redruth this Saturday. 

Shelford 12-14 Chinnor

Fifth placed Chinnor squeezed past 15^th placed Shelford, but despite the hosts throwing everything at Chinnor, the visitors snatched the four points. Chinnor did not captalise on first half pressure, but did lead 14-0 at the break after taking advantage of some ill-disciplined play by Shelford. Chinnor then stood firm when the home side mounted a comeback in the second half and they claimed their third away win of the season. Chinnor have now won their last two and host Henley on Saturday whilst Shelford go to Southend. 

Old Elthamians 39-12 Clifton

The Old Elthamians ended a three game losing streak with this win in what was arguably their best performance of the season. They held of a strong Clifton attack and conceded just two tries and clinched their bonus point win during the first half. This win will give them confidence heading into the Kent derby with Canterbury this Saturday whilst Clifton (who will be disappointed by this result) play on Friday at home to Taunton.

Canterbury 5-36 Cambridge

Canterbury were outplayed by Cambridge who condemned them to their heaviest home defeat of the season so far. They conceded six tries and never really got going against a Canterbury side who have now lost their last two. Cambridge dominated all aspects of the game as Canterbury’s performance was littered with errors and will need to improve massively against the Old Elthamians next Saturday if they are to survive in this league. Cambridge will be looking to make it three wins in a row as they play Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday.

Redruth 27-25 Lyndey

Redruth ended a three game losing streak as they dug deep to beat Lyndey. It was their second half performance which won it for them as they turned around a 15 point deficit and scored three unanswered tries to claim their win. It was a gritty win for The Reds who had a very tough November and now look to their game away to the Cornish All Blacks to keep spirits high heading into the festive period.  As for Lyndey, they have lost all seven of their matches away from home this season and could well be in for a tough second half of the season if they cannot improve. They host bottom side Dings Crusaders on Saturday.