National One: Ampthill looking to build on solid start

Since winning the National Two play-off, Ampthill & District just haven't taken a step back. They have got off to a flyer in National One and are now looking to make it four bonus wins in a row this Saturday.

That will certainly be on the agenda for Ampthill as they host Henley Hawks this Saturday. Henley will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing result last weekend at home to Blackheath. The league leaders- who are proving to be the surprise package after promotion from National Two North last year - are favourites for this encounter. An uphill task very much in stall for the Hawks.

Picking up the pieces if teams around them don’t perform will be Rosslyn Park. Park are unbeaten this campaign and are on road this weekend when they take the tricky trip to Humberside to face Hull Ionians. With Ionians beating Plymouth Albion last time out, in what was regarded as an impressive performance, Rosslyn Park will be tested this Saturday.

After defeat to fourth placed Hartpury College, Coventry will want an immediate response as they go to eighth placed Richmond. Playing an old foe may be the boost Coventry need to recover from last weekend’s defeat. Richmond will look to upset the apple cart at The Athletic Ground this Saturday.

A hat-trick of wins is in reach for Hartpury College as they host Esher this weekend. The Walton-On-Thames side cruised to a victory six days ago against Loughborough Students, but are expected to come up against tougher opponents this time around. 

Form at this stage of the season can be vital and Blackheath are certainly delivering the goods at the moment. A 47-13 victory at Henley last week may provide the foundations to push on as they host Darlington Mowden Park this Saturday. Park, who lie ninth in the division, will look to add to their solitary win this campaign, however Blackheath may edge this encounter.

Plymouth Albion entertain Fylde this weekend. The Lancashire side travel to the south coast searching for a result and the form they discovered last season. Albion meanwhile haven’t found life easy since relegation from the Championship, but a win against Fylde will boost their confidence.

 The surprise package of round three were Wharfedale. A 43-13 away win at Blaydon showed the potential of a side who lie eleventh in National One. They will hope momentum and the performance from last weekend can be carried into their home clash with Cindeford. The visitors are yet to register a victory this term, despite an encouraging performance at league leaders Amptill last time out. Another relegation battle could be on the cards if they don’t win on Saturday.

Wharfedale’s victims last weekend Blaydon, travel to the Midlands to take on Loughborough Students who are yet to win this season. This promises to be a close clash. Both teams are looking for form and a performance to improve confidence and build upon disappointing starts.

Round Four Fixtures

Ampthill & District v Henley Hawks

Hull Ionians v Rosslyn Park

Hartpury College v Esher

Richmond v Coventry 

Blackheath v Darlington Mowden Park

Plymouth Albion v Fylde

Loughborough Students v Blaydon

Wharfedale v Cinderford