National One: Pressure starting to increase at both ends of the table

Round 10 of National Two North sees some more excellent match-ups taking place as the top six are separated by just four points.

It might be extremely tight at the top but after wins for Cinderford and Blaydon last week, the bottom of the table is becoming closer and closer each week.

Esher v Rosslyn Park

League leaders Esher host Rosslyn Park this Saturday as they look to continue their fine run of form. Esher are playing with a swagger and confidence at the moment having won their last five games.

Their opponents Park were up as one of favourites for promotion to the Championship at the beginning of the season, but after finding consistency hard to come by, they are now just four points off Esher so this is bound to be a close encounter.

Richmond v Blackheath

After defeating Hartpury College last week, Blackheath continue to be in the shadow of the league leaders and given the way they are playing at the moment, it surely is only a matter of time before they are at the summit of National One.

In terms of the hosts Richmond, they have been going very well of late having won their last four matches. They, like Blackheath, are just a point behind Esher so whoever wins this fixture will make a real statement of intent for the rest of this season.

Hartpury College v Ampthill and District

Despite suffering defeat to Blackheath, Hartpury College are also just one point behind Esher as they prepare to host National Two play-off winners Ampthill and District on Saturday. Ampthill are just two points off the league leaders so expect another tight clash in terms of this fixture this weekend.

Plymouth Albion v Darlington Mowden Park

Plymouth  Albion are looking at the battle at the top from a far at present, but a good run of results has seen the side – who were relegated from the Championship last season – move into 8^th place.

Their opposition this weekend are Darlington Mowden Park who would not have been pleased to see Cinderford and Blaydon secure wins last Saturday. DMP were improved against Richmond last week, but Albion will be confident that they can seal another victory this weekend.

Hull Ionians v Henley Hawks

The champions of National Two North and National Two South go head-to-head this weekend and they have both started this season quite steadily. What will be of concern to Henley is that Hull Ionians are always strong at Brantingham Park and the Hawks also have the worst defensive record in the division.

Coventry v Blaydon

After finishing in the top places last season, Coventry are still yet to show us what they are capable of this campaign and have now lost their last three games. They host a Blaydon side that will hope their win over Fylde last weekend will be a catalyst for the rest of the season and they will also be hoping to continue their good record at the Butts Park Arena.

Fylde v Cinderford

Fylde have suffered two defeats after wins against Coventry and Rosslyn Park and they now take on Cinderford at Woodlands this Saturday where the hosts have performed well despite recent results. Cinderford claimed just their second win of the season last weekend and will be hoping to take advantage of an inconsistent Fylde side.

Loughbourough Students v Wharfedale

Loughborough Students would have had a lot of positives to take from their narrow defeat at Dillingham Park against Ampthill last weekend and they will carry those into this bottom of the table clash against Wharfedale.

While Loughborough prop up this division, Wharfedale are just two points clear of them in 12^th place and with them suffering three straight defeats, the home side may just edge this one.