National One: Rosslyn looking to keep hold of top spot this weekend

Round Five of National One really puts the onus on the top three teams as they can solidify their positions and make a statement as we enter the second month of the season.

Elsewhere, Richmond & Coventry will be hoping to make ground on the front runners while Blaydon will be looking to remove themselves from the foot of the table.

Rosslyn Park v Blackheath

The side that lead the way currently are Rosslyn Park who take on Blackheath this weekend. After being in the mix for promotion last season -Park more than Heath- both sides have made good starts this term. The hosts have won all four of their games while Blackheath have won three in a row. The visitors tend to perform on the big occasion, but Park will be a tough nut to crack at home.

Ampthill and District v Darlington Mowden Park 

Ampthill & District were held to a draw by Henley last weekend and with that, they were dislodged from top spot. Now, they host Darlington Mowden Park this Saturday who have won just once this season.  DMP recruited heavily in the summer so their squad is still in the embryonic stage, but the A's maybe too strong for them. The home side remain unbeaten after promotion via the National Two play-off last season.

Blaydon v Hartpury College

I think the disappointment of not picking up a bonus point last weekend will not be in the minds of the Hartpury College players this Saturday when they travel to an out of form Blaydon side. It is a surprise to see the team from the North-East struggling this season & College are firm favourites to make it four wins on the bounce. 

Esher v Richmond

From up North, to down South as fifth place Richmond travel to Esher. Richmond were extremely impressive against Coventry last weekend - especially in the first half- & they will be looking to carry that into their performance on Saturday. Esher are very capable of getting the result especially at home, but the visitors are oozing with confidence at the minute.

Coventry v Plymouth Albion

After a strong start to the season, Coventry's promotion ambitions have taken a slight dent after suffering two straight defeats against Hartpury and Richmond. They welcome Plymouth Albion to the Butts Park Arena who are trying to find stability after reshaping their squad in the summer. 

Fylde v Hull Ionians

After losing for the first time in 17 games at home, Hull Ionians will be looking to respond with victory against a struggling Fylde side. The I's have made a solid start to life back in National One and may fancy their chances this Saturday. Fylde will know that they have started poorly but they have more than another talent in their squad to turn their fortunes around. 

Henley Hawks v Wharfedale

Henley Hawks secured a well-earned draw at Ampthill last week and now their attention turns to their home fixture against Wharfedale. Dale, who got off the mark away at Blaydon a couple of weeks ago, we're brought back down to earth with a defeat to Cinderford last week. If they to stay in this division, a good run of results is vital. 

Cinderford v Loughborough Students

It is a showdown between the bottom two sides as Cinderford face Loughborough Students.  Normally these games would involve teams who haven't won for a while, but both of these sides will head into this game in better shape after morale boosting wins last week. Cinderford have looked good at home this season & may just edge this clash.