National Two South Review: Round 9

Henley Hawks just about continued their 100 per cent start to the season after beating Canterbury 29-30 in a thrilling encounter.  The Hawks won the game in the last minute with a twelve man driving maul, but may have easily lost it in the final two minutes thanks to a throw to the back of their line-out which could’ve gone wrong. The 12th placed side who had only won once heading into this game might not have believed their luck after 25 minutes as they found themselves 26-0 to the good, but the Hawks showed just why they are running away with the league so far and extended their lead to six points at the top after this dramatic win.

Sixth placed Old Elthamians rued missed opportunities as they lost 19-39 at Queen Mary's Sports Ground to Dorking who showed their superiority on the day. Elthamians lost the game in critical moments and that was only their second defeat at home all season.  Dorking director of rugby Richie Andrews said after the game: ‘It was tough, but I’m pleased with our second-half performance. I thought we put in a very good performance, as this is a difficult place to come and get a result. Getting the bonus point also pleased me.” Dorking are Henley Hawks’ nearest challengers on 36 points.

Level with Dorking are Taunton after they won 31-19 against Dings Crusaders who sit bottom of the table. As for Taunton, they continue have only lost once all season and are still firmly in the promotion hunt.

Bishop’s Stortford once again had the bragging rights in the local derby as they beat Shelford 30-21 at Hadham Road. The home side also have the upper hand in terms of league position at they sit fourth whilst Shelford are 15th having only won  three times this season. One place below Bishop’s Stortford are Chinnor  who came away with a 20-38 victory over ninth placed Clifton to make it four wins on the bounce. Clifton have now lost their last three.

Redruth were narrowly beaten by Worthing Raiders as they picked up their second home win in a row running out 12-10 victors despite the Reds scoring two tries to none.  This was another agonizing defeat for Redruth on the road. Head Coach Steve Larkins was said: “In many respects the difference between the two sides today was down to the travelling. We looked heavy legged in the first half but after the break we looked livelier and with our fitness levels we finished strongly while they looked tired. I know I keep saying it but we’re getting there.” Redruth remain in seventh whist Worthing now move within a point of Redruth after this victory.

Southend Saxons came away from Cornwall with a 21-22 win over the Cornish All Blacks. Southend have turned a corner as they now have won their last three games after only winning one of their first six. As for the Cornish All Black, they didn’t win in the whole of October and are now on a five game winless run slipping down to 14th in the table.

Cambridge ended three games without a win in style as they beat Lydney 52-20. The National Two new boys were taught a lesson by Cambridge who were one of the top sides in the division last season, but have found it tough so far this campaign languishing in 13th.  This defeat was Lydney’s fourth loss away from home this season. The win will be a huge confident booster for Cambridge.