Pivotal weekend ahead at both ends of the table

Round 22 in National One sees two of the top four sides taking on teams in the relegation zone. Henley Hawks & Cinderford host Richmond & Plymouth Albion while away from those fixtures, the game of the weekend is undoubtedly Darlington Mowden Park v Hartpury College.

This weekend could go a long way in determining the outcome of this sensational National One season so get ready for another dramatic Saturday.

Henley Hawks v Richmond

League leaders Richmond take the short trip to 15th placed Henley Hawks this weekend who have found life tough in National One after easing to the National Two South title last season.

Richmond were made to work hard against Cinderford last week so that might give Henley some confidence heading into this clash, but the table toppers will be hoping for a stress free afternoon at Dry Leas.

Darlington Mowden Park v Hartpury College

Second placed Hartpury College travel to the in-form side in the division this weekend when they take the trip to Darlington Mowden Park.

DMP have won their last 11 matches and have really been one of the stories of the season so far whilst Hartpury look to continue hunting down Richmond. A tough game to predict but expect drama up in the North-East.

Blackheath v Loughborough Students

Blackheath were stunned last week by Wharfedale so they will be looking for a response when they face Loughborough Students on Saturday.

Students, like Wharefdale, are down towards the wrong end of the table and are only seven points above the bottom three.

Blackheath's defeat to Dale meant they suffered a setback in the promotion race and really cannot afford another defeat even with the game in hand which they have.

Cinderford v Plymouth Albion

The spirit Cinderford showed last weekend against Richmond was something they need to keep producing if they are to complete a great escape. The bottom club in the division are 12 points from safety and host fourth placed Plymouth Albion this weekend. Albion have won nine of their last 10 games and will be in a confident mood on Saturday as they look to increase the pressure on the top three.

Esher v Fylde

Esher and Fylde go head to head in Surrey this week after both picking up wins last Saturday. Esher's title ambitions have fizzled out recently but they can keep pushing up the table with another home win this weekend.

Fylde have been inconsistent this season but have performed better, in terms of results, away from Woodlands this year which highlights what they are capable of.

Ampthill & District v Wharefdale

After taking a huge step towards safety last week due to their stunning win over Blackheath, Wharfedale will once again have to be at their very best when they travel to Ampthill to stay above the bottom three.

The A's currently sit sixth in the table and are usually incredibly strong at Dillingham Park so will be hoping to keep advancing up the table with another victory here.

Rosslyn Park v Coventry

Rosslyn Park and Coventry were tipped to finish towards the promotion place this term after strong campaigns last year, but that hasn't been the case. Both sides have been solidly mid-table all season and come into the clash eighth and 10th in the league.

The Blues will be hoping to pick up their first win away from home since November which may give Park the advantage on home soil this weekend. A close game expected despite their league positions not really showing the class both of these sides posses.

Blaydon v Hull Ionians

Blaydon currently occupy the final relegation spot in National One and they host Hull Ionians on Saturday.

Blaydon put up a good showing in losing at Albion last weekend which will give then belief they can win at home over a Hull Ionians side which seem unable to convert half-time leads into wins. At this stage of the season, that's a habit they want to get out of quickly.