National One: Hartpury College go top as Ampthill lose unbeaten start

The unpredictability of this National One season is incredible so far. The lead at the top of the table keeps on changing and at the end of Week Six we have new leaders in the form of Hartpury College.

The top six are only being separated by a win so far, while there is seven points between nine clubs in this division; it really is that close at this early stage of the season. Here is a round-up from all the action in Week Six of National One.

Hartpury College 27-17 Cinderford

Hartpury College made it five wins in a row and went top of the league as they beat a struggling Cinderford side who have won just once this season.

Tries from Kai Little, Alfie Barron and Robert Shaw helped Hartpury on their way with full-back Gareth Thompson kicking 12 points.

Ampthill and District 10-15 Blackheath

Ampthill and District’s unbeaten start to the season ended at home to Blackheath which was the A’s first defeat at Dillingham Park in 19 matches.

With this defeat the hosts also surrendered top spot, while the win for Blackheath is their fifth in a row which sees them move into third.

Two early tries from flanker Dave Allen and winger Jake Lloyd gave ‘Heath a solid start. Brian Tuilagi crossed for Ampthill just after half-time, but once again, Blackheath’s defence was resilient with fly-half Freddie Gabbitass making sure of the win with a penalty three minutes from time.

Plymouth Albion 12-38 Esher

Esher’s recent good form continued as they beat Plymouth Albion to notch up their fourth win of the season.

The visitors had the game all but won at half-time thanks to tries from Ross Neale, Andrew Garner and Harrison Collins which gave them a 0-21 lead.

Albion just couldn’t contain Esher as Liam Nichols and Andrew Wright rubbed salt into their wounds with fly-half Paul Roberts kicking 13 points.

The home side are still trying to find the right formula since being relegated from the IPA Championship last season while Esher continue to charge up this league.

Hull Ionians 16-21 Coventry

Coventry came away from Brantingham Park with this excellent result to make back it back to wins. Hull Ionians have been imperious at home over the last year or so, but were unable to break down their visitors.

Coventry did lead 8-18 at the break thanks to scores from Samuel Pailor and Devlin Hope despite the pair both being sin-binned inside three first half minutes.

The I’s came back into the contest in the second half through a score from William Foden, but a combination of Matthew Jones keeping the scoreboard ticking over and some solid defence, helped Coventry to victory.

Richmond 19-10 Blaydon

Richmond maintained their good recent form with a win over bottom side Blaydon who put in arguably their best performance of the season so far. They away led 10-0 heading into the second half thanks to try from Samuel White and five points from the boot of Brett Connon.

However, Richmond responded in the second period with replacement Stuart Hall proving the difference as he scored a try and kicked three penalties which were backed up by lock Adam Lee crossing.

Fylde 36-20 Rosslyn Park

Rosslyn Park’s early season promotion ambitions took another hit on Saturday as three second half tries saw Fylde clinch a much needed win.

Ralph Dowds, Phill Mills and Ryan De La Harpe scored the crucial tries for Fylde who had earlier been reduced to 13 men. Back to back losses for Park as seen them slip down to seventh place, but they are only a bonus point win behind Hartpury.

Loughborough Students 21-24 Henley Hawks

After two straight wins, Loughborough Students were beaten at home by league newcomers Henley Hawks.The away side led 10-14 at the break with tries coming from Robert Stapley and Jacob Albon.

Stapley added his second four minutes after the restart which seemed to be the difference between the sides despite a late cameo from Loughborough full-back Jack Pons who scored 11 points.

Wharfedale 45-21 Darlington Mowden Park

Wharfedale claimed their second win of the season as they brushed Darlington Mowden Park aside.

The hosts were rampant in the first half as they led 24-0 at the break thanks to tries from Alistair Wade, Max Wright and James Doherty.

DMP fought back in the second half and at one stage were just 10 points behind the home side due to a brace from Simon Uzokwe and one from Benjamin Frankland.

But, Wharfedale did enough in the first half to seal the win which leaves DMP down in 15^th place.