Perfect starts put to the test, Friday night lights and first wins on the mind in National League Rugby
Old Albanian are three wins from three in National Two East, and take on London Welsh on Friday night
©Jonathan Knight
As the curtain comes down on the first month of the season, 100 per cent starts go under the spotlight, Friday night rugby takes centre stage in National Two East, and winless sides hunt for that elusive victory.
National One
With September not yet over, it may be too early to call any fixture the biggest of the season, but Sale FC (2nd) vs Tonbridge Juddians (3rd) certainly jumps off the page.
Sale have caught the eye early, playing with freedom and bravery. Their attacking ambition has already delivered 161 points and 25 tries in three games. With TJs and table-toppers Plymouth Albion visiting the Morson Stadium over the next three weeks, this period could prove to be a useful measure of ‘The Dogs’ progress.
First, though, TJs head to the North-West. Along with Sale and Plymouth, they are yet to drop a point, although their perfect start has been anything but straightforward. After seeing off Sheffield in Round One, they edged London Scottish 39-38 before overcoming Cambridge 53-52, showing impressive resilience in both games.
Their two meetings with Sale last season were closely fought, and another absorbing encounter awaits in Round Four.
Plymouth Albion (1st) will be watching closely, having been faultless so far. Even with Iwan Jenkins and the influential Ben Moa missing through injury against Sheffield last week, Ryan Lamb’s side barely missed a beat, surging to a 47-5 win as Sam Daly stepped up with four tries.
Albion now head to The Richmond Athletic Ground to face London Scottish (8th), whose own start has been considerably tougher.
If they thought National One was unforgiving, the side relegated from the Champ last term were given a brutal reminder in Round Three after being humbled 57-10 by Leeds Tykes.
There was always going to be an adjustment period for this new-look Scottish side, but three weeks into their National One adventure, the scale of the challenge might be becoming clear. Joe Gray's side will now look to right some wrongs as they go in search of their second win of the season.
Like Scottish, Cambridge (14th) are rebuilding, and all three of their results this season would have been tough to swallow for the Blood and Sand.
Craig Newby’s side have scored five or more tries in each game but have conceded 129 points overall, and they also surrendered a 38-14 lead against TJs last time out.
That said, a first league victory since December 2024 might not feel too far away, but Leeds Tykes (7th) will provide a stern test on Saturday.
Speaking to reporter Ben Cropper, Director of Rugby Pete Seabourne described last week’s demolition of London Scottish as Leeds’ "best performance we've put together in National One". They will now look to back it up at Ellgia Fields.
Elsewhere, Rams (13th) and Rosslyn Park (9th) meet at Old Bath Road, both looking to finish September positively. Rams are still searching for their first win, while Park will want a response after blowing a 21-0 lead in a 40-26 home defeat to Camborne in Round Three.
At Shaftesbury Park, Dings Crusaders (12th) welcome newcomers Bury St Edmunds (11th), with the hosts seeking a first victory of the campaign.
The other new boys, Sheffield (10th) and Camborne (6th), meet in South Yorkshire. Sheffield’s formidable home record - unbeaten at Abbeydale Park since October 2024 - will be tested by a Camborne side looking increasingly comfortable in National One.
And after encouraging starts, Bishop's Stortford (4th) and Birmingham Moseley (5th) face off at Silver Leys with both sides targeting a third win of the term.
Stortford responded to their disappointing setback against Rosslyn Park with a strong 34-31 success at Rams in Round Three, while Moseley saw off Dings Crusaders 35-31, with Ollie Thomas' side now targeting a first away triumph.
National Two North
As September turns to October, Harrogate (5th) have done more than enough to suggest they are not here to simply make up the numbers in National Two North.
The newly-promoted Aces were brought back down to earth by a chastening opening 40 minutes at Preston Grasshoppers last time out, but there is still plenty to like about Jacob Brady’s side’s return to this level.
Eleven points from a possible 15 represents a healthy start, while their character has also been impressive. Harrogate trailed 45-5 at half-time at Preston, yet fought back to leave Lancashire with a try bonus point in a 52-33 defeat.
That resilience will be tested again at the Apollo Capital Stadium, where Hull Ionians (2nd) arrive intent on maintaining their perfect record.
Maliq Holden’s side have grown into the campaign, with their pack at the heart of their 57-29 victory over Fylde in Round Three. Eight of their nine tries - the other a penalty try - came from the forwards, underlining where much of the I’s early authority lies.
Hull Ionians may therefore look to use their physicality to outmuscle Harrogate’s wily operators as they chase a fourth successive victory.
Sedgley Park (1st) are also targeting four straight wins after an impressively composed start to life back in National Two North.
Home victories over Darlington Mowden Park and Tynedale, combined with an away success at Chester, have put The Tigers at the summit. They now travel to Otley (8th) with momentum firmly behind them.
The Beavers will want to respond after last week’s 50-28 defeat at Chester, although the circumstances were hardly straightforward. A red card just before half-time didn't help, yet Otley still found a way to secure a try bonus point. That resolve will be needed again at Cross Green if they are to derail the league leaders.
If you take Preston Grasshoppers' (3rd) last 10 National Two North fixtures, it makes for good reading for Dan Orwin’s side.
Since the end of February, Hoppers have won eight times - three of which have come at the start of this season. They look less like a side starting afresh and more like one continuing a run of form that is gathering pace.
That makes their trip to winless Wharfedale (14th) intriguing, with Preston high on confidence and Dale desperate for things to fully click.
Fylde (11th) and Sheffield Tigers (13th) will have similar ambitions when they meet at Woodlands. Fylde were eventually overwhelmed by Hull Ionians last week, but only after a blistering start saw them score four tries in the first 27 minutes.
It has been a rocky opening for the Lancastrians - one win and two defeats - so they will be keen to respond.
Sheffield Tigers, meanwhile, have suffered back-to-back narrow defeats against newly-promoted Huddersfield and Heath, results that underline the strength of National Two North. Stephen Roberts’ side will now want a reaction, and may draw encouragement from their 34-21 victory over Fylde in April.
Elsewhere, Darlington Mowden Park (4th) take their potent attack to new boys Heath (7th). Neil Young and Darren Fearn’s side have scored 18 tries across their last two matches, but Heath have already shown their quality with a maiden 26-24 victory at Sheffield Tigers last time out.
Meanwhile, Chester (6th) face an entertaining Billingham (10th), who got off the mark in Round Three with a breathless 47-36 victory over Wharfedale, inspired by Newcastle Red Bulls youngster Charlie Evans.
And Huddersfield (9th) return to fortress Lockwood Park - where they have not lost since September 2024 - to take on Tynedale (12th).
National Two East
Round Four begins under the Friday night lights of St Albans, where unbeaten Old Albanian (3rd) welcome London Welsh (7th) to Woollams.
Fifteen points from 15 might suggest a straightforward opening for James Osborn’s side, but that doesn't tell the full story.
Old Albanian led Canterbury by 21 points on the opening day before being forced to cling on to a 34-31 victory. A week later, they needed some staunch, last-ditch defending to see off Barnes 32-26, while last Saturday brought another test.
After being pegged back to 24-19 at half-time by Westcombe Park, OAs responded emphatically, scoring five second-half tries on their way to a 55-24 victory.
Friday's visitors, London Welsh, could easily be sitting on maximum points themselves, but late defeats in each of their last two matches have left them wondering what might have been.
Losses to Henley (30-29) and Colchester (43-40) will have been particularly difficult to swallow considering the Exiles looked in control of both matches.
As Sporting Director George Trimmer and captain Harry Breeze reinforced to Gareth Jones this week, an 80-minute performance should help turn those fine margins around.
By the time Oundle (1st) and Guernsey (2nd) take to the field on Saturday, they might be aiming to rejoin OAs in the 100 per cent club.
Oundle welcome Canterbury (6th) to Occupation Road, with the visitors looking to dust themselves down after their last-gasp 34-31 home defeat by Esher.
Guernsey, meanwhile, travel to a buoyant Colchester (5th). After winning Regional 1 South East with 21 victories from 22 matches, Mike Haywood’s side are here to play.
Successive victories over Westcombe Park and London Welsh underline this, and Colchester now have the chance to make it three wins on the spin.
That will be easier said than done against Guernsey, who already look like one of the division’s more settled outfits. Three efficient victories - the latest a 39-19 triumph over Henley - means Jordan Reynolds’ troops now have four straight wins in their crosshairs.
For their Channel Island rivals Jersey RFC (14th), that winning feeling remains elusive as they prepare to travel to Henley (9th).
Myles Landick’s side have competed well across the opening weeks and were within a point of Leicester Lions with 10 minutes remaining in Round Three, only to leave the Midlands empty-handed.
Dry Leas, however, will be a tough venue to visit. Henley have won six of their last seven at home, a run stretching back to December, and Jersey will need to find something extra if they are to break it.
Elsewhere, Esher (4th) take on Barnes (8th) in a week where the EEEs announced Sporting Director Mike Brown will leave the club in January 2027.
The former England and Harlequins full-back has accepted a full-time role at Loughborough University as Director of Rugby, but will remain with Esher until the New Year, working alongside head coach Liam Slatem.
Under Brown, Esher avoided relegation trouble last season and the club have carried that improvement into the new campaign, winning two of their opening three matches.
They will want that positive momentum to continue against Barnes, who have yet to light the fuse on their season. Jack Heald’s side were edged out by Dorking in Round Three, and will want to sharpen up their set-piece and discipline as they aim to come out on top at Molesey Road.
Meanwhile, after opening their account last week, Leicester Lions (13th) go to Havant (10th) in Round Four while Dorking (12th) return to The Big Field to face Westcombe Park (11th).
National Two West
Two of National Two West’s frontrunners meet in Round Four as Luctonians (4th) host Clifton (1st) in a fixture that carries the feel of an early statement game.
Both clubs have been among the leading sides in this division in recent seasons. Third in 2023/24, Clifton moved from the bottom step of the podium and into National One in 2024/25 after clinching a stunning promotion.
Last year, Luctonians claimed a second silver medal in three seasons to reach the play-offs, and after three rounds of this term, both are yet to put a foot wrong.
Luke Cozens and Paul Fincken’s side haven’t dropped a point, but Clifton have been made to work extremely hard to stay perfect, not least last weekend when they recovered from 25-15 down to beat Hornets 34-32 at The Nest.
As for Lucs, the weapon that is their forward pack has been doing its thing again, with Rob Lewis and George Thomas’ side ruthlessly efficient thus far. This was emphasised in their last home outing - a 47-0 success over Cinderford.
When Clifton won National Two West two seasons ago, Luctonians beat the Lavender and Blacks 39-15 at Mortimer Park. Whatever happens this time though, at least one winning record is going to disappear.
Redruth (2nd) and Taunton (3rd) will be interested in proceedings in Herefordshire, with both sides also three wins from three with October beckoning.
Richie Kevern’s Reds have impressed during the opening weeks and now head to Devon to face winless Exeter University (14th).
Exeter were humbled by the aforementioned Taunton in Round Three, with the Titans ruthlessly punishing their errors in a clinical 61-21 victory.
This weekend, Taunton are back at home for the first time since Round One as Tony Yapp’s side welcome Hornets (7th) in the M5 derby.
Two narrow home defeats will sting for Ian Humphries and Jack Gadd’s men, but become just the second team to win at Summerfield Stadium in 11 months, and Hornets will feel a lot better about themselves.
Tight defeats have also been an unwelcome theme for Barnstaple (11th), who will be looking for their second victory of the campaign when Lymm (5th) visit Pottington Road.
In terms of the away side, Andy Davies’ men have collected 12 points from a possible 15 to begin the season, allowing them to establish themselves among the leading group. A first away victory of the campaign would strengthen that position considerably.
Last year’s bronze medallists, Hinckley (6th), look to be finding their rhythm. After winning at Loughborough Students in Round Two, they suffocated Bournville last weekend and scored 10 tries in the process. Next up is a visit to new boys Devonport Services (12th).
As mentioned in our National Two East section, there will be a new voice around Loughborough Students (13th) at the start of 2027, with former England and Harlequins full-back Mike Brown joining the university as their Director of Rugby.
Brown helped to steer Esher clear of relegation trouble last season and, alongside the current coaching group, he may have to repeat the trick with the African Violet, who are still searching for their first win.
Loughborough host eighth-placed Old Redcliffians (8th) on Saturday, while Cinderford (9th), who opened their account for 2026/27 last weekend, travel to Bournville (10th) looking for back-to-back wins.
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.jpg "Max Ashcroft (left) in action for Sedgley Park")
