National League 1

As we begin the final month of the National One season, the relegation battle is at the heart of all the stories in this division as three sides are still fighting to avoid the drop.

National One’s bottom club Macclesfield may well have handed themselves a lifeline in their battle against relegation after a spirited display against Birmingham Moseley.

In recent weeks the rugby-verse was set aflame by the announcement that the Top 14’s two Parisian clubs Stade Francais and Racing Metro 92 were to merge into one super-club next season.

At this stage of the season, every point matters for sides at the top and the bottom of any division in rugby and in National One, it is no different.

TRU’s Chris Heal reflects on yet another intriguing weekend in the National Leagues which saw titles lifted, campaigns reignited and revivals continue.

We have known for quite some time that Hartpury College will become champions of National One, but this weekend, it could be made official.

Promotion battles and relegation fights once again grabbed the headlines in the National Leagues in Round 24 as the twists and turns continued at this crucial stage of the season.

The final two months of the season are upon us and in National One, we could see promotion confirmed for Hartpury College this weekend while another chapter in the relegation battle awaits.

The first round of rearranged fixtures was also going to be important for sides fighting for survival across the National Leagues and there was joy for four teams battling to avoid the drop.

The first round of rearranged fixtures this season is upon us and all the games taking place this weekend hold great significance for the reminder of the campaign.

Fylde continued their excellent recent form as they beat Blaydon which leaves the north-east still teetering on the edge of the relegation zone.

Last weekend saw Blaydon move out of the bottom two after victory of Esher and now Mickey Ward’s side will be looking for a similar result when they travel to Fylde this weekend.

20-year-old Brett Connon spoke to Talking Rugby about moving his to hometown club, his experiences with the Falcons and representing Ireland.

Blaydon moved out of the bottom two places in National One after a crucial victory over Esher at Crow Trees.

Second placed Ampthill and District take on the runaway league leaders Hartpury College this weekend in National One aiming to become the first team to beat John Barnes’ men.

Fylde produced a stirring comeback to beat Coventry in National One which was a much needed victory for the Lancashire side.

In recent weeks Talking Rugby Union has focused on potential reform to the Championship and the leagues immediately below it within the RFU’s domestic structure following reports that significant problems threaten the existence of a second-tier professional league in England.

Followers of National One have known for a while that Hartpury College are likely to be promoted to the Championship this season and the runaway leaders are now targeting yet another milestone.

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Blaydon’s chances of avoiding relegation to National Two were given a huge boost in Round 20 as the north-east side claimed victory over Blackheath at Crow Trees.