National League 1

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.

Following the disappointing expulsion of London Welsh from the Championship earlier this week, sides fearing relegation to National One have been given new hope heading into Round 20.

Following on from Lewis Hughes’ look at semi pro rugby union and his challenge to debate this burning rugby issue, we offer this structure for rugby fans to consider and debate.

Ampthill and District moved up to second in the National One table as they ended Birmingham Moseley’s 100 per cent home record.

With potential reform of Championship rugby as a professional league continuing to serve as one of the most pressing debates in English rugby, the possible implications of such reform to semi-professional leagues must also be considered.

The shock news to come out of National One this week was Birmingham Moseley’s decision not to renew the contract of current Director of Rugby Kevin Maggs.

Coventry have one for the best home records in National One this season and it was on display yet again in Round 18 as they secured another victory at the Butts Park Arena.

As we approach the final third of the National One season results seem to matter more than they did at the beginning of the campaign and that theory certainly applies to sides batting to avoid relegation.

There was no Christmas hangover for Hartpury College as they continued their fine form to earn their 17th consecutive win of the season to maintain their dominance in National One.