National League 1

Two converted tries in injury time by Coventry didn't quite reflect the overall balance of the game but there was no doubting that the visitors deserved their clear win over an error prone Fylde side on a lovely day at the Woodlands in front of a large crowd of over 1,000.

Fylde welcome old and distinguished friends and rivals Coventry to the Woodlands on Saturday (ko 3pm) in a National One top four fixture which brings together clubs that have been in close league proximity all season.

A game of two halves it most certainly was at Molesey Road, as Esher battled back from 21-0 down to claim a vital win in their pursuit of a top three finish.

When the 2nd top try scoring team in National One travelled to meet the meanest defence it was the latter which came out on top. Rosslyn Park maintained their chase of leaders Doncaster Knights with a deserved 16-7 victory over Fylde.

Fylde's away form has been creaky this season (four wins & seven defeats) and they face their toughest of their outstanding eight fixtures this season by far when they travel to 2nd placed Rosslyn Park on Saturday (ko 3pm).

Fylde put in another five star performance at the Woodlands to beat another top six National One club. Doncaster, Rosslyn Park & Blaydon have already suffered the same fate this season so perhaps it was no surprise to see the home side totally deserving of another clear victory against 4th placed Esher.

After 3 consecutive losses and a disappointing result away to local rivals Blackheath last time out Esher was keen to put that to bed with the visit of struggling Worthing.

A stunning opening 15 minutes saw ‘Club’ notch up four scores to stun their London neighbours, Blackheath going on to record a hugely important 38-10 win.

Watch match highlights and post-match reaction as Flyde beat league leaders Doncaster 25-17 in SSE National League 1

Fylde recorded a fine victory over prospective champions Doncaster Knights in front of a noisy and excited crowd of over a thousand supporters at the Woodlands. Their 1st half performance was quite exceptional and blew the Knights away. A 22-3 half-time lead didn't flatter the Lancastrians one jot and the visitors had no answer to the intelligent, attacking play of their hosts.

A hungry, energetic Wharfedale side took full advantage of Esher’s lack of discipline, with four yellow cards – including two for Alex Bibic – severely handicapping the hosts as they suffered a 28-26 loss.

Fylde stage their biggest game of the season at the Woodlands when they welcome outstanding National One leaders Doncaster Knights on Saturday (ko 3pm). With 15 wins from their 18 fixtures, the Knights head the division by eight points.

Fylde's five match winning run came to an end in an exciting, tough battle at Worthing Raiders' Roundstone Lane on their first ever visit to the club.

Watch as Fylde Rugby complete a sweeping multi-phase move with a touchdown in the corner in this video from the Talking Rugby Union archives.

So, it is the start of October and with pre-season games, we have probably been back playing rugby for at least eight weeks. What does appear to be true is that Rugby is growing in popularity.

Gallery of action shots from Worthing's 50-45 National League One victory over Fylde.

Fylde welcomed Wharfedale to their Woodlands ground this weekend for a battle of the roses.

As the action in the third tier of English rugby begins to reach the business end, every game has bigger and bigger consequences on the fortunes of teams at both ends of the league.