National League 2 South

Promotion chasing Old Elthamians and Chinnor clash this weekend with both sides fully aware of the magnitude of this encounter.

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.

Worthing Raiders and Exmouth both secured vital victories against relegation rivals to give themselves a chance of avoiding the drop.

Round 23 in National Two South has provided us with some intriguing matches at both ends of the table as sides battle for promotion and relegation at this pivotal stage of the campaign.

A last-gasp try for Barnstaple secured victory over Devonshire rivals Exmouth in National Two South leaving Steve Perry’s side outside the bottom three with eight games remaining.

We are at the stage of the season where title races and relegation battles are scrutinised more than ever and in Devon this weekend, the fight for survival will is firmly under the microscope.

At this time of the season, any blip in form and any shock result could prove costly but as we begin the final stretch of the campaign, the teams aiming for a top two spot all held their nerve in Round 21.

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.

With the season now entering the final third, teams are now focusing on their end goals and for the likes of Chinnor that aim is to clinch promotion to National One.

Rugby Rumours: A change for Parling, George speculation continues, Fekitoa to Europe and Quins prop watch

With promotion rivals Chinnor and Bishop’s Stortford securing victories, Old Elthamians failed to keep pace with their fellow title contenders as they were beaten by Taunton Titans.

After postponements to Bishop’s Stortford’s and Old Elthamians’ fixtures last weekend, the title challenging sides will be itching to return to action as they aim to wrestle top spot off Chinnor.

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.

After a few difficult weeks for Chinnor, they now find themselves back on top of the National Two South table thanks to victory over the Redingensians.

High drama as well as twists and turns were the themes to come out of Round 18 in National Two South as Bishop’s Stortford returned to the summit of this division and Andy Long’s men will now be aiming to stay there.

Tom Banks’ last minute penalty saw Bishop’s Stortford return to the top of National Two South after victory over title rivals Old Elthamians.

Old Elthamians are just focusing on the next task in hand starting with Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday, says Director of Rugby Gavin Lach.

We have new leaders at the top of National Two South once again as the Old Elthamians moved to the summit after the opening weekend of matches in 2017.

It would have been a very Merry Christmas for Bishop’s Stortford, but the men from Silver Leys will now be firmly focused on staying on top of National Two South after a tremendous run of form.