National League 2

The first weekend of 2018 focuses on teams fighting to beat the drop in National Two North and with only 12 points separating the bottom six, a winning habit must be found for teams at the wrong end of the table.

As the National Leagues now take a break for the New Year celebrations, we take a look back at the final round of fixtures in 2017.

League leaders Chinnor are aiming to be on top of pile in National Two South come Saturday evening as Matt Williams’ side look to enter 2018 with their unbeaten record intact.

As expected with the final round of fixtures before the Christmas break, there are some tasty looking in National Two North as teams look to end the calendar year on a high.

Wimbledon earned their first win in National Two South as they narrowly beat Old Redcliffians at Scotland Lane.

Hinckley failed to extend their lead at the top of National Two North as they suffered their first loss since October.

Old Redcliffians will be looking to build on their improvement in form this weekend as they take on another side battling for survival in National Two South.

After a few postponements concerning games at the wrong end of the table, there is another clash right around the corner between two sides battling for survival as Luctonians face Otley in National Two North.

Chinnor remain on top of National Two South as they extended their winning streak to 13 matches, but it wasn’t a straightforward win against Bury St Edmunds.

Hinckley moved two points clear at the top of National Two North following a tight victory over Wharfedale in a weather-affected weekend.

Last week, Cinderford narrowed the gap at the top of the table to just one point following their bonus-point win, but they face a tough test of their promotion credentials in Round 14 of National Two South.

As we approach the halfway point of the season, there are just seven points separating the bottom five in National Two North meaning Round 14 could arguably be a crucial weekend.

Chinnor edged past fellow promotion candidates Taunton Titans to stretch their unbeaten record to 13 matches this season as they remain on top of National Two South.

Hinckley eventually eased past Stourbridge in Round 13 to stay at the summit of National Two North.

National Two South leaders Chinnor take on third placed Taunton Titans this weekend with the chance to strengthen their promotion ambitions.

There is an early Christmas treat awaiting us in National Two North this weekend as two of the possible title contenders clash in the Midlands when Stourbridge entertain Hinckley.

Old Redcliffians secured their first win of the season in National Two South against fellow strugglers Broadstreet as they aim to try and dig themselves out of the bottom three.

Hinckley moved to the top of National Two North following a convincing display against Luctonians at Leicester Road.

Ahead of Round 12 in the National Leagues, Talking Rugby Union previews this Saturday's fixtures as teams look enter the festive period in high spirits.

TRU writer Chris Heal reviews the state of play in the top three National Leagues