National League 2

After the hype surrounding the top of the table clash last Saturday, the focus now turns to the other end of this division as teams fighting to stay in National Two South prepare for a vital weekend.

Sale FC went to the summit of National Two North in Round 20 following their victory over fellow promotion candidates Hinckley and now the league leaders face another test of their credentials.

Cinderford extended their lead to nine points at the top of National Two South after clinching a bonus-point win over promotion rivals Chinnor at Kingsey Road.

Sale FC secured their twelfth consecutive win to move clear at the summit of National Two North as they came out on top against promotion rivals Hinckley.

Only four points separate the leading pair in National Two South as Chinnor host Cinderford in the much anticipated top of the table clash this weekend.

The top two in National Two North meet this Saturday as Sale FC take the trip to Hinckley with both sides competing promotion for to the third tier of English rugby.

Wimbledon and Old Redcliffians picked up crucial results in Round 19 of National Two South as both sides recorded victories to enhance their chances of avoiding relegation.

The front runners in National Two North both secured victories in Round 19 ahead of their top of the table clash this coming weekend, but there was also a major story at the wrong end of the table.

Like in National Two North this weekend, there is an important fixture towards the bottom of National Two South as two sides fighting to avoid the drop clash in Round 19.

Disappointment may not be an option for sides battling for survival in National Two North this Saturday as two of the bottom four face one another in what could prove to be a vital weekend in the season.

Clifton recorded their first win in six National Two South matches as they edged past Broadstreet to clinch a vital victory in their battle to beat the drop.

Sale FC enhanced their promotion ambitions in National Two North as they went to the summit of the division following victory over Sheffield.

London Irish Wild Geese’s victory over Chinnor last weekend was arguably the result of the season so far and Lee Starling’s side will be eager to back that performance up by taking down the other title challengers this Saturday.

In some sports, the winter months can define the outcome of a season and in National Two North, January is the time of year which may well shape the battle for a top two spot.

London Irish Wild Geese produced an excellent performance to end Chinnor’s sixteen-match unbeaten run in National Two South to knock Matt Williams’ side off the summit of the division.

Both Macclesfield and Wharfedale produced gutsy performances to clinch huge victories in National Two North as teams continue to fight for safety.

In the final couple of months of last year, the top two in National Two South managed to distance themselves from the chasing pack meaning Chinnor and Cinderford are now embroiled in a two horse race for automatic promotion to National One.

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.