National League 2

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.

Stourbridge came out on top against promotion rivals Leicester Lions to keep their top two ambitions alive in National Two North.

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.

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.

It is getting to that time of the season where every game seems to become a ‘big’ game and that certainly applies to Stourbridge’s clash with Leicester Lions in Round 19.

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

A nail-biting victory for Harrogate over Luctonians in Round 18 moved the Yorkshire side out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.

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

National Two North leaders Caldy maintained their nine point gap at the summit of the division last week and now their aim is to continue their superb run of form when they host Preston Grasshoppers this weekend.

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.

Caldy, Sale FC and Sedgley Park got 2017 off to a winning start in National Two North to maintain their promotion ambitions.

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.

National Two North league leaders Caldy will want to get 2017 off to a winning start as they look to maintain their advantage at the top of this division.

Bishop’s Stortford began Round 16 level on points with Chinnor, but their league rivals could only manage a draw in their final fixture before Christmas while Bishops claimed a bonus-point win which put them top of the tree.

After victory over local rivals Hinckley last weekend, that win was matched in Round 16 by Leicester Lions as they beat near neighbours South Leicester to earn the bragging rights once again.

The final round of fixtures before Christmas is upon us in National Two South, but one of three teams could be at the summit of this division heading into the New Year.

As usual at this stage of the season, a few local derbies are taking place which could really shape the rest of the campaign for all of the sides involved.

League leaders Chinnor had to settle for a draw against Taunton Titans in Round 15 of National Two South meaning they are now level on points with second placed Bishop’s Stortford.

Caldy will head into the festive season and the New Year on top of National Two North after victory over Wharfedale in Round 15.