National League 2

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.

After securing an excellent win last weekend against Redruth, Taunton Titans launched themselves firmly back into the promotion hunt in National Two South and they have the chance to continue their quest for a top two spot this weekend.

Third placed Sedgley Park have the chance to move into the top two of National Two North this weekend as they continue to crank the pressure up in the promotion race.

Chinnor dug deep to run in nine tries and beat Worthing Raiders to remain at the summit of National Two South after Round 14.

National Two North leaders Caldy increased their lead at the top of the table after securing a bonus-point win over Sale FC.

Caldy coach Simon Verbickas says his side are fully focused on their crunch match with Sale FC in this top of the table battle in National Two North.

Bishop's Stortford's home win over Chinnor saw the hosts move to within three points of their visitors in the National Two South table.

Two tries from former England Sevens player Nick Royle kept Caldy on top of National Two North after their win over Harrogate.

After Chinnor took another massive step towards automatic promotion last week, their title credentials will be put under the microscope in Round 13 as they travel to rivals Bishops Stortford who have top two ambitions of their own.

Head coach Chris Campbell says the next month in National Two North will tell Hinckley ‘exactly where they are’ in this division.

After the disappointment of their first defeat of the season last week to Canterbury, league leaders Chinnor looked back to their best in Round 12.

It may be a surprise to see Wharfedale and Harrogate sitting in the bottom two places of National Two North as things stand, but Round 12 proved to everyone the quality both sides possess.

A close, committed and hard fought local rugby Derby played out between 2nd and 3rd in National 2 N. Both teams had chances to win it but the home team clinched with a penalty from McGovern.

Following 10 wins in a row, Chinnor’s unbeaten start in National Two South was ended on Saturday as they were beaten by Canterbury.

So far this season in National Two North, the fight for a place in the top two has been an enthralling one and yet again, we saw another key weekend of action towards the top end of the table in Round 11.