National League 2

The freezing temperatures put pay to 21 fixtures across National League Rugby but results for Sale FC and Bournville sees them enter the festive break in good spirits.

Stapley, who is the current captain of National One league leaders Rams RFC, looks back on a memorable derby day victory over Chinnor.

Two sides towards the bottom of their respective divisions collected excellent results while Rams RFC and Clifton suffered setbacks.

Rams RFC's pristine run of form came to an end in Round 12 while Huddersfield, North Walsham and Barnstaple all picked up excellent victories.

The London Irish skipper spoke to TRU ahead of his 100th appearance for the club and discussed his journey with the Exiles.

The halfway mark of the season is just around the corner and as December begins, a blend of title dreams and fighting the threat of relegation is on the agenda.

Despite there still being a long way to go in this campaign, picking up crucial wins against rivals and collecting bonus points could be vital further down the line.

After a tough start to the National League Rugby season, the final weekend of November offers a chance for those scrapping towards the bottom to spark their respective campaigns into life.

Brian Moore's column for The Telegraph last month focused on player wages across the English rugby tier system.

Hull also end their losing streak in National One, Sheffield Tigers stun Rotherham Titans in National Two North and Old Redcliffians and Bournville receive boosts.

Bang. Just like that, we are in November and Round Nine is set to be a cracker with clubs up and down the land plotting their route to victory.

Teams at the wrong end of their respective divisions picked up welcome and valuable victories in Round Eight while clubs at the top highlighted their credentials once again.

The 20-year-old scrum-half had his contract cancelled at Worcester Warriors when the club entered administration but now he is back enjoying his rugby again in National Two North.

Chinnor and Sevenoaks both lifted themselves out of the bottom three in their respective divisions, Fylde maintained their pristine record while the races for top spot continue to thrill.

Bottom-of-the-table battles in National Two North and National Two East also headline the penultimate weekend in October while Redruth look to derail Dings. 

The competitiveness of the third tier keeps providing us with some superb entertainment while National Two East has opened up.

The fixture list has thrown up a unique weekend of National League Rugby, especially in National One where both ends of the table could look completely different come Saturday evening.

After a strong September for a cluster of National League Rugby sides, 100 per cent records were on the line in Round Five.

A September which saw a cluster of teams go four from four is now in the past as pacesetters across National One and Two collide on an intriguing weekend.

Successive wins for a host of National League clubs leaves them in a strong position heading into October.