Unbeaten runs end as National League Rugby delivers late drama
Birmingham Moseley thwarted Tonbridge Juddians' winning start in National One
©Dennis Dixon
Tonbridge Juddians and Redruth suffered their first defeats of the season, while Sedgley Park came from 13 points down to preserve their perfect start.
Plymouth Albion, Sedgley and Oundle remain at the top of their divisions after an eventful Saturday across National League Rugby.
Round Eight brought a reminder that early-season records offer no guarantees.
Birmingham Moseley ended Tonbridge Juddians’ 100 per cent start in National One, Hinckley handed Redruth their first defeat in National Two West, and Sedgley Park needed a stirring final quarter to escape Preston Grasshoppers with their unbeaten record intact.
National One: Moseley end TJs’ perfect start
Birmingham Moseley produced one of the weekend’s standout results, beating Tonbridge Juddians 35-26 at Billesley Common. Moseley surged into a 21-0 lead, and although TJs fought back to close the gap to two points in the second period, Fred Ma’a’s late try secured the win and denied the visitors a losing bonus point.
The defeat leaves TJs second, four points behind leaders Plymouth Albion. Albion made it eight bonus-point wins from eight with a 54-40 victory at Bishop’s Stortford, while Camborne moved to within a point of TJs after beating Dings Crusaders 57-38.
Leeds Tykes came from behind to edge Rams 36-33, and London Scottish continued their resurgence with a 47-22 win at Cambridge. Sale FC beat Sheffield 49-19.
And in TRU's 'feature game', Bury St Edmunds lost 42-14 at home to Rosslyn Park, who led 21-0 at half-time. Bury’s defensive resilience was tested by a clinical Park side, but the hosts did respond after the break to score twice. The result leaves Bury 11th after eight rounds.
National Two North: Sedgley survive Preston’s challenge
Preston Grasshoppers looked capable of ending Sedgley Park’s unbeaten run. After trailing 14-7 at half-time, Hoppers added a Sam Freeman penalty and a converted Jacob Browne try to lead 27-14.
Sedgley’s reply was emphatic. Adam Mallinson and Mason Winterburn crossed within five minutes, both tries converted, to put the visitors ahead. Jack Ellam then scored his second try of the afternoon, with Oliver Glasse’s conversion completing a 35-27 comeback.
Preston pressed for a bonus point but fell short. Head coach Dan Orwin said he could not have been prouder of his side’s performance. Sedgley remain top with their perfect record intact after eight rounds.
Chester stunned second-placed Darlington Mowden Park with a last-gasp Scott Robson try sealing a dramatic 25-21 win at Hare Lane.
Chester were reduced to 12 men following yellow cards to Dave Jones and Morgan Bagshaw, as well as a red for Christian Hone. Charlie Turnbull's try two minutes from time looked to have won it for DMP after the visitors had fought back from 18-7 down.
However, with the clock deep in the red and Chester back to 14 players, Robson crossed from close range to clinch an unlikely victory.
Elsewhere, Tynedale won 28-20 at Wharfedale, Billingham beat Hull Ionians 41-36, Sheffield Tigers defeated Otley 31-21 at Dore Moor, Fylde beat Heath 50-13, and Harrogate and Huddersfield drew 31-31.
National Two East: Oundle keep rolling
Oundle maintained their place at the top with a 38-8 win over Guernsey. Esher remain in pursuit after beating Jersey 41-12, while seventh-placed Barnes defeated Leicester Lions 29-15 for a third win in a row.
Old Albanian bounced back from their Round Seven defeat at Henley with a 47-22 victory over Colchester. Canterbury beat Westcombe Park 46-33, Havant edged London Welsh 36-31, and Dorking defeated Henley 29-21.
Oundle’s victory keeps them setting the pace, with Esher’s win sustaining the pressure behind them.
National Two West: Hinckley end Redruth’s perfect start
Hinckley won the top-of-the-table contest in Cornwall, beating previously unbeaten Redruth 15-8. Redruth’s winning run is over, though they remain in first place. Hinckley’s (4th) victory tightens the contest near the summit with just one point separating the top four.
Third-placed Clifton won 36-28 at Barnstaple, while Old Redcliffians beat Exeter University 50-28. Luctonians (2nd) defeated Devonport Services 31-19, and Lymm beat Hornets 47-31. Bournville and Loughborough Students drew 29-29, while Cinderford won 28-20 at Taunton Titans.
A weekender in Bury St Edmunds
Bury’s match was one part of a longer trip to Suffolk. Mark Ashcroft travelled to Bury St Edmunds for a weekend of rugby, local history, food and drink - including a walk through the Abbey Gardens, and a wine tasting and breakfast at The Angel. A 'photo essay' about the weekender will follow on Seniormash Reflections.
