National League 1 results round up re-arranged fixtures -

 9th February 2013

Results Saturday 9^th February

Blaydon             20           21       Blackheath

Cinderford         33           20      Tynedale

Coventry              3            16      Rosslyn Park

Ealing Tfs            34            17     Richmond

Fylde                    25           21     Wharfedale

Macclesfield       19             3     Sedgley Park

Old Albanian       21           20    Esher

Key results this Saturday involve both top and bottom of the league, with two of the top four sides involved in surprise losses. The effect of the losses see Ealing increase their lead at the top whilst  the chasing trio are now only separated by 3 points.

At the bottom of the league the must win game saw Macclesfield win over Sedgley Park close the gap from 13^th place to 13 points.

One of the surprises of the week must be Blaydon’s loss at home to Blackheath by just 1 point. Despite scoring 4 tries to 2 Blaydon’s inability to convert even one allowed a late Blackheath converted try to win them the game.  A loss that although keeping Blaydon in 2^nd place puts them within reach by Esher and Rosslyn Park.

The other surprise result saw Old Albanian coming from 17-3 behind mimicking Loughborough Students as they defeated third placed Esher by just one point. Form side Esher had to cope with two late James Shanahan tries and a faultless kicking display by Richard Gregg. This loss by Esher reduces their lead over Rosslyn Park to just one point. OA meanwhile replace Richmond in 5^th place.

Richmond found leaders Ealing back to their best form with another bonus point win, helped by a brace of tries by MOM scrumhalf Tom Parker as well as the goal kicking of leading points scorer Tom Wheatcroft. Two late Richmond tries rather flattered the visitors; a win that increases Ealing’s lead at the top to 9 points.

The other top four side Rosslyn Park had a hard fought muddy battle in glutinous condition at Coventry. In the end the greater pack power and tactical awareness gave the visitors a deserved victory, although Coventry perhaps deserved a losing bonus point.

In the nether regions Macclesfield gave themselves a lifeline in beating their fellow relegation strugglers Sedgley Park. Macclesfield took full advantage of an early 2^nd half red card for Sedgley Park to close out the match. A win that brings the home side now within 13 points of safety.

The final two games resulted in losses for both Wharfedale and Tynedale but the losing bonus point for Wharfedale may prove invaluable. Losses that once again bring them within sight of the chasing Macclesfield.

Yet it was not all plain sailing in poor conditions as Fylde managed a bonus point win over Wharfedale. Despite Fylde building up a lead a resilient Wharfedale fought back with two late tries leaving the home side grateful to hold out at the end.

Tynedale had another difficult away trip to Cinderford whose 5 try win belies the effort that Tynedale put into the game. A hat trick by Hamish Smales was to no avail as three home tries went to their wingers. A later yellow card against Wharfedale allowed Cinderford in for the clinching final try.

Tom little.