Week 23 fixtures 18th February together with previews

Week 23 fixtures 18th February together with previews including Macclesfield v Coventry.

This Saturday 18^th February sees another attempt to get a full programme of fixtures played. Last Saturday the inclement weather saw only Jersey v Stourbridge surviving- the home side winning by 44-7, which saw Jersey consolidating their lead at the top of the league, whilst Stourbridge’s loss consolidated their position in the relegation zone.

Fixtures 18^th February

Barking            v  Blackheath

Blaydon           v  Ealing TFS

Cambridge      v   Birmingham Solihull

Macclesfield    v   Coventry

Sedgley Park     v   Jersey

Stourbridge       v    Cinderford

Tynedale            v    Fylde

Wharfedale        v    Rosslyn Park

This week sees the top 4 sides all away, all potentially difficult fixtures, but after 16 straight wins, and 10 points clear, Jersey should really not slip up against Sedgley Park. However, Ealing, Fylde and Rosslyn Park all face trips oop north against Blaydon, Tynedale and Wharfedale, all three teams capable of pulling off a surprise win.

Bottom side Birmingham Solihull travel to Cambridge, still smarting after losing 8 players after their recent financial travails, but still should be too strong for The Midlanders.

Barking might fancy their chances after recently beating Fylde, but face a Blackheath side who are always capable of putting on a quality performance.

The other relegation side Stourbridge, still striving to get any sort of winning form face a home clash with Cinderford, a win for whom would surely make it a step too far for Stourbridge to escape their fate.

Macclesfield  v  Coventry rugby match preview

This Saturday Coventry Rugby face the trip to Cheshire to meet 5^th placed Macclesfield at Priory Lane kick off 3pm. Promoted to National League 1  last season, they finished a very creditable 4^th, and this season they are in 5^th place, on 69 points with 13 wins and 8 losses. Under experienced Director of Rugby Geoff Wappett.

Macclesfield will be looking to reverse Coventry’s win at home over them earlier in the season by 36-25, whilst Coventry will be looking for their 2^nd double of the season.

Macclesfield had a good start to the season but then managed to lose 5 out of 6 in October/November, but since then they have won 8 games out of their last 10. Key games won include Blackheath, away games at Ealing Tfs and Tynedale, as well as a double over Cambridge.

Key players to note are leading try scorers, brothers Fergus and Charlie Mulcrone, full back and scrum half, each so far scoring 13 tries, as well as leading goalkicking lyhalf Ross Winney.

A game that Coventry cannot take too lightly as they need the win to start climbing back up the table.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office