Week 27, 31st March results round up with match preview...

of Coventry v Tynedale 7th April.

Week 27 results round up 31^st March

Barking         R          42                       24           Wharfedale

Blaydon                    32                       20           Stourbridge      R

Cambridge               25                       20           Cinderford

Coventry                  23                       36           Blackheath

Fylde                         45                       24           Birmingham Solihull      R

Macclesfield            34                        34          Ealing Tfs

Sedgley Park            30                        29         Rosslyn Park

Tynedale                     0                        64         Jersey      

After last week’s stay of execution the relegation issues were finally resolved this week, with Stourbridge and Birmingham Solihull both losing away, their relegation is confirmed together with that of Barking. Mention should be made of Barking, who won again on Saturday against Wharfedale, but also lowered Jersey colours a few weeks back.

Results at the higher echelons of the league continue to surprise, with leaders Jersey sending shock waves to their opponents with a thumping 10 tries 64 nil victory away at Tynedale, surely the lambing season excuse cannot be used again.

Ealing Tfs lost a further 2 points to the leaders in their high scoring draw at Macclesfield, but still remain in 2^nd place, 6 points behind Jersey, with three games left. Fylde in their bonus point win of Birmingham Solihull keeps the pressure on in third place, 8 points behind, as they relegate Birmingham Solihull, who were down to a 18 man squad including coach Eugene Martin.

Blackheath go into 4^th place following their win at Coventry, whilst Rosslyn Park’s somewhat surprising loss at Sedgley Park drops them back to 5^th.

No full preview for next week as only two catch games occur. Friday 6^th April sees Blackheath entertain Blaydon, with Blaydon now in the heady heights of 7^th place, 7 points ahead of Coventry.

Meanwhile Saturday 7^th April sees Coventry meet Tynedale, a bonus point win for Coventry would put them into 9^th place, equal on points with 8^th placed Cinderford.

A full preview of the Coventry v Tynedale match follows.

Coventry Rugby v Tynedale match preview Saturday 7^th April.

Easter Saturday 7^th April sees Coventry Rugby meet Tynedale, here at the Butts Park Arena, kick off 3pm. Both sides will be looking to put behind them last week’s results with Coventry having their chances but eventually losing to Blackheath, whilst Tynedale shipped 10 tries in their 64 nil drubbing at home to leaders, Jersey. This loss follows their previous week’s 9 try defeat at Ealing, with Tynedale now on a run of 6 successive defeats.

Overall, under coaches, Tom Borthwick and Ian Peel, Tynedale have won 10 games and lost 16, and are currently on 61 points in 12^th place, just 1 point behind Coventry. Key wins include a rare double over Macclesfield, and an away win at Rosslyn Park.

Last season Coventry lost the first match of the season at Tynedale by 45-20, but won the reverse fixture in the last game of the season by 56-29, leaving Coventry in 7^th place, and Tynedale in 5^th. This season Coventry had an impressive 32-29 win away at Tynedale, a result which was more impressive than the score suggests.

Despite their recent poor run, Tynedale can be dangerous and have certain key players, some utilised on a dual registration system from Newcastle Falcons.

Key players include half backs Joel Hodgson, Harry Peck, with Matty Outson either as fullback or halfback. Gavin Beasley is also a prolific goal kicker, with his brother Grant as a strong No 8. Key forward players include brothers James and Andrew Murray and lock Myles Scott.

Tynedale will be looking to win, to stop Coventry from doing the double over them, and to reverse their recent poor run. Coventry, on the other hand will be looking to put behind them last week’s result and move up from their current 10^th to 9^th place, putting them one win behind 7^th place Blaydon.

After last season’s try fest between the two sides, another exciting encounter is expected here at the Butts Park Arena, on Easter Saturday, kick off 3pm.

Tom Little

Coventry rugby press office