Week Nine: Part Two

Cov's artificially extended stay at the top of the pile came to an end as the rest (apart from the postponed Nottingham vs London Scottish tie) completed their Round Nine Fixtures. However, second place was secured with Doncaster somewhat unexpectedly failing to take the slot.

Cambridge entertained Cornish Pirates on the back of their win in round eight, and struggled to keep in touch for the first half, turning round 7-26 down.

However, a second period fightback saw them close to within seven points, gaining two bonuses as Pirates held on to win 33-40, crossing six times to the host's five.

Doncaster's hit-and-miss season so far continued with a 24-32 home reverse against visitors Ampthill. Knights took a fair cushion into the break at 17-8, but couldn't maintain their superiority as the Bedfordshire side overhauled them, scoring five tries to Donny's three in a 24-32, 0-5 win.

With   Hartpury having a rest day due to the Jersey factor, the only remaining match was between second-place Ealing and Caldy. There were no shocks at Trailfinders as the home side registered a comfortable 54-28, 5-1 win. Caldy took the bonus with two late tries - and well deserved.

Championship Standings 

Ealing: Played 7, Points 31

Coventry: 8, 27

Cornish P: 7, 25

Doncaster: 8, 25

Bedford: 7, 24

Ampthill: 8, 22

Nottingham: 8, 22

Hartpury: 8, 17

Caldy: 7, 17

Cambridge: 9, 11

London S: 7, 9

Top Points Scorers

Pellegrini 70, Willis (Eal) 69, Bazalgette (Har) 63, Parks (Amp) 62.

Top Try Scorers

French (Bed) 9, Williams (Not) 8, Caven (Cam) 7, Nelson (Cor) 7, Hutler 6, Martin 6, Ramage (Not) 6

Average Attendances

Coventry: 3549

Bedford: 3059

Doncaster: 2005

Cornish. P: 1621

Caldy: 1379

Ampthill: 1282

Cambridge: 1192

Nottingham: 1143

Ealing: 933

L. Scottish: 706

Hartpury: 658