Week 6 results with week 7 fixtures...

Week 6 results with week 7 fixtures including Coventry v Cambridge preview 

WEEK 6 RESULTS 1^ST OCTOBER

 Barking          22            34 Coventry

Blaydon          33            17   Fylde

Cambridge      32            35  Macclesfield

Cinderford      19            16 Jersey

Sedgley Park   55           34 BirminghamSolihull

Stourbridge      20           25  Blackheath

Tynedale          24           37  Rosslyn Park

Wharfedale       29           53  Ealing Tfs

Five out of 8 away wins this week, some high scoring games with teams having to face the extreme heat, but the most interesting result must be Blaydon’s home victory over previously unbeaten league leaders Fylde, which puts Coventry’s draw last week with Blaydon into perspective. This leaves just Ealing Tfs as the only unbeaten side in National League 1, whose large win over Wharfedale left them in one of the relegation spots. Proving just how close this league that Cinderford finally get their first win of the season over the fancied Jersey side.

The battle of two of the pre season favourites saw Cambridge lose a close home game with Macclesfield, dropping them into the bottom half, whilst Macclesfield continue to put pressure on new league leaders Ealing.

Coventry’s fine away victory at Barking not only sees them get their first try bonus of the season but propels them into 4th place, their highest league position since returning to this league.

Week 7   fixtures  and  previews  8^th october

Birmingham Solihull        v  Blaydon

Blackheath                        v SedgleyPark

Coventry                           v Cambridge

Ealing Tfs                          v  Stourbridge

Fylde                                 v   Barking

Jersey                                 v  Wharfedale

Macclesfield                      v   Tynedale

RosslynPark                      v  Cinderford

A quirk of this week’s fixtures sees the top 4 sides all having home games, and not having to face each other. On paper Coventry face the more difficult fixture at home to Cambridge, who did the double over them last season. However even league leaders Ealing cannot take Stourbridge lightly, whose results have not matched their commitment and standard of play.

With only 4 points separating Coventry in 4th spot and Rosslyn Park in 11th, no team can afford to take their opponents lightly.

Perhaps another week of using a crystal ball, rather than form to predict the results.

COVENTRY   V  CAMBRIDGE  PREVIEW

This Saturday, Coventry are back at home after their excellent away win over Barking, which has put them into 4th place. Butts Park Arena is the place to be this Saturday 8th October, kick off 3pm as Coventry look to build on their highest league position since returning to this league, and look to remain unbeaten for the 5th game in a row.

Under experienced DOR Bob Crooks, assisted by ex Northampton favourites Darren Fox player/coach, and Andy Long defence coach and hooker, Cambridge have had a mixed start to this season. They are currently in 9th place on 16 points just 3 points behind Coventry, which emphasises how close this league is turning out to be.

They have won 3 and lost 3, with high scoring, but close wins over Barking, Rosslyn Park, and for the first time, an away win over Tynedale. Last Saturday they lost another high scoring but close game at home to 2nd place Macclesfield.

It has to be said that although installed as one of the favoured teams they lost some influential players pre season, such as Dan Mugford (LS),  Billy Robinson (Moseley), Robbie Hurrell(Stourbridge), and Stewart Pearl(Rugby Lions).

Players to note are the leagues 3rd leading goal kicker Tom Wheatcroft, Daniel Hunter-scrum half, and Tom Fidler prop. USA U21 Jarrod Taylor is also getting rave reviews.

Last season Cambridge finished 3rd after a consistent season compared to Coventry’s eighth place. However Coventry are still smarting after Cambridge did the double over them losing 43-22 away and losing a  closer home tussle 26-14.

A much closer contest is expected this season, with Coventry needing to cope with the all action running Cambridge game, orchestrated by the experienced and wily flanker Darren Fox.

Coventry much buoyed by their recent form will be looking to continue the progress already shown this season and reward the Butts Park crowd this coming Saturday.

Don’t forget, kick off is3pm, support your local team, and take advantage of the new outside refreshments and bar facilities at the Butts Park Arena.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office.