Week 12 results round up with week 13 match previews...

for 24th November.

Week 12 16/17 November Results

Rosslyn Park      20         14      Esher

Cambridge         31         46      Old Albanian

Cinderford         10         24      Blaydon

Coventry             27         11     Wharfedale

Ealing Tfs             59        17     Sedgley Park

Macclesfield        20        13    Blackheath

Richmond             24        25    Loughborough Students

Tynedale               45        10    Fylde

A weekend that saw the top four consolidate their lead from the chasing pack of 7 sides from 5^th place to 11^th all showing a great difficulty or inability to break into this top zone. This lack of consistency amongst the seven has been a constant feature of this season with still only 6 points separating them. In fact only Coventry and Old Albanians managed to win in this group of seven, who as a quirk of the fixtures meet each other next week.

Mixed results at the bottom of the league with only Macclesfield winning, but the gap between the bottom three and those just above has widened to 7 points.

The Friday night fixture saw leaders Rosslyn Park keep their lead at the top with a hard fought win over 4^th placed neighbours Esher. A somewhat controversial penalty try proved decisive but Esher managed to pick up a losing bonus point which still keeps them 6 points ahead of 5^th place.

Ealing Tfs were back to winning ways, now only one point behind Rosslyn Park after a comprehensive win over relegation area team Sedgley Park, who have now lost 6 games on the run, not helped by rumours of imminent coaching changes. Winger Sam Wardingly was star of the show with no less than 5 tries.

Another good win away by Blaydon keeps them in 3^rd place and dropped former top 4 side Cinderford into 6^th place .Once again Blaydon’s pack proved decisive and their unheralded team fully justifies their position  near the top.

Bottom side Cambridge, despite a losing try bonus point were no match for a rampant Old Albanian side, whose 4^th successive win puts them up to their highest position so far in 5^th place. Once again James Shanahan pulled the strings despite them losing Stefan Liebenberg to a red card after 30 minutes.

The importance of putting a winning run together is shown by the fact that Fylde on such a run lost somewhat surprisingly to Tynedale who at last broke their run of 6 successive losses. The 8 try mauling would have been even larger if Tynedale had possessed a goal kicker.

No such problems at Coventry as Cliffie Hodgson produced another MOM performance this time with a try and making chips and punts, as well as his usual goal kicking prowess. A win that puts Coventry Rugby back in the top half, another good defensive display by Coventry on a heavy pitch was the difference.

Loughborough Students managed to get their 5th win in 6 games as they travelled to Richmond. Despite a late Richmond charge they were able to hold on and are now 7 points clear of the relegation zone.

In some eyes the surprise of the day was 15^th placed Macclesfield winning at home to Blackheath. Yet Macclesfield with some injured players coming back showed they are not giving up the fight without a struggle. Two well matched packs fought it out with the home side surviving the late obligatory Dave Allen driving maul try.

Overall the form sides are in the top 4, but as Old Albanians have shown any sort of winning run can propel you up the league. The ability of to be consistent in forcing wins even if not playing well as Rosslyn Park have shown can get you challenging for promotion.

Week 13 24^th November Match Previews      

Blackheath                v           Tynedale

Blaydon                      v           Cambridge

Esher                           v           Macclesfield

Fylde                            v           Richmond

Loughborough St       v           Ealing Tfs

Old Albanian               v          Coventry

Sedgley Park                v          Cinderford

Wharfedale                  v          Rosslyn Park 

With this league showing surprises most weeks I am loathe to suggest that the top 4 sides have the easier fixtures in Week 13. Are there any bankers?

Well, Blaydon at home to bottom side Cambridge must be a strong candidate. Despite Cambridge’s ability to score tries they have a deplorable defensive record, as Blaydon go for their 7th successive victory. Surely only one winner!

An intriguing match in prospect as form side Loughborough Students, now finding their level in this league welcome 2^nd placed Ealing Tfs. Despite getting back to winning ways Ealing have been found to be vulnerable this season so the Students cannot be written off.

Esher in 4^th place cannot ignore the power of the Macclesfield pack, and with the away sides injury problems easing a closer match than first expected may be on the cards. Esher should still be strong enough to win this one.

Leaders Rosslyn Park face the long journey to the Dales to face Wharfedale, whose inconsistent form is restricting them. Ravaged by injury Wharfedale, despite a reasonable home record may find the power play of the leaders too strong for them.

The other side in the relegation zone Sedgley Park cannot fancy their chances even at home to Cinderford. Park in some disarray with imminent coaching changes and on a run of 7 defeats should not be able to cope with the better all round game of Cinderford, despite last week’s home defeat.

The final three games see battles between the mid table sides.

The pick of the games is surely Old Albanians versus Coventry Rugby as the sides meet for the first time. Old Albanians now on a run of 4 wins are up to 5^th place, whilst Coventry whose away form has restricted them are back in 8^th just 3 points behind. A team that is well marshalled by James Shanahan with experience from both Cambridge and Bedford Blues  cannot be under estimated.

Blackheath, who suffered a surprise defeat at Macclesfield face a home tie with Tynedale, who upset the form book in getting 8 tries past Fylde. Despite this win Tynedale usually don’t travel well and it is doubtful they have the fire power to counteract Dave Allen and driving maul of the home pack. 

Finally Fylde, after their run of 5 wins came to an abrupt halt at Tynedale, arguably face an easier game at home to Richmond, who themselves may be shell shocked after losing at home to Loughborough Students. Another close one but the home side should have it.

A more detailed Coventry Rugby v Old Albanians match preview will be available later on in the week.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office

18^th November 2012