National league 1 match previews week 28...

13th April 2013 including Coventry Rugby v Blaydon.

Fixtures 13th April.

Blackheath               v      Richmond

Blaydon                     v      Coventry

Ealing Tfs                   v      Cinderford

Esher                           v      Tynedale

Loughborough St      v      Fylde

Old Albanian              v      Rosslyn Park

Sedgley Park               v     Cambridge

Wharfedale                 v     Macclesfield

The key game must be the relegation battle over the third spot between Wharfedale and Macclesfield. Additionally a win for Macclesfield will confirm the relegation of Sedgley Park, but also heap more pressure on Wharfedale. Leaders Ealing only require one more point from their remaining 3 games to become Champions with Cinderford the unlucky recipients of this requirement.

Those of a nervous disposition should avoid the Dales as Wharfedale take on their closest rivals for relegation Macclesfield, in what is arguably their most crucial game over the past few seasons. A defeat for either side will make the victor slight favourites for the drop although Wharfedale will still have a game in hand. Macclesfield’s 7 game unbeaten run came to an end with their comprehensive defeat by 2^nd placed Esher, but it is not every week you have to meet such an impressive side.

Wharfedale will also be reeling from their heavy defeat at Rosslyn Park, but their home form is far better than their away having won their last 2 home fixtures. They will be looking to avenge their narrow away loss at Macclesfield and put the pressure back on Macclesfield, a close and exciting game is in prospect.

There are still 4 sides too close to the danger zone for comfort, Coventry, Cinderford, Tynedale and Loughborough Students. Tynedale face the more difficult task as they travel to the form team Esher, who still needing a bonus point win to keep the pressure up on Ealing. Tynedale don’t always travel well so a win might prove too much although their backs have been in impressive form recently. Difficult to see that Esher will slip up on this one though.

Cinderford also face a thankless task as they visit Champions Elect Ealing who just  need the one point to confirm their promotion. Last week’s poor display by the Foresters doesn’t augur well for them and Ealing should run out comfortable winners.

Coventry Rugby also face a difficult task as they travel north to face Blaydon, who are still third in the table. Coventry need to get something from this game despite their recent poor form, whilst Blaydon need the win to keep ahead of Rosslyn Park. A more detailed Coventry Rugby v Blaydon match preview will follow.

The final side still looking over their shoulder is Loughborough Students, who have a difficult home tie with 6^th place Fylde. The Students are capable of matching anyone in scoring and a fast open game is expected, they should be slight favourites for the victory to make them safe.

It is mid-table stalemate as Blackheath entertain Richmond. With Blackheath having a recent slump in form the better form side Richmond should be slight favourites as they wish to keep ahead of their rivals.

Impressive Old Albanian after their away defeat of Coventry face another difficult game this time at home to Rosslyn Park. With both sides showing some form a win for Rosslyn Park would put them in sight of overtaking Blaydon in third place, whilst OA are still chasing that 4^th place. Another high scoring and entertaining game is expected.

The final game sees  Sedgley Park whose surprise win away at Cinderford gave them a slight hope of avoiding relegation at the expense of Macclesfield, face already relegated Cambridge. With only pride to play for Cambridge, who put up such a strong performance against Blaydon will fancy their chances. Another close game is expected.

Coventry Rugby v Blaydon match preview

This Saturday 13^th April Coventry Rugby make the long trip north to face Blaydon at Crow Trees, kick off 2.30 pm. Founded in 1888 Blaydon under Director of Rugby Micky Ward formerly of Newcastle Falcons, is in his 2^nd year, assisted with Head Coach Lee Hogarth and player coach Jason Smithson has seen his side progress from 7^th last season to their current position of third. 

Already Blaydon have won 18 games compared with last season’s total of 15 with only 9 losses. Earlier in the season they beat Coventry at the BPA 7-19 and since then they have won 7 games and lost 6 compared to Coventry’s winning of 5 and also losing 6.

Home wins over RosslynPark, Richmond, Wharfedale and Sedgley Park, plus away wins at Cambridge, Tynedale and Old Albanian, have been interspersed with home losses by Blackheath, Loughborough Students and Cinderford, and away losses to Fylde, Esher and a one point loss to Ealing. 

Blaydon maintain close links with the Newcastle Falcons side where Micky Ward also coaches and this influence allows a number of DR players in. In effect punching above their weight with their budget they have remained in the top 4 all season. Always renowned for having an effective and abrasive pack this year has seen an expansion in their style with 105 tries being scored compared to 68 by Coventry.

Total points scored are currently at 739 compared to Coventry’s 578, and in fly half Andrew Baggett they have a top six goal kicker who is currently on 213 points .

The pack has experienced front row forwards such as hooker Matt Hall and prop Rob Kilbraier, and locks Nick Hamilton and Chris Wearmouth. An effective back row includes former Coventry player Rob Bell. Ben Morris and Jason Smithson.

With Andrew Baggett calling the tune at fly half speed is found in the backs with winger Tom Jeffrey and fullback Gavin Painter.

Blaydon are a side that can mix its styles and although their promotion push is over for this season they will want to finish their highest ever position in this league. Coventry for their part will be looking to avenge their home loss to them earlier and put any lingering worries about relegation behind them.

For those supporters wishing to make the long journey north please note the early kick off time of 2.30pm.The full address of Blaydon is Crow Trees, Hexham Road, Swalwell, Newcastle upon Tyne,NE16 3DN. Detailed instructions to find the ground can be found on Blaydon’s official website www.blaydonrfc.co.uk

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office

8^th April 2013.