National league 1 results round up week 28...
By Tom Little.
April 14 2013
13th April 2013 with Coventry Rugby v Esher match preview for Wednesay 17th April 2013.
Results 13th April:
Blackheath 12 21 Richmond
Blaydon 39 25 Coventry
Ealing Tfs 28 17 Cinderford
Esher 21 17 Tynedale
Loughborough St 17 35 Fylde
Old Albanian 17 16 Rosslyn Park
Sedgley Park 29 19 Cambridge
Wharfedale 19 5 Macclesfield
A Saturday that saw Ealing finally crowned Champions and off to the Championship, whilst their place is most probably to be taken by Doncaster Knights. However the fight to avoid the final relegation spot continues to provide more interest with the battle continuing on to its nerve wracking finale. No less than 7 teams could fill this third relegation place, as on Saturday only Wharfedale managed to win with only Coventry and Tynedale managing to pick up away losing bonus points. After last week’s try fest only 4 try bonus this Saturday not helped by the poor weather and nervous teams.
The key game at this wrong end of the table saw Wharfedale defeat their closest rivals Macclesfield, helped by a late penalty try. A win that puts Dale on the same points as Macclesfield but with a game in hand and a slightly easier run in still leaves one of these two sides favourites for relegation. However, if both sides can discover some form then the 5 teams just above could still be at risk. Dale managed to defend well for the game and even held out when down to 13 men at the end.
Coventry travelled up to the north-east and despite two early and two late tries which gave them a much needed try bonus, they were well beaten by a third placed Blaydon side who ran in 6 tries of their own. Rising Newcastle Falcons star winger Zach Kibirige showed his speed and finishing with 2 tries and an assist, with a further brace of tries from former Coventry player Rob Bell.
Cinderford put up a much better fight than many expected against Champions Ealing, as they led at the interval, but a yellow card for the visitors gave Ealing the impetus to take advantage with a penalty, with a late try sealing it for them as well as the Championship. With no losing bonus point Cinderford are still in the relegation mix now only one point ahead of Coventry.
Unfancied Tynedale almost provided the shock of the round as they travelled to inform Esher, scoring 3 tries to 2 with a late try almost snatching it for them as both sides struggled in the lineout. Once again the dominant home scrum proved the difference as well as the kicking and control of Luke Daniels as Esher held on for the win and remains in 2nd place.
In the London derby Blackheath’s poor form continued, in sight of a large crowd as Richmond won a deserved victory. Poor weather and debatable decisions didn’t help and with 2 men in the sin bin a late try settled it for the away side. A win that removed any lingering relegation doubts from Richmond but still leaves Blackheath in the mix.
Loughborough Students also found their visitors too hot to handle, despite leading at half-time as Fylde dominated possession and ran in the bonus point tries in the 2nd half. A loss that keeps the Students in the relegation mix but maintains Fylde’s attempt to takeover 5th spot from Old Albanians.
The Old Albanians are not giving up their position without a fight as they continue to impress in their first ever season in this league. A fluctuating game not helped by driving rain and a strong wind finally saw the visitors go ahead with 13 minutes to go. Once again a rally by OA driven by the guile of James Shanahan led to his late try to win it for the home side.
Sedgley Park are still fighting for their survival this time with a home bonus point win over bottom side Cambridge. Always in control until 2 late cards gave Cambridge hope, Sedgley Park are still keeping pressure on Macclesfield and Wharfedale, the only teams they can overtake. A win for both Macclesfield and Wharfedale would see Park relegated as would any defeat for Sedgley Park.
Coventry Rugby v Esher re-arranged fixture Wednesday 17th April match preview.
This Wednesday the 17th April at the Butts Park Arena kick off 8 pm sees the re-arranged fixture between Coventry Rugby and Esher postponed from the 23rd March. A full match preview was done on the 17th March and the following is a shortened update since then.
Since this postponed game Esher have beaten their last three opponents namely, Rosslyn Park, Macclesfield, and Tynedale, which has maintained their 2nd place in the league. So far they have scored 119 tries compared to Coventry Rugby’s 72, with their try scorers well spread, although fly half Luke Daniels has become more influential as the season has progressed with his line and goal kicking.
Despite being relegated form the Championship last season Esher have maintained a strong pack and despite some hiccups in their line out last week against Tynedale they are renowned as a strong scrummaging side.
Coventry Rugby for their part have been sucked into the relegation dogfight being presently in 12th place on 62 points yet only 2 points from 9th with two games in hand. Having lost 6 out of their last 7 games including their two latest to Old Albanian and Blaydon, and despite picking up three bonus points are urgently in need of this win to remove any lingering doubts of relegation.
A crucial game then in prospect on Wednesday at the Butts Park Arena with Coventry Rugby needing all the home support they can gather.
Tom Little
Coventry Rugby press office
14th April 2013.
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I watched the Richmond versus Blackheath Game. The pitch was sodden, as were the players. Richmond dominated the game and led throughout. They were camped in the Blackheath 25 for a lot of the time. Blackheath seemed dispirited but obviously there is talent there. The rain meant that back play was risky, and the goal kicking was mostly off target.
The forwards battled it out, but running rugby was almost non existent.