National league 1 week 2 - round 2 results round up...

for 14th September 2013.

Week 2 Results 14^th September

Coventry  Rugby           38             13        Cinderford

Esher                               40            30        Henley Hawks

Fylde                               34             21       Wharfedale

Hull Ionians                    19             40       Doncaster Knights

Loughborough St          26             19       Old Albanian

Rosslyn Park                  26             15        Richmond

Tynedale                        25             24        Blaydon

Worthing Raiders         22             27        Blackheath       

Week 2 saw a small reduction in overall tries and points scored, and in effect closer games, yet only 3 losing bonus points scored. The league is now down to 6 unbeaten sides including 4 of the pre-season favourites Doncaster, Coventry, Rosslyn Park and Esher. Rosslyn Park has the best defensive record closely followed by Coventry Rugby, whilst Coventry head the table by reason of their greater positive points difference. Well done to both Coventry and Worthing for breaking the 1000 attendance barrier.

I make no apology for starting with the new league leaders Coventry Rugby in their 5 try win over Cinderford. Before a record BPA crowd for 2 seasons, which also showed a 37% increase over the corresponding fixture last season, the power of the Coventry pack coupled with some outstanding off-loading and well worked tries saw off a spirited but limited Foresters side. With a Coventry Rugby side that can get only better it augurs well for the rest of the season.

Doncaster Knights had another 6 try win this time at Hull Ionians, but the home side did enough, as they did against Coventry last week to suggest that they will survive in this league. Once again Hull Ionian’s impressive fullback Steve Slingsby gave them hope with 2 tries, but it was all in vain as the Knights more clinical finishing especially by centre Matt Clark  proved the difference gave them a deserved victory.

Loughborough Students maintained their impressive start to the season with their home win over Old Albanian.  A close first half saw the visitors lead and were even guilty of missing several chances. Eventually the Students got their game together and for the 2^nd week running a brace of tries from fullback Jack Pons proved decisive. Two further tries sealed it for the Students although 2 late tries for OA gave them a bonus point.

High scoring Fylde went on their merry way, yet this time it was their forwards who scored all 5 tries, led once again by the ageless Paul Arnold, as they defeated neighbours Wharfedale.  A win that keeps Fylde in fourth place-will they be the surprise team in the promotion race?

Esher’s win over previously unbeaten Henley Hawks, kept their own unbeaten record going.  The Hawks gave the home side a lesson in finishing as their pack and pace of their backs gave them an edge, however with new signing scrumhalf Robbie Shaw coming on for the 2^nd half saw a change of tactics, as Esher ran in three 2^nd half tries giving them the bonus point but leaving Henley nothing for their endeavours.

A close and feisty encounter saw Rosslyn Park win a close fought battle with their neighbours Richmond. The greater cutting edge of the Park backs with Henry Staff and Jordan Burns coupled with the goal kicking of Sam Catz proved decisive. A brave attempt by Richmond who have had a difficult start to the season as they look for their first win, but Rosslyn Park keep their promotion ambitions going with this hard fought win.

Newcomers Worthing Raiders are still looking for their first win, but the greater experience and finishing power of Blackheath saw them home despite both sides missing a large number of kicks. Before the 2^nd largest crowd league crowd on the season, Blackheath made the most of their 1^st half chances, but the home side fought back in the 2^nd with 2 Joe Govett tries. As both sides went for the win it was a late Blackheath try that sealed it for their first win, still leaving Worthing winless.

The final game saw a subdued Blaydon 16 points down at Tynedale by halftime, with the Beasley brothers running the show for the home side. A couple of yellow cards then stirred Blaydon into action and their three 2^nd half tries gave them hope but a late home try sealed the first win for Dale and left Blaydon still winless.

A full preview of Week 3 fixtures on Saturday 21^st September, including  Richmond  v Coventry Rugby will be posted later on in the week.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office

15^th September 2013.