National league 1 week 3, round 3 Saturday 21st September.
By Tom Little.
September 16 2013
Match previews including Richmond v Coventry Rugby.
Week 3 Fixtures 21st September
Blackheath v Fylde
Blaydon v Esher
Cinderford v Hull Ionians
Doncaster Knights v Worthing Raiders
Henley Hawks v Rosslyn Park
Old Albanian v Tynedale
Richmond v Coventry Rugby
Wharfedale v Loughborough Students
This week sees only Doncaster Knights from the 6 unbeaten sides so far at home, so a week of real tests for the remaining 5 away sides and their future credentials.
Doncaster Knights whose relatively easy start to the league programme sees them at home to newcomers and yet to win Worthing Raiders. Worthing have at least picked up some bonus points and their pacey backs have the ability to score tries, but once again do newcomers to this league have the clinical finishing required? Do they have the firepower upfront to contest the experienced Doncaster pack? The strength and finishing of Doncaster should give them the dominance to record an easy victory.
Coventry Rugby also undefeated, and in 1st position with maximum points face a difficult trip to the Athletic Ground to face one of their historical rivals Richmond. The London side after two gutsy but losing performances to Esher and Rosslyn Park will be looking to getting their season up and running, whilst Coventry Rugby will be wanting to continue their unbeaten impressive form. A more detailed preview will follow this general preview.
The surprise team so far and still undefeated Loughborough Students, face a tricky visit to Wharfedale. Dale, who after an opening day win over Worthing Raiders, last week came across a Fylde side whose forwards were in imperious form. The same week the Students were able to match Blaydon up front and launch their own speed merchants. Wharfedale need to be at the top of their game to get anything out of this game, but the end result could still be close.
Blackheath, so far not at their best, managed a close win at Worthing, but received a heavy defeat at Doncaster entertain a Fylde side still unbeaten with maximum points. The Fylde forwards seem stronger this year and if they can get enough possession for their pacey backs then Blackheath are in for a torrid afternoon.
Another unbeaten side Esher face a long trek north to face a misfiring Blaydon. Despite a difficult 1st half against Henley, Esher pulled away in the 2nd half with their impressive finishing to gain the bonus point win. On the other hand Blaydon with 2 consecutive losses need to quickly find the form of last season. A close game is expected and if Blaydon can show more of their 2nd half form as they came back strongly against Tynedale, then the result might be a lot closer than expected.
Rosslyn Park, the final unbeaten side face a difficult trip to league newcomer Henley Hawks. The Hawks who surprised many with their opening day victory over Tynedale had a strong 1st half performance at Esher and cannot be taken too lightly by Park, who have been finding it difficult to break down defences. A tie that could go either way.
A side yet to win Old Albanian are host to poor travellers Tynedale. Yet Dale will be buoyed by their close but essential win over neighbours Blaydon. Old Albanian still have the pace and experience to beat Tynedale in what could be a high scoring game.
The final game sees the bottom two league sides Cinderford and Hull Ionians meet in the Forest. By a strange quirk of fate both Hull Ionians and Cinderford have lost to Coventry Rugby in their opening fixtures. Form would just about point to a home win but Ionians cannot be written off as they did enough in both their games against Coventry and Doncaster to suggest they could score tries. They have a competitive pack and if they get their backs going then a surprise might be on the cards.
Richmond v Coventry Rugby match preview
This Saturday 21st September sees Coventry Rugby visit the Athletic Ground to meet one of their historical rivals Richmond, with the kick off at 3 pm.
Founded in 1861 Richmond played in the first recorded club fixture against Blackheath in 1864,and were one of the 8 founder clubs of the RFU in 1871.They moved to their present home at the Richmond Athletic Ground in 1889.
The first league match between Coventry Rugby and Richmond occurred in season 1988/9 since then they have met 12 times with honours even with 5 wins apiece and 2 draws. Last season it ended as a 20 all draw at BPA, whilst the away fixture at Richmond saw a somewhat controversial win by the home side 34-33. Last season this closeness between the sides saw Richmond finish in 8th place with Coventry in 9th.
Richmond have had a largely settled side over the past few seasons, only losing scrum half Robbie Shaw to Esher. Key players retained include fullback and goal kicker Tom Platt, and fly half and main goal kicker Louis Grimoldby. James Gibbs a scrumhalf has been in impressive form and the formidable pack has lock Will Warden and experienced Chris Davies either as lock or flanker and back rower Harrison Edwards.
Under Head Coach Steve Hill, Richmond have had a difficult start to their National league 1 campaign having to face two of the pre-season favourites in Esher and Rosslyn Park. Despite losing both fixtures Richmond played well in both, showing enough spirit and ability to restrict their opponents to low scores and even scoring 5 tries of their own.
As usual between these two sides a close and hard fought contest is expected as Richmond look for their first win of the season, whilst Coventry Rugby will be confident that they have the squad and ability this season to build on their start of two successive bonus point wins, as they look to remain in the leading position in the league.
For those travelling themselves to Richmond the full address is The Richmond Athletic Ground, Twickenham, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 2SF. For more detailed information about the Richmond Club and directions please go onto the Richmond Rugby official website whose email address is www.richmondfc.co.uk
Tom Little
Coventry Rugby press office
16th September 2013.
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