National League 1 week 5...
By Tom Little.
October 6 2013
5th October 2013 results round up.
Week 5 Results 5th October
Blackheath 35 23 Tynedale
Blaydon 21 16 Coventry Rugby
Doncaster Knights 29 24 Fylde
Henley Hawks 40 20 Hull Ionians
Old Albanian 24 27 Rosslyn Park
Richmond 55 20 Cinderford
Wharfedale 20 19 Esher
Worthing Raiders 24 43 Loughborough Students
The only top six side to have more than one score between them and their opponents either in defeat or winning was Loughborough Students who have now advanced to 2nd place. There were narrow squeaks for leaders Doncaster Knights and unbeaten Rosslyn Park, whilst both Coventry Rugby and Esher lost their unbeaten records in the far reaches of the north. Results that also left Hull Ionians the only side yet to win. A league that continues to surprise and torment those poor souls willing to predict the end result!
Doncaster Knights almost lost their unbeaten record when they faced Fylde at home. Fylde took an early lead yet the Knights with the experienced Dougie Flockhart brought them back into the game with his try and goal kicking. Another late fight back this time by Fylde almost brought them the win as the Knights defended well at the end. Another two tries for Paul Arnold instead of yellow cards were a bonus for Fylde.
Previously unbeaten Coventry Rugby came across a Blaydon pack in imperious form, whose second half performance belied their league position but was more in line with last season’s performances. Good home defence also proved decisive but a late Coventry try gave them a losing bonus point which may prove crucial come the end of the season.
Esher another previously unbeaten side were beaten away at Wharfedale. Are Dale turning into the surprise side after last season’s tribulations? Certainly the return of Rob Baldwin makes a difference. Seemingly out of it at half-time a late 2nd half surge just edged it for the home side, leaving Esher to reflect on what might have been.
Loughborough Students found their freshers week trip to the seaside to their liking as they ran in 7 tries against Worthing Raiders. With the Students seemingly out of sight by half-time Worthing did manage to score 3 second half tries to give them a try bonus point, but once again the clinical finishing of the Students and the woeful home defence was the difference. Worthing need to quickly learn this harsh lesson or they will be back in the league below.
Apart from Doncaster the only other unbeaten side is Rosslyn Park who managed a close victory away to Old Albanian. Despite losing at half-time Old Albanian came back strongly in the second half but they were unable to cope with the goal kicking and early try by Sam Katz as the visitors saw out the half, although once again a try bonus point was not scored.
Blackheath maintained their top half position with a hard fought victory at home to Tynedale. The home backs were always on top but it still needed a late try to make the victory safe and calm jangled nerves. Another loss by Tynedale puts them in 15th place and now behind local rivals Blaydon.
Richmond got their deserved second win in a row in beating a sadly out of sorts Cinderford side. A hat-trick by winger James Greenwood and an impressive display by fly-half Rob Kirby put the home side always in control as they now start to move up the league. Cinderford on the other hand are down to 13th place and really need to quickly find some form.
The final game of Week 5/Round 5 saw the battle of the league newcomers Henley Hawks and Hull Ionia. By half-time Henley already had a try bonus point and although Hull Ionians fought back in the second half it was a little too late. A win that maintains Henley Hawks fine unbeaten home record but leaves Hull Ionians wondering where their first league win will come from. A loss that leaves Ionians adrift in bottom place and now still the only side yet to win a game.
Tom Little
Coventry Rugby press office
6th October 2013.
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