National league 1 results round up week 6...

...Saturday 12th October 2013.

Results Week 6 - 12^th October.

Cinderford                   34          34           Henley Hawks

Coventry Rugby          24          10           Old Albanian

Esher                            28          20           Blackheath

Hull Ionians                   5          30           Blaydon

Loughborough St        23           7           Fylde

Richmond                     19         36          Doncaster 

Rosslyn Park                 51         20          Wharfedale

Tynedale                       37         31          Worthing Raiders 

A Saturday with no real surprises; helped by 4 of the top 5 sides being at home.  All 5 sides managed to win but with both Loughborough and Coventry Rugby unable to get the try bonus point, not helped by torrential rainfall.  Wins that leave Doncaster Knights ahead on 30 points closely followed by the Students on 26 and 3 further teams including Coventry Rugby all on 24 points.

Doncaster Knights consolidated their lead by a bonus point win at Richmond. Not for the first time this season the clinical finishing of the leaders proved decisive helped by the finishing power of winger Tyson Lewis and the goal kicking of Paul Roberts. Yet Richmond gave a good account of themselves, still in reach until late in the game.

Loughborough Students had far too much pace in beating Fylde. Trying to play a fast counter attacking game the Students were somewhat hindered by the poor conditions and it needed a late interception try by full back Jack Pons to make certain of the points. A win that keeps the Students clear in 2^nd place although there were thwarted in trying to keep their 100% try bonus record.

Coventry Rugby had their own inclement weather to contend with in beating Old Albanian. With the Coventry pack having something to prove after their display against Blaydon last week, it was fitting that they stood up to their task, denying OA any forward platform. With Matt Jones pulling the strings after half time Coventry ran out comfortable winners, a win that keeps them in 3^rd position.

Esher had a difficult home fixture with one of their old rivals in Blackheath. Seemingly in control by half time Esher failed to get their try bonus in the second, as Blackheath staged something of a fight back. Once again the try scoring and goal kicking of leading scorer Luke Daniels proved the difference as the home side fought off a late surge to stop Blackheath even getting a losing bonus point.

Rosslyn Park took over from Esher in 4^th place with their win at home to Wharfedale. For the second week running Park managed to get a try bonus point, helped it has to be said by an influential yellow card to Wharfedale late in the first half. Once again Wharfedale found it difficult on their travels as Rosslyn Park, with former Ealing full back Peter Hodgkinson getting back to last season’s form, giving them the cutting edge. Out gunned up front Wharfedale were well beaten and with Park now finding some attacking prowess behind their powerful pack, it sets them up nicely for the rest of the season.

Cinderford and Henley Hawks shared an exciting 11 try game in a 3 point each draw. With Henley seemingly out of reach at half time leading 29-10, it took a late surge from the Foresters to fight back and actually lead with a few minutes to go. Henley then scored a try but the conversion drifted wide leaving an honourable score draw.

There was another high scoring contest as Tynedale beat their visitors Worthing Raiders. Despite trailing at half-time the Tynedale pack were always more dominant as they fought back in the second half to overtake Worthing. With both sides sharing 10 tries it was again the defensive frailties that cost the Raiders the game, but once again they proved they have the try scoring ability and should survive in this league with their ability to pick up points.

The final game, or should it be an obituary saw Hull Ionians lose their 6^th consecutive game as Blaydon were their visitors. As Blaydon showed in their win over Coventry, it was only a matter of time before they started to put a winning run together. Always in control both through their forwards and the finishing pace of their backs Blaydon were always in control although did leave it late to get their try bonus point.  A loss that leaves Hull Ionians staring into the abyss and really nowhere else to go.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office

13^th October 2013.