By Tom Little
October 13 2014

Week 6 Results - 11th October 2014.

Blaydon                    29        38         Rosslyn Park

Cinderford                11       15         Coventry Rugby

Esher                         32       19          Darlington Mowden Park

Hartpury College     24       32          Fylde

Macclesfield             24       60         Tynedale

Old Albanian             13      28          Loughborough Students

Richmond                  16      26          Ealing Tfs

Wharfedale               12      52          Blackheath

With 7 out of the top 8 teams all winning there was something of the feeling of inevitability over last Saturday’s results, with no less than 5 of these sides winning away from home. The importance of having incisive and fast wingers was also a feature of most games.

Before a gate of over 1400 the game of Week 6 was the clash of the two unbeaten sides Richmond at home to Ealing Tfs. Richmond found it a step too far as they faced the only full-time side in NL1.Once again the kicking of Rob Kirby kept them in the game until the third quarter, the visitors greater power and strength took their toll as Ealing gained the bonus point. Once again the form of winger Phil Chesters proved decisive with his 7^th try of the season.

Two more wingers on show as Oli Brennand and Jordan Dorrington helped Fylde negotiate a potentially difficult game at Hartpury College. This game was a classic contest between the College pack and the visitors backs. With Brennand and Dorrington in sparkling form together with the probing of new recruit centre Scott Rawlings, Hartpury had no answer to the pace and finishing power. This bonus point win moves Fylde up to 2^nd place and only 3 points behind leaders Ealing Tfs.

Third placed Rosslyn Park duly obtained their bonus point win at Blaydon but not before they had to withstand a brave fight-back just before half-time. The visitors largely controlled the 2^nd half helped with another winger’s try by Joe Ajuwa, although credit to the Blaydon side who came back with a late try earning them the bonus point. This win puts Park just 3 points behind Ealing.

Visitors Darlington Mowden Park led Esher at half-time .Somewhat of a feisty encounter saw Esher maintain their 100% home record   helped by former Worthing centre Ollie Richards and former Coventry winger Spencer Sutherland, whose influence and finishing in the second half were the difference. With Esher also unveiling plans for a new stand and relevant facilities they are showing that they have future aspirations.

Coventry Rugby found that Cinderford are a difficult team to beat on their own ground. Matters were not helped by a monsoon like downpour during the first half, which made handling a lottery for both sides as both struggled to find any continuity and fluidity. In the end the goal-kicking of Cliffie Hodgson proved decisive with  5 penalties, as Coventry largely controlled the second half, a win that keeps Coventry Rugby in 6^th place.

Ten tries for Tynedale said it all against Macclesfield who are still looking for their first league win. Yet a brave first half performance had seen them score two tries but still narrowly behind at half-time. Dale then turned on the pressure with centre Ben Frankland getting his fourth try of the game, leaving the home side firmly ensconced at the bottom of the league, with the worst defensive record.

The defensive frailties shown in the first half at Coventry were again on show as Wharfedale shipped  5 first half tries to visitors Blackheath. This time it was more self- induced  errors that let in a dominant Blackheath pack led by those two gnarled stalwarts lock Tom Bason and No 7 Dave Allen, although the home side did show a bit more urgency in the second half. Too little and too late.

The final game saw the meeting of the previously winless sides Old Albanian and Loughborough Students. The Students took the honours in a match that the home side struggled to match the fitness and pace of the Students,. It was fly-half Josh Sharp who pointed the way with his goal-kicking and effective control of the game including a try. Another loss that leaves OA back in 15^th place, and in serious trouble.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office

13^th October 2014.

Week 6 - league 1 round up 11/10/2014

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 13/10/2014 09:21

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
13/10/2014 09:21

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