By Tom Little.
March 10 2013

Saturday 9th March 2013

Results 9^th March

Blackheath                             8             30             Coventry

Blaydon                                 32              6             Sedgley Park

Esher                                      43           26             Cambridge

Fylde                                      35           10              Rosslyn Park

Loughborough Students     19          18              Tynedale

Old Albanian                         29          32               Ealing Tfs

Richmond                              15          17               Macclesfield

Wharfedale                           22            8                Cinderford       

Pride of place this week must go to Macclesfield whose last gasp win at Richmond brings them within one win of Wharfedale and Tynedale in their attempted escape from relegation. Whatever happens it looks like perm any one from these three for the drop. With losses for Sedgley Park and Cambridge surely no way back for them.   

Once again leaders Ealing proved their credentials coming from behind to maintain their inexorable march to the Championship, a sign of a good side to win when under pressure.  Still maintaining their 13 point advantage over Blaydon, Ealing had to dig deep with a winning late try over a resilient Old Albanian side ahead for most of the match despite a poor goal kicking display by Tom Wheatcroft for the second week running.

Blaydon not only kept their slim Championship homes alive but virtually condemned visitors Sedgley Park to relegation. Once again the home pack proved decisive orchestrating the bonus point win.

Esher consolidated third place with another bonus point win over a Cambridge side, who despite being 29 points down staged a late recovery to get a try bonus point. An injury hit Esher side found the Cambridge side a different proposition in the second half as they had nothing to lose, but once again a poor start by Cambridge lost them the game.

Fylde now on a run of three wins put their illustrious high flying visitors to the sword in the second half, which put Rosslyn Park firmly back in 4^th place but lifts the home side to fifth. Two late tries after an Oli Brennand interception, proved the difference and the title chase is now over this season for Park.

Macclesfield kept their survival chances alive with a hard fought victory away at Richmond, their fifth win in a row. The game fluctuated and it took a last minute try by Macclesfield and twice taken conversion by Tom Eaton to take the full 4 points. A win that brings them to just one win of Wharfedale and Tynedale just above them, with 7 games left.

Wharfedale did their chances of survival no harm with a hard fought win over Cinderford, which was only their 2^nd win from their last 10 games. The home pack was on top and Tom Barrett took advantage with 4 penalties as they ran out deserved winners. However with Macclesfield also gaining 4 points they are still only 4 points ahead of their rival.

The other team threatened with relegation, Tynedale lost a close game to Loughborough Students, who had the goal kicking of Andy Hall to thank. Dale let slip a half time lead to two Hall penalties and a try and the Students managed to hang on despite extreme pressure from the visitors. A loss that puts Tynedale too close to Macclesfield being only 5 points ahead with 7 games left.

The final game saw arguably Coventry Rugby best away performance of the season as they managed to put behind them the apparent injustices of the past two games in a comprehensive win over their historical rivals Blackheath. With the game being run by their two play makers Cliffie Hodgson and fly half Will Maisey, Coventry ran out deserved winners. Hodgson was back to his goal kicking best after last week’s difficulties, which brings him to just one point behind leading kicker Tom Wheatcroft.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office

10^th March 2013

National league 1 round 24 results round up...

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 10/03/2013 18:04

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
10/03/2013 18:04

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