By Tom Little.
December 16 2013

Saturday 14th December 2013.

Results Week 15 - 14^th December 2013

Blackheath                      20         23          Wharfedale

Doncaster Knights         39         30          Coventry Rugby

Esher                                36          5          Cinder ford

Fylde                                  9           5           Blaydon

Loughborough St            16        10          Henley Hawks

Rosslyn Park                    48          0          Hull Ionians

Tynedale                          24        32          Richmond

Worthing Raiders           31        32          Old Albanian 

The final games of the half-season saw no real surprises despite the variable weather as three of the then top 4 sides all had bonus point wins, although leaders Doncaster Knights needed a second half fight-back to run out comfortable winners over an injury hit Coventry side.

Doncaster Knights found themselves 20-6 down in the first half against a determined Coventry Rugby side who had the benefit of the wind. A couple of 1^st half tries by returning winger/coach Dougie Flockhart proved decisive as the home side only trailed by 18-23 at half-time. They turned the screw in the second half with the wind and a further 2 tries followed including a somewhat harsh penalty try with Flockhart kicking 4 penalties to give the leaders a deserved win. The lack of a losing bonus point drops Coventry from 3rd to 6^th place.

As expected 2^nd placed Rosslyn Park had an easy 8 try win over hapless bottom side Hull Ionians who had no answer to the pace and power on display throughout the Park side, a team that has been the most consistent this first half of the season.

Third placed Esher also had their expected bonus point victory over Cinderford. A lead at half-time by 24-0 already with the try bonus point set them on their way and despite having two yellow cards late tries gave the home side an easy victory, which keeps them just 6 points behind Doncaster but leaves Cinderford just 1 point from the relegation zone.

Wharfedale continues to surprise many with a rare away win at Blackheath probably at the same time giving nightmares to their treasurer as their 11^th win put them in 4^th place. Not for the first time this season the league’s leading goal-kicker Tom Barrett proved crucial in this close contest, with his late drop goal winning it for Dale after Blackheath had fought back to equalise.

The Northern clash between Fylde and Blaydon was affected by the atrocious weather and somewhat against the odds the Fylde team coped better with the conditions despite shipping a first half try. Great home defence and three Chris Johnson penalties proved to be the match winner as  Fylde stay in 5^th place but equal on points with 4^th placed Wharfedale, with both sides meeting next week.

Loughborough Students kept in touch with the top six with a close fought victory over Henley Hawks. The Students always had the slight edge in the backs, especially with impressive winger Craig Dowsett whose break and try proved decisive and allowed them to see out the second half despite Henley’s efforts near the line. A loss that leaves the Hawks just two wins ahead of the danger zone.

Worthing Raiders had only themselves to blame as they let a 5 tries to 2 advantage slip, with too many errors and poor discipline against Old Albanian. The visitors fly-half Lawrence Rayner needed no more encouragement as he kicked 6 penalties and 2 conversions to just shade it for Old Albanian. A win that leaves Old Albanian safe in 9^th place but puts Worthing Raiders only 6 points ahead of the relegation zone. Nervous times ahead I think for Mr Dawson.

The final game saw Richmond make their long trek up north worthwhile as their pack became more and more dominant as the game went on, as they had a bonus point win over Tynedale. Yet Dale had started so well going into an early 17-0 lead but they were soon exposed in the forwards and Richmond started to show their better form of late. The loss of two influential front rowers didn’t help as a ruthless Richmond took full control, helped by 4 second half tries including a penalty one.

The loss by Tynedale still keeps them 7 points from safety but gives 11^th placed Richmond a much better cushion 7 points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office

15^th December 2013.

National league 1 results round up week 15 - round 15...

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 16/12/2013 17:59

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
16/12/2013 17:59

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