By Tom Little.
January 6 2014

Saturday 4th January 2014.

Results Week 17 Saturday 4^th January 2014

Coventry Rugby                 postponed         Richmond         re-arranged 22^nd February

Esher                                     24             20          Blaydon

Fylde                                      33             17         Blackheath

Hull Ionians                           11             23         Cinderford

Loughborough Students       7             27         Wharfedale

Rosslyn Park                         28                6         Henley Hawks

Tynedale                               34               13        Old Albanian

Worthing Raiders                17               21        Doncaster Knights 

Saturday saw the lowest number of tries scored in a round so far this season, just as well it was before some of the lowest crowds. Whether this lack of tries was a combination of poor ground conditions, atrocious weather or a levelling up of standards in this league should become clear as the second half of the season progresses.

The net result was only two teams managed to score a try bonus even in defeat, with none of the top three sides Doncaster, Rosslyn Park and Esher able to do so, allowing the chasing pack led by Fylde to marginally close the gap. The postponement of the Coventry/Richmond game allowed Wharfedale to regain 5^th place in exchange with Coventry.

Tynedale’s home bonus point win puts them only two wins behind 4 other teams that lay above them, a win that must give them hope of salvation and make a lot more teams nervous.

The habitual bridesmaid Worthing Raiders were at it again as they failed once again to get the win, they were just pipped at the post by a relieved Doncaster Knights despite now having an unbelievable 8 losing bonus points. In worsening conditions Doncaster with a seemingly unassailable halftime lead were pulled back by the home side, with the leaders having to hang on for the last 10 minutes. A win that keeps the Knights still 4 points ahead of Rosslyn Park but with Worthing now only 4 points ahead of the danger zone and in urgent need to find a way to convert all those losing bonus points into winning games.

Rosslyn Park duly won their home fixture against Henley Hawks to maintain their 100% home record, although in the end they were unable to get the try bonus. Park were more capable of using the weather conditions as they eased to victory. A win that keeps them within 4 points of leaders Doncaster but leaves Henley Hawks only 6 points ahead of 14^th place.

As expected Esher duly maintained their third position with a closer home win over Blaydon. Despite a 17-3 halftime lead the home side were soon pegged back letting in three tries but in the end the difference was the goal-kicking of Luke Daniels, although once again no try bonus for Esher.

Fylde crept a point closer to the top three with a try bonus win over a Blackheath side whose two late tries somewhat distorted the final score-line. The home side were able to play with their usual free flowing style resulting in another brace of tries for winger Oli Brennand and the obligatory one for lock Paul Arnold. A win that cements Fylde position in 4^th place now only one win behind 2^nd placed Rosslyn Park, but puts Blackheath into the third relegation place.

Steadily fading Loughborough Students, despite an early try were no match for a dominant Wharfedale side who squeezed the Students of possession in the second half. A win that takes Wharfedale into 5^th place overtaking Coventry whose game was postponed.

It was relief around the Wall as Tynedale finally managed a win, this time at home over Old Albanian. Not just a win but a try bonus one as well which at least leaves them just 8 points from safety. The dual registered loan system seemed to work with Plymouth Albion prop Matt Shields scoring 2 tries on his debut.

The final game saw bottom side Hull Ionians lose their 16^th game of the season as they found a Cinderford side with no desire to capitulate. A game that Adam Balding found more to his liking than his appearance against Coventry, as the greater experience of the Foresters told. A win that takes Cinderford out of the bottom three but surely leaves Hull Ionians with no further hope of escape.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office

5^th January 2014.

National league 1 results round up week 17 - round 17...

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 06/01/2014 09:11

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
06/01/2014 09:11

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