NL1: Week 1 - Previews

By Tom Little
September 2 2016

It’s that time of the year again as supporters dream of things to come, will it end in heartbreak or one that matches supporters often exalted expectations.

The first round of matches involve 2 fixtures involving 4 of the top 5 sides meeting each other.

Fixtures Week 1 3rd September

Ampthill & District      v       Rosslyn Park

Blaydon                         v       Old Albanian                      14.30

Coventry Rugby           v       Loughborough Students

Esher                              v      Macclesfield

Fylde                              v       Birmingham Moseley

Hartpury College          v      Blackheath                          14.30

Hull Ionians                    v     Darlington Mowden Park

Plymouth Albion            v     Cambridge

One of the pre-season favourites Rosslyn Park, travel to Ampthill & District. Both sides have apparently improved their squads, with Park marginally the better. A close contest is in prospect with Rosslyn Park hoping for a better start than last season which scuppered their promotion hopes. A difficult one to predict.

Blaydon entertain newly promoted Old Albanian up in the north-east. Last season saw the home side struggle to get clear of the relegation zone, helped eventually by loan players from Newcastle Falcons. However they have always had a settled side especially in the pack. They should be too strong at home for an Old Albanian side which may need time to get acclimatised to NL1.

Two sides who struggled to make an impact last season Coventry Rugby and Loughborough Students meet at the Butts Park Arena. Coventry did not live up to their own expectations, whilst the Students struggled with relegation right up to the end of the season. Wholesale changes both on and off the field see Coventry with a largely  new squad which will take time to settle, but should  still be too strong at home against the Students.

Esher, who have flattered to deceive over the past few seasons are quietly confident with some judicious and experienced signings, have newly promoted Macclesfield as their opponents. Macclesfield are confident that this time around they can survive in NL1, but in travelling to Esher may find it is too much of a step up.

Fylde also struggled last season despite having a settled side meet former Championship side Birmingham Moseley who travel up to the coast. An intriguing contest in prospect as both sides have excellent backs but can be suspect in their respective packs. The home side should have a small advantage playing at home and with a more settled side.

It is 2nd against 3rd from last season as Hartpury College entertain Blackheath. Some key players still remain for Hartpury but the newcomers may need time to settle. However in facing Blackheath they face a stern test as the London side have been bullish in their expectations for the coming season. Some key signings will make the visitors slight favourites.

Hull Ionians surprised many pundits by surviving last season entertain a Darlington Mowden Park side which has seen a large number of key players both arrive and depart. Hull Ionians have quietly signed more experienced players and will be confident enough at home to shade this one. DMP may require time to settle in their new squad.

The final game sees Plymouth Albion, who had a traumatic end to season as well as a difficult pre-season due to financial constraints meet newly promoted Cambridge. A new coaching set up at both sides sees a close link up between Exeter Chiefs and Albion, whilst a new coach has arrived at Cambridge from Northampton Saints. Another high turnover of players for Albion may see them require time to settle but should be too strong at home especially amongst the pack to win this one.

National League 1: Week 1: Previews

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 02/09/2016 11:45

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
02/09/2016 11:45

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