The National League One, leagues Two South and North rugby competitions all roared back into life this weekend just passed, after the well-deserved Christmas break. Gratefully, only two games were postponed all weekend ensuring that all supporters go their fix in what ended up being a fascinating weekend.
David Challis is here to bring you all the action from all the National Leagues. From Caldy continuing to light up National One, Fyle, and Sedgley Park closing the gap in National Two North as well as Esher and Clifton keeping the pace in National Two South, the promotion races in all three leagues seriously hotted up.
National League Rugby results – week ending Sunday, January 9
National One – Tight Clashes up and down the Table
Of the seven matches in National One this week, five of them finished with less than a score between the two sides. This is hardly uncommon in this league this year, every side has shown the propensity to defeat any other on any given day.
Most notably this week Caldy and Cambridge picked up famous wins against Cinderford and Sale FC respectively. This has taken the aforementioned two sides into the top four and further hots up the race for promotion.
📸 | Match Action
A selection of match shots from our 26-24 Home win against 2nd place @cinderfordrfc
🤝 | Pictures courtesy of Steve Flynn
Visit this link for the full gallery: https://t.co/iDZ10I33B7#Ravers pic.twitter.com/vEuLMnBrGx
— Caldy RFC (@CaldyRFC) January 10, 2022
Rossyln Park survived a late scare from Leeds Tykes to stay top of the league. Whilst out of form Rams scored late to steal a victory over Tonbridge Juddians who led for the majority of the match. This led the kent-side further adrift at the bottom of the table but demonstrated just how close this league can be.
National Two South – Five way battle at the top
Just six points separate the top five sides in National Two South making the race for promotion one of the most exciting in years. Henley and Worthing picked up two tight victories to close the gap at the top, whilst Clifton kept up their relentless pace to keep their place at the top of the league.
Redruth were the early leaders of National Two South but have stumbled in recent weeks. A side normally strong at home, but on this occasion, Barnes traveled to the South West to pick up a famous victory to lift them into the top half of the table.
Next weekend, Redruth has to make the difficult trip to Henley who have been resurgent in recent weeks. Who comes out on top in this clash could prove pivotal in the promotion battle race to National One.
National Two North – Hull Pull Away at the Top
Hull have performed strongly all season and this weekend began to really show their class at the top of the table. A resounding victory over Stourbridge extended their lead to five points. This coupled with a defeat for Sedley Park, puts Hull City in control of the league.
Full time at Chants Ave where Stourbridge were the visitors…#HullRUFC #HullRugbyUnion @BealHomes pic.twitter.com/4hc9finoFX
— Hull RUFC (@hullrugbyunion) January 8, 2022
However, the chasing pack of Rotherham Titans, Sedley Park, Fylde, and Stourbridge remain in contention despite slip-ups this weekend. Consistency will be the key over the coming weeks for all the chasing pack as they look to reign in high-flying Hull.
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