National league 1 week 28 - Saturday 5th April 2014...
By Tom Little.
March 31 2014
...match previews including Rosslyn Park v Coventry Rugby.
Fixtures Week 28 - Round 28 5th April.
Blackheath v Old Albanian
Doncaster Knights v Wharfedale
Esher v Hull Ionains
Fylde v Henley Hawks
Loughborough Students v Richmond
Rosslyn Park v Coventry Rugby
Tynedale v Cinderford
Worthing Raiders v Blaydon
Appropriately as the “Game of Thrones” recommences, Coventry Rugby take on the role of either Kingmaker or Kingslayer, as they face the leading two protagonists in successive weeks.
A Saturday of key games at both ends of the spectrum, with leaders Doncaster Knights ahead of Rosslyn Park by just 4 points with them both at home facing potentially tricky opponents. The chase to avoid relegation is also hotting up with just 8 points separating the 5 teams involved in avoiding the 2 remaining relegation places.
This week Rosslyn Park have Coventry Rugby as their visitors which is certainly game of the week. Having beaten Doncaster last week Rosslyn Park will view this game as a must win, although after Coventry Rugby’s demolition of Esher they will want to build on this performance and will be no easy target. A full match preview of this game will follow at the end of this general preview.
A slightly easier match is in prospect as Doncaster Knights have Wharfedale as their visitors. Dale come to Doncaster after their close but crucial win at Old Albanian so will be confident as they face a Doncaster side still reeling from their defeat at Rosslyn Park. The result might be closer than first expected but the greater need of the leaders should prove decisive.
Another must win for the home side is at Worthing as the Raiders have Blaydon as their visitors. Despite a good try scoring record Worthing have been unable to turn this ability into many wins and in Blaydon they will find an abrasive and more effective pack. Another loss for the home side will surely seal their fate.
Another nervous game is in prospect as Tynedale entertain Cinderford. Much better recent form from the home side has left them just needing one win for safety and although Cinderford still have two games in hand over their rivals, a loss will put more pressure on them. Tynedale with their better all round game should be successful.
Henley Hawks will also be nervously looking over their shoulder as they travel to Fylde. Still only one point ahead of safety Henley will have to face a Fylde side smarting from a poor result at Richmond. However unless Henley can nullify the home backs Fylde should run out the winners.
Another side struggling to keep clear of the danger zone Loughborough Students have a difficult home tie with Richmond. A poor run of form and results has left the Students vulnerable and they cannot fancy having to meet an in form Richmond side still euphoric after beating Fylde. The Richmond pack is once again expected to be dominant and too much for the Students to handle.
Esher, after their mauling at Coventry face a more gentle occasion as they entertain already relegated Hull Ionians. Taking last week’s performance as a one off Esher should be too strong for the Ionians.
The final game sees Blackheath with Old Albanian as their visitors. Both sides suffered losses last Saturday more surprising was that of Old Albanian at home to Wharfedale. With Blackheath still possibly needing one win for safety they should be too strong for their visitors.
Rosslyn Park v Coventry Rugby match preview.
This Saturday 5th April at the Priory Lane ground with kick off at 3pm sees Coventry Rugby travel to Rosslyn Park for this crucial fixture which will have a significant bearing on whether it is Park or Doncaster Knights who will be promoted.
Rosslyn Park founded in 1879 just 5 years after Coventry Rugby. The last three seasons has seen Park make steady progression in this league finishing 4th last season. With genuine Championship aspirations under Head Coach Alex Codling more progress has been made this season as they are currently in 2nd place just 4 points behind leaders Doncaster Knights after last week’s crucial home win over their rivals 21-18.
Currently Rosslyn Park have won 22 games, the same as Doncaster and have had 4 losses and 1 draw, only behind the leaders by dint of them having gained fewer bonus points. The games they have lost were at Fylde, Blaydon and a close loss at Doncaster, also an away draw at Henley Hawks. The only team to lower their colours at home was another close fought game against Blackheath. Earlier in the season they won by 19-18 over Coventry Rugby a game that was as close as the score suggests.
Rosslyn Park have managed to keep the majority of last season’s squad, augmented by some excellent signings such as full-back Peter Hodgkinson and Back Row Sam Shires both from Ealing Tfs. Centre Henry Staff has moved from Bedford Blues and speedy dr winger Joe Ajuwa from London Welsh. Already an experienced pack has been improved with James Ingliss a lock from Esher, with hooker Adam Bellamy from Dings and flanker Harry Broadbent from Caldy.
A significant number of players have been retained from last season including captain at no 8 Hugo Ellis, winger Charlie Broughton and centre Ed Lewis-Pratt. More speed is found with winger Dave Vincent and there is an abundance of skill at scrum-half with Matt Heeks and Jack Gash.
Fly-half Scott Sneddon has taken over the role including goal-kicking from Sam Katz and is already the league’s third highest kicker.
More experience is found in the pack, which is one of Park’s strengths with props Aaron Liffchak and Laurence Ovens, with locks Richard Boyle and Will Bowley.
Last season Rosslyn Park did the double over Coventry Rugby and Coventry will be looking to stop this happening again. A crucial game for Park as they do need this win to keep the pressure on Doncaster, as a loss would probably end their chances.
Two well matched sides especially amongst the forwards so a close fought and no quarter battle is expected as Coventry Rugby continue to put down a marker for next season. Rosslyn Park have the meanest defence in the league, although Coventry did manage to score two tries against them at the BPA. Another large crowd is expected with Coventry Rugby expecting a large number of their own supporters to make the trip.
Tom Little
Coventry Rugby press office
1st April 2014.
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