The Final Run In - A Battle for Survival

Below are the remaining fixtures for those in the bottom 5. Whilst there are other teams who are still at risk, it is not unreasonable to exclude them from this review. Darlington MP are included as they have not as yet had their Old Elthamians bye weekend and are involved in a couple of the key fixtures.

Albion's next three games could well hold the key to survival with the next game being against Tonbride Juddians. Victory would sentence TJ to relegation and provide valuable points to Albion's campaign. Whilst providing Albion's best chance let's not forget that Albion lost at Tonbridge 12-10. Following this will be opportunies against Darlington and Leeds, both in the mix but as away fixtures it should be noted that Albion have not travelled well this season. The last home fixture against Taunton could be a pressure game with Taunton expected to be safe by this stage. The last fixure against Rosslyn needs to be avoided as a 'must win'.

Darlington have had a relatively good run of form recently, lifting them away from the relegaion zone, but they only have 4 fixtures remaining, 2 of which will be against sides battling for their own survival. Their current points tally should keep them safe from relegation but Darlington's next home game is against Albion and defeat could bring DMP well into the relegation mix. Another opportunity for Albion to bring home points as the reverse fixture at Brickfields was one of the their best 49-22

Leeds have a relatively easy run in plus a game in hand. Their recent form has also improved, although defeat against Albion would put a serious dent in their survival hopes. They too have fixtures against Tonbridge & DMP and will certainly be looking at these as a means to secure their Nat 1 future. Their final game against Cinderford will be a 'post' season affair which could determine the final relegation position.

Finally there is Blackheath who pulled of a surprise victory against second place Rosslyn Park. That said, they too only have 4 fixtures remaining, 3 of which are away and 3 against (theoretically) stronger oppostion. Their best opportunity is next weekend against Bishops Stortford who lie 10th. Defeat there could put them in serious trouble.