Pre-Season Latest: Clubs step up preparations with new season just around the corner
Catch up on the latest pre-season action as clubs step up their preparations with the new campaign edging ever closer. (Photo Credit: Andrew Hargraves)
National One
Friday night saw Cambridge take on old foes Bedford Blues at Goldington Road, but last season’s Champ Rugby semi-finalists proved too strong for the National One outfit.
The Blood and Sand fell to a 76-5 defeat, with back-row Ted Warner scoring Cambridge’s only try of the evening.
Birmingham Moseley – Cambridge’s first opponents in National One on September 5th – had a double-header in Wales, coming away with a win and a defeat. On Friday, they edged past Llanelli Wanderers 14-12 before suffering a 21-7 defeat to Carmarthen Quins on Saturday.
Two National One sides went head-to-head at The Rock, with Rosslyn Park coming from behind to beat London Scottish 34-19. Park trailed 19-17 with 10 minutes remaining before tries from Luke Mehson, Sam Kennaugh and Sam Winter sealed victory.
In the North West, Sale FC ran riot against National Two North newcomers Heath, winning 83-14 at Heywood Road. Emerging talent Arthur Scrase was among the scorers and crossed four times.
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Saturday saw Bury St Edmunds beat National Two East outfit Westcombe Park 38-12, while Dings Crusaders lost 40-31 to Super Rygbi Cymru side Ebbw Vale.
Leeds Tykes drew 26-26 with Kelso up in Scotland, while Plymouth Albion suffered a 35-21 defeat to Champ side Cornish Pirates in front of a healthy crowd of 1,757 at Brickfields.
Ryan Lamb’s side had taken a 14-0 lead, with new signing Morgan Eames getting on the scoresheet, but the visitors fought back to take control and claim victory.
Over in South Wales, Rams saw a 24-point lead disappear as they fell to a 52-29 defeat against Aberavon.
Harry Bicknell, Connor Burns – who scored twice – and Axel Kalling-Smith all crossed in the first half as Rams built a commanding advantage. But the Wizards then flicked a switch, mounting a stirring comeback to turn the game around.
National Two North
Hull Ionians, who finished fourth last term, got their pre-season off to a strong start with a 43-7 victory over Scarborough on Friday evening.
On Saturday, Chester edged past Mold RFC 10-7, while Tynedale fought back to secure a late 42-42 draw away to National Two West side Hinckley.
Elsewhere, Huddersfield beat Macclesfield in Cheshire 68-12, Sedgley Park recorded an impressive 36-27 victory over National One side Sheffield at Park Lane and Preston Grasshoppers clinched a 26-12 triumph over Blackburn.
Sheffield Tigers also came out on top, beating Bournville 46-31 at Dore Moor and Wharfedale won 50-12 against Old Rishworthians, with forward Henry Ellison scoring twice.
National Two East
In their second pre-season outing, National Two East newcomers Jersey RFC claimed a 29-24 victory away at Bournemouth.
There was also an away win for London Welsh, who beat Clifton 40-30 at Station Road, with new signing Buster Wilkins scoring twice for the visitors.
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Dorking made it two wins from two in pre-season with an entertaining 48-31 victory over National One side Bishop’s Stortford, while Esher edged past Exeter University 32-28 at Molesey Road.
Havant surpassed the half-century for the second consecutive week, beating National Two West side Hornets 57-21 at Hooks Lane while Oundle were beaten 71-19 by Champ side Rotherham Titans away from home.
Elsewhere, Tom Varndell’s Leicester Lions side visited Lutterworth and came away with a 33-14 success.
National Two West
Luctonians, who begin their National Two West campaign with a tasty fixture against Hinckley, warmed up for the new season with a 46-7 victory over Welsh side Blaina RFC.
Redruth also enjoyed a high-scoring win, beating Penzance & Newlyn 45-27. Matt Blewitt crossed twice, while the impressive Rohan Ewels was also among the scorers.
Elsewhere, Devonport Services got the better of Launceston on Friday night, running out 39-28 winners and Cinderford lost 77-14 against Pontypool.
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