Play-Off Round-Up: Blackheath defeat Plymouth, Oundle win at Tynedale and Harrogate shock Rossendale
Blackheath march on to Champ Rugby Accession Final, Oundle win at Tynedale to set up meeting with Birmingham Moseley and Harrogate, Henley and Exeter University will be National Two sides next season. (Photo Credit: Gary House)
National One Promotion Play-Off
Blackheath moved into the Champ Rugby Accession Final following a tense 22-10 win over Plymouth Albion at The Utilita.
A lively and ferocious start from Albion saw them edge 3-0 ahead thanks to the boot of Iwan Jenkins, but Archie Smeaton’s try gave ‘Club’ a 7-3 half-time lead.
After banging at the Plymouth door in the first 40 and being repelled by some excellent away defence, the hosts struck with a quick-fire double after the break.
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Tries from Finn Osborne and then Tom Hughes – either side of a Dan Pullinger yellow card – saw Blackheath stretch their advantage.
A Sam Morley penalty looked to have put ‘Club ‘ in control, but a well-worked Harry Legg score hauled Albion back into it just before the hour.
However, Blackheath were able to succesfully navigate the final quarter to set up a date with either Richmond or London Scottish in two weeks time.
Champ Rugby Accession Final: Richmond or London Scottish v Blackheath – May 23rd
National Two Promotion Play-Offs
Birmingham Moseley progressed to next week’s National One Accession Final after blasting to a 60-15 victory over National Two West runners-up Luctonians.
Travis Bennett-Allcock scored a hat-trick, Ben Pogson crossed twice and Harry Read, Elliott Creed and Harry Gipson also went over at a packed-out Billesley Common.
Mose had led 21-5 at the break, with George Bennett going over for the visitors, while Lucs’ other scores came via Rob Aikman and the aforementioned Bennett.
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Adam Balding and Ollie Thomas’ side – who finished 11th in National One this term – will host Oundle next Saturday after the National Two East runners-up beat Tynedale 29-20 in the North-East.
Oundle got off to a flying start as flanker Jac Arthur rumbled over, but Tyne headed into the interval 13-7 in front following a Joe Hanning score and two Cameron Grant penalties.
Anthony Maka and Charlie Turnbull traded scores, but just after the hour, Freddie Reynolds’ try and a Ben Young penalty moved Oundle 24-20 ahead.
Samson Ma’asi’s try a minute from time then sealed the win for Oundle, who still have back-to-back promotions in their sights.
National 1 Accession Final: Birmingham Moseley v Oundle – May 16th
National Two Accession Finals
Hooker Steve Maycock scored twice as Harrogate stunned Rossendale 21-14 to return to National Two at the first time of asking.
The Aces – who finished third in Regional 1 North East – beat Alnwick and Anselmians to reach the National Two Accession Finals, and will be back playing Level Four rugby next term.
The Yorkshire outfit brutally punished yellow cards shown to Thomas Clark and Sam Bedlow, with Maycock profiting after both were dismissed.
It was then Rossendale’s turn to capitalise on a sin-binning – with Ethan Fourie going over after Jake Brady saw yellow – but Sam Brady’s try on the hour extended Harrogate’s lead.
Bedlow did score five minutes from time, but it was too little, too late for Rossendale who have dropped out of National League Rugby.
There was better news for Henley Hawks and Exeter University, who both secured their National Two status.
Post match interview with Luke DOR following our relegation playoff win against @tunwellsrfc 🏆 best of luck to them for next season. Great to see Sam Lunnon with the last touch of the game for Hawks ending his career with the Hawks and secure a conversion 👏👏👏 and our oldest… pic.twitter.com/CM6tgqRJS5
— Henley Hawks Rugby (@HenleyHawks) May 9, 2026
Henley beat Tunbridge Wells 43-7, with four second-half tries sealing the deal for Luke Allen’s side.
Sam Lunnon – on his final appearance for Henley – James Leach, Spencer Hayhow and Toby Howe all crossed after a 17-7 half-time scoreline.
As for Exeter University, it was a more straightforward assignment as they cruised to a 64-10 win over Stourbridge.
The National Two West side scored 10 tries with Harry Woodman, Felix Starkey, Alex Osborn, Jed Findlay, Freddie Skinner, and Isaac Godfrey all going over before half-time.
In front of Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter, the university outfit completed the job with further scores from Findlay, Skinner, James Howard and Jack O’Kelly.
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