Round Five Review: Leagues starting to take shape, October openings and plenty of the unpredictable
We’re only five rounds in, but battles at the top may have begun to shift the dial while after a gruelling September, the start of a new month brought fresh optimism for some. (Photo Credit: Gareth Lyons)
National One
One of Round Five’s headline clashes came in a blustery South-West London, where Rosslyn Park (2nd) maintained their perfect start to the season with a 29–14 victory, ending Plymouth Albion’s (4th) unbeaten run in the process.
Two tries in each half – courtesy of Charles Piper, Tom Stanton, Benji Marfo, and Ewan Fenley – as well as a solid defensive shift ensured last season’s runners-up continued their impressive form as they passed another stern test of their title credentials.
The challenges show no sign of easing for Steve Neville and Kieran Power’s men, who travel to league leaders Rotherham Titans next Saturday in what promises to be an early-season blockbuster.
The Titans, themselves, will head into that Round Six clash battle-hardened after eventually overcoming Leicester Lions (13th) 41–25 in the Midlands.
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Winless heading into the contest, the Lions threatened to upset the odds – leading 25–24 with 16 minutes to play – before late tries from Harry Newborn, Morgan Veness, and Jackson Barling sealed victory and maintained Rotherham’s faultless start to the season.
The standout drama of the weekend unfolded at Silver Leys, where Albert Bradshaw’s last-gasp try snatched a 20–15 win for Sedgley Park (8th) over an injury-stricken Bishop’s Stortford (9th).
Elsewhere, Blackheath climbed to third as a hat-trick from hooker Billy Harding and a brace from Jake Hennessey propelled ‘Club’ to a 36–31 victory over Dings Crusaders (10th) in Bristol.
In Yorkshire, Rams (5th) battled both the conditions and a resilient Leeds Tykes (14th) side to secure a 19–7 win. Yellow cards shown to Tom Collins, Aarin Yorke, and Will Dennis – within a six-minute window – proved costly for the hosts, as Rams’ pressure told through Zach Clow and Max Hayman.
Meanwhile, Sale FC (6th) extended their winning streak to three matches as they punished Clifton (11th) errors to record a 24-17 success on the road and Tonbridge Juddians (7th) were inspired by one of last season’s promotion heroes as scrum-half Connor Lloyd crossed for a hat-trick in their 31–17 triumph against Birmingham Moseley (12th).
National Two North
Hull (11th) registered their first win of the campaign, defeating Billingham (12th) 33–24 at the Ferrens Ground.
Signs of improvement may have been seen in recent outings against Preston Grasshoppers and Fylde, but Dec Cusack’s side finally made their breakthrough.
Despite receiving four yellow cards in the second half, tries from Harry Pinder, Jack Render, and Harry Gunn-Mclean secured a hard-fought victory.
The Yorkshire outfit have been hampered by injuries so far this season, but this result may just spark their campaign.
At the top of National Two North, there were no slips from the front-runners as both Sheffield (1st) and Tynedale (2nd) maintained their perfect records, each making it five wins from five.
The league leaders ran in six tries in a 40–10 victory over Preston Grasshoppers (9th), while Tyne went one better, crossing seven times to overcome Rossendale (8th) 46–26.
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That leaves just three unbeaten teams in the division after Fylde (4th) edged out Macclesfield (5th) 21-19 to end the hosts’ winning start.
Lewis Quinn’s converted try eight minutes from time proved decisive, and Fylde’s demanding but exciting October continues in Round Six when they welcome table-toppers Sheffield to Woodlands.
Elsewhere, Darlington Mowden Park (3rd) made it three consecutive victories, battling past Otley (10th) 33–27 in the face of Storm Amy.
And at the other end of the table, Scunthorpe (14th) once again impressed early on but remain without a win after Hull Ionians (6th) overturned an 18–5 deficit to triumph 24–18 while Wharfedale (7th) kept their winning run going, recording back-to-back successes thanks to a 33–15 victory over Sheffield Tigers (13th).
National Two East
National Two East is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive leagues in the country, and now no unbeaten teams remain.
Oundle (6th) handed Barnes (4th) their first loss of the season with a 26–21 victory at Occupation Road, where Jack Sharpley’s 72nd-minute try proved decisive for the Northamptonshire outfit.
The top two got back on the horse in Round Five as both Old Albanian (1st) and Esher (2nd) picked up bonus-point wins.
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Watched on by World Cup winners Rosie Galligan and Marlie Packer, OAs displayed their clinical edge to defeat Henley (12th) 31-22 while Esher scrum-half Sam Bullock scored a first-half treble in an entertaining 50-33 victory against bottom club London Welsh.
Meanwhile, despite three first-half yellow cards, Dorking (3rd) showed impressive resilience, regained their composure and then cut loose after the interval to power past Canterbury (9th) 31–7.
Bury St Edmunds climbed to fifth as a four-try second half propelled the Wolfpack to a 43–28 success away at Sevenoaks (10th) while Guernsey Raiders (11th) built on last week’s maiden win of the campaign with an accomplished seven-try, 37–19 triumph against table rivals Oxford Harlequins (13th).
And after three agonising late defeats, Westcombe Park (7th) returned to winning ways, overcoming Havant (8th) 38–24 thanks to a hat-trick from scrum-half Mikel Davies and an assured display from fly-half Max Brown.
National Two West
Loughborough Students (11th) began October on a high, recording their first win of the season with a 40–14 triumph over Syston (14th). Former Leeds Tykes flyer Ben Turpin stole the show with a hat-trick as the African Violet finally got off the mark for the campaign after this hard-fought triumph.
There was also a welcome victory for Taunton Titans (8th), who produced a superb second-half display to secure a 34–21 away win at Cinderford (5th), leaving the hosts to reflect on back-to-back defeats.
At the top of the table, Camborne (1st) continued their flawless start with a seven-try, 43–31 win over Lymm (7th) at The Recreation Ground.
Once again, winger Alex Ducker and hooker Ben Priddey both crossed twice for the Cherry and Whites, while Tom Manaton’s late score ensured Lymm didn’t leave Cornwall empty-handed, as they collected a try bonus point.
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Barnstaple (2nd) remain Camborne’s closest challengers after they overturned a 22–17 half-time deficit to run in five tries to beat Hinckley (13th) 52–29 at Pottington Road.
Meanwhile, Luctonians (3rd) extended their winning streak to four matches with a 38–29 home victory over Hornets (6th). No.8 Jack Goodwin was the standout performer, scoring four tries to continue his outstanding early-season form.
Redruth (4th) also stayed on track with another efficient display, seeing off Old Redcliffians (12th) 29–7 thanks to four unanswered second-half tries.
And finally, Chester (9th) produced their most complete performance of the season, running in 11 tries to dismantle Exeter University (10th) 73–11 despite the horrid weather at Hare Lane. Harry Craven, Sam Earl-Jones, and Ben Ivory each grabbed doubles in a dominant display.
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