Round One Review: Newcomers Shine, Early Markers Set, Four-Try Heroes & Late Drama
National League Rugby returned with its usual mix of eye-catching results, classy individual performances, and a sprinkling of late drama. (Photo Credit: Jonathan Knight)
National One
Following promotion from National Two East, Tonbridge Juddians hit the ground running, brushing aside Leicester Lions in the second half to register a 46-14 success in the Midlands.
Former Premiership winner and Player of the Match Nathan Earle crossed twice, with hooker Will Holling also grabbing a brace, as Jordan Turner-Hall’s men showcased the quality brought in through summer re-signings and eye-catching recruits.
Three of last season’s top four wasted no time laying down markers.
Rotherham Titans ran in four tries in the opening 26 minutes on their way to an impressive 43-28 away win at Sale FC, while Rosslyn Park spread the scoring around with seven different try scorers in a 45-10 triumph over Dings Crusaders. Plymouth Albion were just as clinical, crossing seven times to dispatch newly-promoted Leeds Tykes 45-12 in Yorkshire.
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Blackheath also began strongly, overcoming new boys Clifton 34-17 on the road thanks to a solid display from new-signing Finn Osborne. Rams produced late drama at Sedgley Park, with Zach Clow’s try in the dying minutes sealing a 24-18 victory at Park Lane.
And there was a milestone moment for Bishop’s Stortford’s Alex Rayment, who marked his 100th cap with a try in their 26-12 victory against a spirited Birmingham Moseley side who received a red card just before half-time.
National Two North
Rossendale made a dream start to life in National Two North, claiming a 22-18 victory away at Hull.
Nicholas Fontaine’s try 10 minutes from time proved key while skipper Callum Whelan set the defensive tone all afternoon as Sam Bedlow’s men came away with all five points.
Fellow newcomers Scunthorpe endured a tougher baptism. Despite leading 22-21 at half-time, they were blown away by Darlington Mowden Park in the second period as the visitors ran in six tries to secure a 61-29 win at Heslam Park.
Macclesfield returned to this division in style, thanks largely to Harry Oliver. The centre ran in four tries to inspire a 46-26 win over Sheffield Tigers at Priory Park. Fylde, meanwhile, had to settle for a 22-22 draw with Hull Ionians.
The visitors trailed for much of the contest but edged in front through a penalty try on 67 minutes, only for Fylde to respond late on as the boot of Will Hunt ensured the points were shared.
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Title candidates Sheffield celebrated boss Anthony Posa’s 100th game in charge in clinical fashion, dispatching Otley 48-26 with winger Christian Hooper grabbing a hat-trick. Tynedale were just as ruthless, hitting the half-century in a 50-19 victory over Wharfedale.
But the most poignant moment of the weekend came at Lightfoot Green. After the heartbreaking news that former mini and junior Daniel Holden had tragically passed away last week, Preston Grasshoppers – along with his brother Harry – honoured his memory in the best possible way with a 46-24 win over Billingham at Lightfoot Green.
Despite the unimaginable loss, Player of the Match Harry started at hooker and scored Preston’s opening try, while winger Samuel Freeman added a hat-trick on an emotional afternoon.
National Two East
Last season’s National Two East runners-up Dorking opened with a 17-10 victory over newly-promoted London Welsh. Armand Roux, entering his 10th season in charge at The Big Field, watched his side move into a 17-0 interval lead.
However, two yellow cards opened the door for Welsh, and second-half tries from Harri Lang and Jordan Dyer set up a nervy finish but The Red and Whites held firm.
Barnes also battled to a hard-fought win, overcoming Canterbury 26-14 thanks to the power of their pack. Hooker Daniel Robertshaw was the difference, crossing four times as Jack Heald’s men once again leaned on their forward dominance.
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Esher, relegated from National One in 2024/25, began their return to this level with a 24-12 victory over Sevenoaks, built on three first-half tries. Old Albanian also started strongly, recording a 27-19 win against Bury St Edmunds.
Elsewhere, Havant impressed with a 39-24 success at newcomers Oundle, while Henley edged Guernsey Raiders 26-24 at Dry Leas – the visitors unable to tie things up after Martinas Dromantas’ late score went unconverted.
There was also a positive start for Westcombe Park under new boss Chris Green, as they ran in seven tries to claim a 43-22 triumph away at Oxford Harlequins.
National Two West
The action began on Friday night as Exeter University edged Taunton Titans 37-35 in a thriller. Fly-half Freddie Hirst kicked 22 points to steer the students home, despite four tries from Titans hooker Archie Spokes and a late surge from the hosts.
On Saturday, Barnstaple marked their return to this level with a 24-17 win over Old Redcliffians, their front row impressing as Dom Robson and Bertie Stretch both got on the scoresheet at Pottington Road.
Cinderford celebrated the opening of their new 3G pitch in style, dispatching newly-promoted Syston 48-19. Fly-half Luke McMahon led the charge with 23 points while skipper Tyler Jerrum bagged a brace.
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Lymm made a superb start to life in National Two West, winning 24-13 away at Luctonians – who finished fifth last season. Stephen Pilkington, Jack Stride, and one of last year’s stars, Sam Wadsworth, all crossed for the Cheshire outfit who fronted up extremely well in defence.
Elsewhere, Camborne ran in four second-half tries, including one from Fiji international and captain Sam Matavesi, to see off Chester 45-25. Near neighbours Redruth also began with victory, edging Loughborough Students 36-31 thanks to Jarrod Hambly’s decisive score 10 minutes from time.
And at The Nest, a late try from prop Jack Parkinson sealed a 21-18 win for Hornets against Hinckley.
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