The Six Nations may have kicked off at the weekend – and there may have only been 17 games at levels three and four – but you could argue the unpredictability and drama of National One and National Two is currently unrivalled. (Photo Credit: Leo Wilkinson Photography)

National One

Sale FC (8th) defeated league leaders Rams 25-22 at Heywood Road, with James Robbins’ two penalties proving decisive. This was FC’s fourth straight home win against Rams, and their second consecutive victory against a title contender in as many weeks.

Rams briefly led 22-19 in the second half following three tries in 16 minutes from Morgan MacRae, Ollie Cole and Solodrau Radianirova but ultimately had to settle for two points as Robbins’ boot guided ‘The Dogs’ to another huge victory.

Richmond’s (2nd) 33-17 bonus-point success away at bottom of the table Darlington Mowden Park has now moved them to within one point of Rams. Rob Powell’s side – who also faltered against Sale at the end of last month – got the job done on the road.


The weekend’s results – in terms of the title race – would also have piqued the interest of third-placed Rotherham, who still have a game in hand against Esher (12th) at the end of February. As things stand, Harvey Biljon’s side are five points off the summit.

At the other end of the standings, Esher have had a remarkable two weeks, securing a 34-31 away win against Birmingham Moseley (7th) to go along with their Round 17 victory over Rosslyn Park. Conor Ganley’s powerful effort clinched the win for Peter Winterbottom’s team and puts Esher eight points ahead of 13th-placed Leicester Lions.

Elsewhere, Plymouth Albion (5th) are up to fifth after edging past Leicester Lions 20-17 away from home to secure a sixth successive victory.

National Two North

In National Two North, Billingham’s (13th) Dan Dixon scored a hat-trick in their 39-17 win over Fylde (4th) as Peter Evans and Dan Finney’s side bolstered their hopes of avoiding the drop with another home victory.

Preston Grasshoppers (9th) also won, with new signing Sam Freeman scoring a late try to snatch a 34-27 victory against Sheffield Tigers (11th). Hoppers have moved up to ninth, while Billingham are one point away from escaping the ‘danger zone’.

Leaders Leeds Tykes continue to impress, defeating Hull (10th) 33-24 for their eighth consecutive win. With fellow title candidates Lymm not in action on Saturday, Sheffield are up to second after a 46-13 victory over Harrogate (14th) as Anthony Posa’s side stretched their winning run to 10 matches. 

As things stand, the Tykes have a one-point lead over Sheffield, and the pair meet next Saturday in the first crucial title showdown between now and the end of the campaign.

Also across National Two North, Tynedale (6th) continued their impressive form as they won the ‘battle of the Dales’ 41-29 against Wharfedale (5th) while Chester (7th) remain a tough nut to crack at Hare Lane after coming from behind to beat Hull Ionians (8th) 38-33.

National Two East

In National Two East, leaders Tonbridge Juddians secured a 24-17 derby day victory against 11th-placed Sevenoaks, their 15th win of the season. Sevenoaks had been leading 17-12 before the hour mark, but TJs capitalised on a sin-binning to secure the win.

Third-placed Dorking bounced back from their Round 17 loss with a 40-20 win over Guernsey Raiders (7th). Four second-half tries from Tom Howe, Max Coyle and Callum Watson propelled Armand Roux’s side to victory while the Raiders had Brad Webb sent off just after the hour when they were 27-15 behind.\

All of this means that TJs are now six points clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand over second-placed Barnes. Dorking are one point behind Barnes, also with a game in hand.

Canterbury (4th) continued their impressive form with a sixth consecutive win, beating Worthing (14th) 29-25 away from home. This leaves them nine points off the top, having played a game more than TJs. As for Worthing, their spirited performance earned them two bonus points, leaving them nine points from safety.

In the remaining game, fifth-placed Westcombe Park beat Henley Hawks 12-8, securing their sixth straight win.

National Two West

In National Two West, Camborne, Hinckley, and Exeter University all secured crucial victories in the three matches played on Saturday.

The Recreation Ground hosted a top-of-the-table clash between Camborne (1st) and second-placed Clifton. Full-back Kyle Moyle’s excellent kicking from the tee and adventure in open play were instrumental in Camborne’s 31-24 win. Despite two yellow cards and a 12-10 deficit in the first half, Steve Larkins’ side emerged victorious.

As for Clifton, they earned two bonus points, thanks to a late try from Niall Gibbons, meaning the gap between the leading duo is now six points with nine games remaining.

Exeter University are up to 11th place after securing a vital 31-26 win over Luctonians (5th). Gareth Elliott’s team led 28-0 at half-time and while Lucs fought back, narrowing the gap to five points with a late try from Caleb Montgomery, Exeter’s flying start proved to be enough for a crucial win. This victory leaves the Green and Whires seven points clear of the bottom two.

And Hinckley also moved up to ninth in the standings after they defeated Cinderford (3rd) 31-29 in a thriller at Dockham Road. Callum Dacey’s late try secured the win for the visitors after Cinderford’s Reece Boughton had kicked a penalty on 75 minutes.

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