Disappointment may not be an option for sides battling for survival in National Two North this Saturday as two of the bottom four face one another in what could prove to be a vital weekend in the season.
Nigel Mukarati insists Stourbridge are not thinking about promotion this season, despite the club sitting on the cusp of a top two spot in National Two North.
Last week, Wharfedale’s Michael Harrison received a special Rugby Union Writers’ award for his outstanding contribution to the game.
Harrison, who has been affiliated with the Yorkshire side for 56 years, has always been a one club man since he first played for Dale at the age of 16.
He was presented with the award at the Marriot Hotel in London’s Grosvenor Square by Schalk Brits (Saracens), Tony Rowe (Exeter Chiefs) and Rob Howley (Wales RU) in front of some of the biggest stars in world rugby.
Harrison also captained Wharfedale for eight seasons and during a 22-year playing career, he racked up an astonishing 665 appearances for the 1st XV.
He was Head Coach between 1983 and 2006 where he guided Dale to four league promotions and whilst also doing his duties as fixtures secretary for nearly 40 years, Harrison has been heavily involved with the NCA.
Harrison was the NCA ex-committee Chairman of the North and worked closely with NCA Chairman Norman Robertson.
“During my nine years working with Michael, he was very constructive with his comments which showed his great insight into the game,” said Robertson.
“We worked really well together and his knowledge and contribution to the lower levels of rugby cannot be underestimated. It is great he is still involved in the NCA as one of the four region representatives because the National Leagues is something he is so passionate about.”
Sale FC enhanced their promotion ambitions in National Two North as they went to the summit of the division following victory over Sheffield.
In some sports, many pundits and fans alike say the winter months can define the outcome of a season and in National Two North, January is the time of year which may well shape the battle for a top two spot in this division.
Both Macclesfield and Wharfedale produced gutsy performances to clinch huge victories in National Two North as teams continue to fight for safety.
The first weekend of 2018 focuses on teams fighting to beat the drop in National Two North and with only 12 points separating the bottom six, a winning habit must be found for teams at the wrong end of the table.
As the National Leagues now take a break for the New Year celebrations, we take a look back at the final round of fixtures in 2017.
Jack Heald believes Leicester Lions’ development is heading in the right direction.
As expected with the final round of fixtures before the Christmas break, there are some tasty looking in National Two North as teams look to end the calendar year on a high.