The first hit outs ahead of the new National League Rugby campaign got underway last week, with a cluster of clubs beginning their pre-season schedules. (Photo Credit: Martin Gray).

On Thursday, National Two North duo and Yorkshire counterparts Otley and Leeds Tykes met at Cross Green for two halves of 25 minutes. The hosts, who finished ninth last term, prevailed 21-7 with trips to Scarborough and Sandal to look forward to ahead of their opener against Hull on September 7th. Elsewhere, National Two North’s Lymm beat Anselmians.

Switching to National One and after Leicester Lions withdrew from their pre-season match vs Birmingham Moseley, the latter were still able to accumulate some vital minutes during a thumping 76-0 victory over Stourbridge at Billesley Common.

“It was a good test for us in terms of us getting back out there but more importantly, it was about starting to integrate all the hard work we have done in pre-season so far,” said Director of Rugby Adam Balding. “I thought the new lads who came in today were absolutely superb.”

Fellow third-tier outfit Blackheath were beaten 40-24 by Newport in Wales, with new signings Josh Smart, Josh Burns and Mike Hoyt all dotting down while National One new boys Dings Crusaders faced local rivals Old Redcliffians as well as Pontypool at Shaftesbury Park. Dings lost 25-10 to the Welsh outfit and suffered a defeat to their Bristol neighbours 12-10. Old Reds then lost to Pontypool by four tries to one. Meanwhile, Plymouth Albion saw off National Two West newcomers Devonport Services 38-5.