Another early start from Priory Park (and another late evening return) saw the Blues maintain their excellent ‘away’ form as they recorded their fourth ‘on the road’ victory to move up into fourth spot after, in the end, a comprehensive victory over Rosslyn Park in a seven try performance which will turn a few heads and hopefully ensure that a good number more locals turn up to support them on Saturday when Redruth visit for the first encounter with Macclesfield since that day back in.
All this without injured prop Billy Robinson and Centre Richard Hughes who, the previous day, became a father for the second time and our best wishes obviously go to all.
Just one problem getting to Roehampton on Saturday and that occurred in Clarence Lane – within a spit of the clubhouse – where lack of signs ensured some skilful coach manoeuvring had to be done to get to the club on time!! No further comment needed.
As indicated the result combined with others means we move up a couple of places in the table to fourth but the leading pack of Barking, Cambridge & London Scottish are now creating space with third place Scottish now ten points clear of the Blues.
Barking had a good 33-8 win at Stourbridge whilst Cambridge beat this Saturday’s opposition Redruth by 30-22 down in Cornwall. Scottish beat Coventry 30-15, Blackheath lost at home to Blaydon 32-21, Tynedale beat Sedgeley Park 17-10 and Launceston beat Wharfedale 30-20 and the other basement game saw Otley beat Cinderford by 18-10 but, as almost always in this unpredictable season, any side is quite capable of beating another in this closely fought campaign.
Back to Priory Park and, I believe for the first time this season, all the senior sides came through with victories. The Lions travelled to Chester and came away with a 30-12 victory to maintain their challenge to Sedgley Park & Stockport with both Preston Grasshoppers & Lymm also in close contention at the top of the Bateman BMW Premier League. Clearly the Lions – who feed the 1st XV Squad – are an integral part of the club structure for ongoing success and they also should receive good support both on and off the field.
The Thirds went to Wilmslow and came back with a close 27-25 victory over Wilmslow Seconds while the Fourths ended an uncomfortable run with a comprehensive 46-17 victory over Crewe & Nantwich Thirds. As I write the Vets result is not known to me.
England continued their good run with a hard fought victory over Samoa at Twickenham but the result of the day surely must go to Scotland who caused a shock with their 21-17 victory over South Africa at Murrayfield. The Springbok will not wish to have successive defeats so Saturdays Twickenham encounter should be a classic.
Something for your diaries and that is a date on Wednesday 20 April 2011 when England Under 17 will play Italy Under 17 at Priory Park. More information nearer the time when full details are known but meantime let’s wait for the first (or is it Second ?) 200 Club draw of the season which should take place this weekend – hope my numbers there. And, don’t forget the pre match lunches on 11 December (v. Tynedale) and 22 January (v. Barking)
Games for Saturday:
1st v. Redruth – League – Home – 3.pm.
2nd v. Altrincham Kersal – Home – League
3rd v. Carlisle s – League – Home
4th v. Trafford MV – League – Away
Vets v. Roundhegians - Home
