RUGBY ROUND-UP: Newbold beat promotion challengers and take on leaders this weekend
Newbold won the first of their two big games against fellow title contenders. They beat Whitchurch 15-10 at Parkfield Road on Saturday, while leaders Bromsgrove won 50-0 at Moseley Oak.Newbold stay second in the Midlands 1 West on 80 points to the leaders’ 87, but have opened up a gap over the chasing pack. Dudley Kingswinford on 69 points have overtaken Whitchurch for third spot, by a single point. Newbold visit Bromsgrove this weekend in a game both know could have a big bearing on the league title.
Fourth-placed Peterborough had the edge over injury-hit Lions, who stay 11th in Midlands 1 East after their 36-17 defeat away from home. This weekend Lions are on the road again, this time at eighth-placed West Bridgford, who will be in confident mood following their 81-7 win at Melton Mowbray on Saturday. Lions return to Webb Ellis Road on March 2, hosting sixth-placed Towcestrians.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdOld Laurentians and Rugby St Andrews both had a break in Midlands 2 West (South) but will be back in action this weekend. Rugby St Andrews host Old Coventrians in a bottom-of-the-table battle at John Tomalin Way. Saints have 18 points from four wins this season and their visitors 15 from three.Old Covs were beaten 33-19 in their last outing by OLs, who travel to Southam. Their hosts lost 28-12 to Evesham on Saturday and are in ninth-place. OLs are still second, eight points behind leaders Kenilworth, who beat fifth-placed Earlsdon 47-8 at the weekend. In third spot, just a point adrift from OLs are Kidderminster, who play Earlsdon in this round of fixtures.
OLs 2nds have a crucial top-of-the-table game with league leaders Southam at Fenley Field.
Rugby Welsh are now only three points off second spot in Midlands 5 West (South) after their impressive 48-12 victory over fifth-placed Atherstone at Alwyn Road on Saturday. Welsh have a break in league action until the visit of bottom-club Trinity Guild on March 2, but in the meantime play their Clonmell Cup tie at Lutterworth 2nds on Thursday, 21st February kick-off 7.30pm.