National League Rugby’s return hit by freezing weather
Freezing weather conditions across England have scuppered the return of National League Rugby. (Photo Credit: Otley RUFC)
Following a two-week break for the Christmas period, widespread frost and snow has impacted over half of Round 15’s fixtures across National One and National Two.
The bitterly cold weather looks set to stay between Friday night and Saturday afternoon but at the time of publishing:
Five matches in National One have been called off.
National Two North’s schedule has been completely decimated with all seven fixtures falling foul to the weather.
There is slightly better news in National Two East and National Two West with just six postponements across the two leagues.
Full list of postponements are at the bottom of the article.
Preview
In National One, the meeting between Rosslyn Park (4th) and Blackheath (5th) is likely to go ahead due to Park having a 4G pitch at The Rock. The hosts enter Round 15 after ending Richmond’s unbeaten record before Christmas while the visitors will be looking to translate their impressive run of seven straight home wins onto the road.
Meanwhile, Sedgley Park (11th) will take on Dings Crusaders (9th) on an artificial surface at Shaftesbury Park with The Tigers keen to build on an unbeaten December.
Elsewhere in National Two East, with both matches being played on 4G, Colchester’s (13th) clash with third-placed Barnes and Oxford Harlequins (12th) vs Bury St Edmunds (6th) should go ahead. The two home sides will be keen to begin 2025 on a positive note as they look to move away from the danger zone.
Also across the division, Guernsey Raiders (5th) host Havant (9th) and bottom-of-the-table.
In National Two West, Camborne start the New Year five points clear of second-placed Cinderford but they begin 2025 with a huge clash away at fourth-placed Taunton Titans. The hosts – who were beaten 29-19 by Hornets just before Christmas – haven’t lost at home all term, but the league leaders will be in no mood for the title race to be blown wide open in Round 15.
Third-placed Clifton will be keeping close tabs on proceedings in Somerset when National League Rugby’s in-form team visit fifth-placed Luctonians. Matt Salter and Luke Cozens’ men are currently on an eight-match winning streak and sit just five points behind table-toppers Camborne.
Elsewhere, a rising Hornets (6th) outfit will face Loughborough Students (9th) on the home side’s 4G surface while Redruth (7th) host Bournville (12th) and bottom-of-the-table Devonport Services take on Old Redcliffians (8th).
Round 15’s postponed fixtures (As of 13:45 on Saturday)
National One
Bishop’s Stortford v Birmingham Moseley
Darlington Mowden Park v Richmond
Esher v Rotherham Titans
Leicester Lions v Plymouth Albion
Sale FC v Rams
National Two North
Chester v Hull Ionians
Fylde v Lymm
Harrogate v Sheffield
Hull v Leeds Tykes
Otley v Billingham
Sheffield Tigers v Preston Grasshoppers
Tynedale v Wharfedale
National Two East
Dorking vs Old Albanian
Henley v Westcombe Park
Sevenoaks v Tonbridge Juddians
Worthing v Canterbury
National Two West
Cinderford v Hinckley
Macclesfield v Exeter University
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