RUGBY: Newbold and Lions win top of table clashes

Rugby’s sides both triumphed in the eagerly anticipated top of the table clashes on Saturday.

At Parkfield Road Midlands 1 East leaders Newbold beat second placed Old Northamptonians 25-21.

Although it was the first game this season in which Newbold haven’t achieved the four-try bonus point, they have stretched the gap at the top to eight points. Newbold have 39 points from eight games and ONs 31.

Next weekend Newbold travel to Paviors, who are 12th in the table after two wins.

Over at Webb Ellis Road another tight game saw Rugby Lions the 12-8 victors over Spartans. Going into the game the Midlands 2 West (South) sides were level on points, with Spartans top on points difference.

But with six wins out of six, Lions are the new leaders, with 28 points, opening up a three-point gap over Spartans, who picked up a losing bonus.

Lions have another tough fixture next weekend, travelling to third-placed Silhillians, who have only lost one game this season and are level with Spartans on 25 points.

Old Laurentians were back to winning ways on Saturday, beating Belgrave 15-6 at Fenley Field.

After four wins from six games, OLs are sixth on 18 points in a very close Midlands 2 East (South). Belgrave, down in ninth, have 13.

Next weekend OLs visit league leaders Luton, who are on 22 points after just one defeat so far.

Rugby St Andrews’ game at Woodrush was postponed and they also have a blank week in the November 5 Midlands 3 West (South) fixtures.

With only 11 players due to injuries, unavailabilities and last minute cry-offs, Rugby Welsh had to concede their Midlands 5 West (South) league game to Birmingham Civil Service.

But, with the visitors lending Welsh players to even up numbers, they were able to play a friendly.

This Saturday fifth-placed Welsh visit Birmingham Exiles, who are fourth.