Winners and losers are difficult to spot when form relies upon memory and last season successes simply need a reality check. It was a week to play away from home; only the Hawks, Knights and Dalesmen delivered success to their partisans made all the richer by tries a plenty. Surprising win secured by the Students at Blaydon. They began their National 1 debut one year ago, struggling at the foot of the table. Otherwise a comfortable win for Coventry at newly promoted Ionians and narrow away wins for Rosslyn Park, Esher and Fylde.

Team of the week: Loughborough
Tip for the top: Doncaster

Week 2 provides promise fun for many with 5 “local” contests at Esher, Hull, Rosslyn Park and Tynedale. Five probable home wins with two more likely in the Midlands as OA’s travel to Loughborough and the Foresters to Coventry. The remaining fixture should deliver the only away win of the day at Worthing for Blackheath.

Plenty of tries so far suggests holes in defences and work to do. However Cinderford held the Park to a single try win and will expect to do better away from home. Blaydon will hope at least to score their first try of the season up the river Tyne at Corbridge.

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