Newbold made to battle for their top spot status

NEWBOLD-ON-AVON top Midlands One West at the season’s half-way stage after a memorable 28-14 victory at Malvern.

Despite 12 league places separating the two sides, Newbold were made to fight for maximum points as an understrength visiting side scored tries through Sam Powell, Jamie Mapletoft, Curtley Bale and Danny Facer.

A return of 12 victories from 13 games and 10 bonus points has been matched by Bromsgrove, with Newbold, who travel to Worcester on Saturday, holding top sport courtesy of points difference superiority of just 11 points.

Rugby Lions’ second half of the season commences with a 13-point buffer above the Midlands One East bottom three.

Tries from Chris Wood and Alex Tansley, Sam James, Charlie Paxton threatened Lutterworth’s 100 per cent home record but the Leicestershire side benefited from a raft of Lions’ yellow cards to win 31-26.

Lions will wrap up their league campaign for the year by hosting Northampton Old Scouts at Webb Ellis Road.

The visitors occupy 12th spot, meaning Dave Addleton’s Lions can widen the gap on the relegation zone this side of Christmas before reconvening their league campaign on January 5.

Kenilworth top Midlands Two West South after defeating fellow title-challengers Nuneaton Old Edwardians.

Tries from Josh O’Brien, Josh Emery, Charlie Paxton goes over for Rugby Lions against Lutterworth and, right, Newbold’s Dan O’Brien was in deadeye form kicking from out of hand and from the tee against Malvern Gaz Renowden and Mikkel Andreson Berkswell and Balsall all received walkover secured a 20-12 victory at Weddington wins after Dunlop, Old Yardleians Road. and Upton-on-Severn failed to fulfil

Kenilworth are tied on points (44) Midlands Three West South fixtures. with Kidderminster, who were 31-20 Old Leamingtonians, who took a winners at Leamington. break from league action due to it

Old Coventrians remain bottom being a 13-team league, saw their lead after losing 31-12 at home to Evesham at the top cut to two points as Pinley and Southam sit just above them after won 17-6 at Ledbury. a 23-10 defeat at Silhillians. Alcester were 36-18 winners against

Old Laurentians are just one point Woodrush with Ross Gard bagging a behind third-placed Nuneaton Old Eds hat-trick of tries. after a 27-12 victory over Earlsdon. Jamie Harland, Jack Green and

Rugby St Andrews picked up only a Tommy Wright also crossed the line to second win of the season, defeating help Alcester to their third consecutive Barkers Butts 27-25. league win.

Shispton on Stour, Manor Park and Old Wheatleyans top Midlands Four West South after smashing Bromyard 50-5 last weekend. They travel to second-placed Burbage this Saturday, hoping to end the Leicestershire club’s nine-game unbeaten run.

Claverdon and Bedworth complete the top four after wins at Harbury (1238) and Pershore (17-20) respectively.

Coventrians boosted their survival hopes with a 10-7 win at fellow strugglers Greyhound.

Midlands Five West South was also plagued by no shows as AEI Rugby and Trinity Guild failed to fulfil their games with Birmingham Civil Service and Birmingham Exiles. Rugby Welsh were 34-19 winners over Keresley.

have fought me, he had a chance to fight Fury as well.“People want to know who’s the best now. Especially after seeing this Fury fight. I’ve been trying to show people who’s the best. I always say I’m the best. I’ll forever say I’m the best until I get defeated.”Wilder was controversially awarded a draw with Fury after a dramatic fight in Los Angeles, and the American expects the rematch to live up to its billing.He said: “I still feel the excitement. It was amazing. I’m just ready for the rematch. If people were excited and enjoyed that one, just imagine the rematch. It’s going to be amazing.”Powerful American boxing promoter Al Haymon has confirmed his move into the British market by signing a three-year deal with ITV.Haymon, who has been closely involved with Floyd Mayweather throughout his career, will stage a minimum of 15 Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) events on the channel. Haymon’s move will add to the options for British boxing fans and further his rivalry with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom.