And what an opening weekend we’ve got.
There are some absolutely fascinating fixtures straight away, including Rosslyn Park v Plymouth Albion and Rams v Sale FC — two matches involving sides I’ve tipped for the top four. The opening fixture list is confirmed for Saturday 5 September.
So, for what it’s worth, here are my Round 1 predictions. No sitting on the fence — although I reserve the right to completely change my mind after seeing what happens on Saturday!
⸻
Leeds Tykes v CambornePrediction: Leeds 21–27 Camborne
A really intriguing opener.
Leeds improved considerably last season and will fancy their chances at home, but I’ve been saying throughout the preview that Camborne are not a typical promoted side.
They absolutely dominated National Two West and have then gone out and strengthened with players who have genuine experience at a higher level. Fraser Honey’s arrival in particular could prove extremely important in helping them manage the step up.
The obvious question is whether Camborne can immediately translate that strength into National One — and whether the long trip to Yorkshire affects them.
I think this will be tight, but I’m going to stick my neck out and say Camborne make a winning start.
Camborne by 6⸻
Bishop’s Stortford v Dings CrusadersPrediction: Bishop’s Stortford 28–20 Dings
This is another really interesting one.
I’ve got Stortford finishing sixth and Dings ninth, but I don’t think there’s a huge gulf between these two sides.
Stortford have the advantage of being settled, organised and experienced at this level. They proved last season that they are much better than some people — including me initially! — gave them credit for.
But Dings are dangerous.
The Bristol connection is something I think people overlook when assessing them. They’re operating in a very strong rugby environment and can benefit from that access to talented young players coming through the professional pathway.
I can see Dings causing plenty of problems this season, but away at Stortford on the opening day?
I’m giving the home side the edge.
Bishop’s Stortford by 8⸻
Bury St Edmunds v London ScottishPrediction: Bury 19–31 London Scottish
A fascinating clash of two teams coming from completely different directions.
Bury arrive on the back of a brilliant promotion campaign and will be absolutely buzzing for their first National One match. At home, with a big opening-day crowd behind them, they will not make life easy for Scottish.
But London Scottish have a level of experience throughout their squad that most National One teams simply can’t match.
The question for Scottish is how quickly they adapt to the realities of Level Three rugby.
Because this will not be easy.
I can see Bury being right in the game for a long time, but eventually I think Scottish’s experience and squad quality will tell.
London Scottish by 12⸻
Birmingham Moseley v CambridgePrediction: Moseley 20–24 Cambridge
For me, this might be the hardest match of the entire weekend to predict.
Both teams have plenty to prove.
Moseley survived last season by the skin of their teeth and need to show that they have moved forward.
Cambridge, meanwhile, arrive after a dreadful Championship campaign but have undergone a major rebuild under Craig Newby.
This is a huge game psychologically.
A Moseley win immediately makes my prediction of them finishing bottom look questionable.
A Cambridge win away from home would suggest that their rebuild could be much more successful than many people expect.
I’m going with Cambridge — but only just.
Cambridge by 4
One of my lowest-confidence predictions of the weekend!⸻
Rams v Sale FCPrediction: Rams 27–23 Sale FC
Now we’re talking!
This is one of the games I’ve been looking forward to most.
I’ve predicted:
Rams – 3rd
Sale – 4thSo naturally, they meet in Round 1!
Rams have recruited heavily and Old Bath Road is never an easy place to go. They have retained key performers and added real competition throughout the squad.
But Sale should not be underestimated.
I’ve moved them up considerably from my original prediction because they finished fifth last season and have strengthened. They know exactly what National One rugby is about and are more than capable of going to Rams and winning.
I think this will be a proper arm wrestle.
A game decided by discipline, territory and who keeps their nerve in the final quarter.
Home advantage just swings it for me.
Rams by 4
Potential Match of the Round⸻
Rosslyn Park v Plymouth AlbionTHE BIG ONE
Prediction: Rosslyn Park 24–26 Plymouth Albion
Well, whoever put this fixture together certainly wasn’t interested in giving us a gentle start!
I’ve predicted:
Plymouth Albion – Champions
Rosslyn Park – 2ndAnd they meet on the opening day at The Rock. Rosslyn Park’s fixture list confirms Plymouth as their first home match of the National One campaign.
Rosslyn Park’s squad depth is exceptional. They have retained a huge amount of continuity and added quality.
Plymouth, though, look incredibly well equipped.
For me, Iwan Jenkins is potentially the difference-maker.
Opening-day games can be scrappy. Players are still settling into combinations, there can be nerves, and often the games are decided by small margins.
That is exactly where a fly-half who can control territory, manage a game and take points from the tee becomes invaluable.
Rosslyn Park will have periods of dominance.
Plymouth will have to defend.
And honestly, I would not be remotely surprised by a home win.
But I’m sticking with my season prediction.
Plymouth Albion by 2 MY MATCH OF THE WEEK⸻
Tonbridge Juddians v Sheffield RUFCPrediction: Tonbridge Juddians 29–22 Sheffield
Sheffield arrive with enormous momentum after a phenomenal promotion campaign.
But this is where they discover just how big the jump to National One can be.
Tonbridge Juddians are established at this level and, particularly at home, know exactly how to manage National One rugby.
Sheffield will score points. I don’t doubt that.
But I think TJs’ experience gives them the advantage in what could be a very entertaining game.
Tonbridge Juddians by 7