Yorkshire Rugby

2 games remain in the season, with neither promotion nor relegation confirmed it makes for a very interesting end to the season, particularly with the playoffs still up for grabs.

Alnwick vs Ilkley
A win for Alnwick and they are confirmed a home playoff game against Harrogate. I don't see them slipping up this close to the end.
Alnwick Win

Blaydon vs Penrith
Last weekends result for Blaydon was a big surprise, and with Penrith having it all to fight for they will feel they have every possibility of getting a win on the road and a massive 5 points.
Penrith Win taking the automatic relegation place to the final weekend as they welcome Cleck!

Cleckheaton vs Middlesbrough
Massive result for Middlesbrough will give them the hope of avoiding the automatic places, can only see a Middlesbrough 5 points here
Middlesbrough Win

Harrogate vs Sandal
Harrogate will be looking to hold onto the playoff place and think at home against Sandal they will be to much.
Harrogate Win

Heath vs York
Win and the Championship is finalised, and it has felt like it's been nailed on for a while. If York can pick up a bonus point or 2 it would be massive for them, but I don't think Heath will be in the mood to do anyone any favours and will look to wrap up the league in style.
Heath Win and York looking at the Automatic relegation places going into the final weekend.

Driffield Vs Kendal
This was played in terrible conditions earlier in the season, and a 25-25 draw was a fair reflection. Longest away trip of the season for Kendal must give Driffield the upper hand, who will be desperate to get a final victory at Kelleythorpe for the season.
Driffield Win

Alnwick v Ilkley - the Dalesmen can't catch Alnwick, even if they win both their last games. Alnwick will certainly want to hold on to their second place, so I expect them to be ferocious in their approach.  Ilkley's 15-21 home defeat was somewhat self-inflicted, but I think the best we can hope for is two points.

Blaydon v Penrith - the Cumbrians will certainly be wanting it more and they have similar awful pitches, so I'm fancying them to put the cat amongst the pigeons in the lower half of the league.

Cleckheaton v Middlesbrough - see above. And Boro are on a roll, whereas Cleck are not. Away win.

Driffield V Kendal - I expect Driff to nick this, though not by a lot.

Harrogate v Sandal - Gate are desperate to get back to where they belong and I fancy them for the full five here. But if they were to lose and Ilkley win ( unlikely, I know ) that would really put the pressure on.

Heath v York - should be a fitting crowning for the best side in the league by a mile. It'll make the Minstermen a bit jumpy if other results in the lower half go against them.

Home wins all the way!

I agree, all home wins except Middlesbrough win at Cleckheaton

An outstanding game at Heath today. York were in the lead for a good portion of the game and could have nicked it. However, Heath punished their mistakes in the second half, Johnsons' boot was the decider. You would have thought it was a 1st vs 2nd encounter. The physicality from both sides, the skills, everyone on the pitch put their heart and soul into the game today.

Congratulations to our champions Heath, thoroughly deserved after a strong campaign.

Congratulations to Heath, outstanding season.

Alnwick have also had a brilliant year keeping Heath on their toes until the end has been some going, and think they will take some beating in the playoffs. 

Now we know the 2 Automatic relegation places with Penrith confirmed.

Will Middlesbrough be able to lock in the home playoff game? It will be a massive advantage, or will York be able to beat Ilkley to give them a chance of safety?

A disappointing second half performance by Ilkley cost them the match. Alnwick scored first, then Ilkley scored twice and then somewhat against the run of play, Alnwick scored another. 21-14 at half time.

The home pack ruled the second half, aided by a lot of errors from the visitors, both forced and unforced and Ilkley were not able to add to their tally. Alnwick rounded off the game with another converted try and a penalty to run out deserved winners.

With York fighting for survival, the last match of the season could be very interesting, especially as York obviously played well against worthy Champions, Heath.