Sat 21st March

[Differ Lid]

Well things have certainly started to get interesting, agree with the playoffs or not we are left with 9 out of 12 teams mathematically with something to play for.

Ilkley vs Heath
Ilkley hoping to get into the play off places and Heath looking to make sure they either benefit from a potential Alnwick slip up, or that they win the league at home next weekend. Going to go with Heath not slipping up twice in a row.
Heath Win

Kendal vs Harrogate
Mathematically Kendal could still be dragged into the relegation playoffs, although I think they are safe. Harrogate will be looking for the return on some rather large investments.
Let's go for a Draw

Middlesbrough vs Blaydon
The fight for survival for Middlesbrough or at least the fight for a home playoff game. Any normal day I think Blaydon will be too much, but who knows when it's a dog fight.
Blaydon Win

Penrith vs Alnwick
Penrith finally got the win last time out, and will be hoping it will start a charge, similar to Middlesbrough probably best hope of a home playoff game. But can't see them getting anything out of this
Alnwick Win

Sandal vs Cleckheaton
Cleckheaton playing for pride, Sandal playing to Mathematically make themselves safe from the playoffs. Home advantage with something to play for.
Sandal Win

York vs Driffield
York have had a decent run of results and put themselves in a position of hope. And a win is a must with the sides around them all to face Cleckheaton in the final weeks.
The Woldsmen need to put in a performance following the Ilkley game, and a derby day could be exactly what they need.
Driffield Win

[Pristine Shorts]

Ilkley v Heath - the one thing I can be reasonably sure of is that Heath won't have it easy at Stack's Field. Not seen the team yet, but it will much stronger than the one we had at Heath. Can see it being really close, with the losing side getting two points. Going with heart rather than head, so a win for the Dalesmen. I still think we will avoid the play-offs though.

Kendal v Harrogate - Harrogate however certainly want to get to the play-offs and I can't see them slipping up here.

Middlesbrough v Blaydon - Boro need the points and Blaydon can't improve on 4th place, so I think Boro will edge it.

Penrith v Alnwick - the visitors far more consistent - it might not be comfortable, but an away win for me.

Sandal v Cleckheaton - agree with Differ Lid. Home win to ensure safety.

York v Driffield - should be a good one. York will want it more, but I sense a Driff bounce-back. Perhaps a point or two for York.

[The Sideline Savant]

Ilkley v Heath
Ilkley should be fully stacked this weekend, and stylistically they are a nightmare for Heath. However, coming off a loss to Alnwick, I cant see Heath slipping up again.
Big Heath win

Kendal v Harrogate
Kendal in a bit of a sweet spot where they are mid table with not much movement expected for them, maybe a little bit of complacency to creep in? Harrogate will want to keep momentum going leading towards the play-offs.
Big Harrogate win

Middlesbrough v Blaydon
Blaydon haven't been the same team since Christmas and Middlesborough fighting for their lives.
Middlesborough win.

Penrith v Alnwick
Alnwick have been grinding out some impressive results as of late and I cant see them letting up here. Similarly to Boro, Penrith will be fighting hard. Will the plastic play its role?
Alnwick win.

Sandal v Cleckheaton
Sandal looking to steer clear of the relegation scrap. If results go their way, they could be safe after this round. I can't imagine a side like Cleck will throw the towel in after their confirmed relegation, but stranger things have happened.
Sandal win.

York v Driffield
Driffield really put in a disappointing display against Ilkley and will be hoping for a reaction. Similarly, York were well beaten by Harrogate. With both teams looking to bounce back with a derby day win, it could be a cracker.
A tight Driffield win.

[Differ Lid]

Very entertaining game today at York even if the result was disappointing.

Driffield winning 0-15 At half time it looked it could have been a sorry afternoon for York who didn't seem to make anything stick for 40 minutes.

However York came out firing after half time and penalised Driffield for some errors which crept into the game. Once the game was 15-15 it was end to end rugby and either side could have won it.

The final penalty to win in was high pressure for the kicker, made slightly easier by the referee forgetting that the penalty was awarded on the 5m line not the 15m where it was kick from. But nonetheless Yorks 2nd half performance was a survival fight and deserving of 5 points.

[Pristine Shorts]

Also entertaining at Ilkley. Ten tries in all - shame Heath scored six of them ! Johnson at Ten was imperious and won them the game. He's playing one more year it seems. Worthy Champions, as they won't slip up now.

Can't see Harrogate losing again either. But Alnwick ? Hmm. Can't catch them anyway.

[Dean North]

1 more? He's got at least 10 more in him