London rugby union 2012/13 season review

Saracens’ Owen Farrell looks dejected following the play-off semi-final defeat to Northampton Saints. Photo: Tim Ireland/PA

By Tom Moore

Sunday, June 2, 2013
11:57 PM

The rugby union season is officially over after Newcastle Falcons took London Welsh’s place in the Premiership, beating Bedford to win the Champions Play-Offs.

While the capital’s premier outfits Saracens and Harlequins were beaten in the semi-finals of the top flight’s equivalent and Wasps and London Irish finished in mid-table, it’s been a mixed bag below the first tier.

In the division below, London Scottish finished eighth, failing to trouble the Falcons but ending comfortably clear of relegated Doncaster.

They will be joined in rugby’s second tier by Ealing Trailfinders, who romped their way to the National League One title, winning by over 20 points.

Phil Chesters was one again their leading try scorer, going over 29 times in a 30-game season, with Thomas Wheatcroft adding 315 points of his own.

Director of rugby Mike Cudmore was naturally ecstatic with his side’s monumental progression through the divisions.

He said: “We’ve risen up from London North Three and to see this is fantastic. It’s all about the players – some are leaving, some are staying and some are retiring and it’s their day to enjoy.

“We’ll start thinking about the Championship after we’ve enjoyed the celebrating. For the moment that’s all we’re thinking about.”

Elsewhere in that division, Esher finished as runners up but they were unable to keep pace with Trailfinders and must go through it all again next year.

Rosslyn Park finished in fourth spot and broke the 100 points barrier in what was a tight battle for second.

Richmond were some way off the pace, finishing on 75 points themselves but ahead of Blackheath in a close mid-table fight, while Cambridge were relegated with 28 points.

It was a nightmare season for Barking as they finished bottom of National League Two South and will now take part in a London division next season.

Off the field, the east London outfit has forged a relationship with German outfit Bochum-Witten Rugby Club from the town’s sister city.

A Barking spokesman said: “It was great to host our twinned city in Bochum-Witten.

“The day was a success and we’re hopeful this is a start of a lasting relationship between the club and Bochum-Witten.”

Currently trending

{{trimHeading(fields.heading)}}

{{fields.description}}

Read full story »

<!–% for (var i = 1; i

» {{trimHeading(fields.heading)}}

Sign in to leave your comment

0

comments

Article source: http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-news/england-turn-youth-take-barbarians-5447639

No related posts.

London rugby union 2012/13 season review