National 1 Prediction league 2022 week 17

Happy new year to you all: Lets hope for some rugger and all staying in good health. As always, below is very much said in jest, as for the PC police, take a chill pill.

Blackheath v Birmingham Moseley. 4-1: Two poor sides could go either way. Think Club might nick this as they are at home, but neither are going to set the world alight and both are and have under performed in a big way the first half of the season. Would not be surprised if either of these find themselves in the bottom 3 when the fat lady stops singing, Moseley have come very close to the trap door last two campaigns and stayed up by their finger nails, might not be so lucky this time!

Caldy v Cinderford: 1-4: Caldy beat Sale at Sale last game before the break, that has put a dent in Sales plans and made Big Eddies Xmas. Cindy also got a much needed win. Now they are freshened, by the break with a very small squad  I think the band of brothers from the forest will go on a bit of a march again, but this is another game that could go either way. Have to say these are two proper clubs at this level. Both have next to nothing financially but are at the top end of the table, through hard work and players wanting to play for the shirt and not a pound note, long may that carry on, well done to both

Cambridge v Sale FC 1-5: Big spenders Cambridge will want to get a win in this, however this Sale side are looking good and on top of their game, apart from a slip against Caldy last time out, when near enough all went for Sale, that I think will light a fire. Its worth noting that  Sale have all the big guns to come and play at Heywood Road, which will be a massive advantage. Now if they are going to be in the mix they must pick up points on the road and will arrive here fully loaded, with that in mind. Cambridge as we know have spent and continue to spend  a lot of money on putting this side together, from far and wide, this is a big game for both clubs plans.

Leeds Tykes v Rosslyn Park 1-5: The Cityslickers away trip “Up North” will be a decent day out. First class return, smoked salmon with scrambled eggs on the way up, LP on the way back.  Having not played for a few weeks they should also be fully loaded unless a few are still on the slopes after the new year break, however Park will be much too much for plucky Leeds, just hope Leeds have ordered enough ice for the post match G and T’s 

Plymouth Albion v Bishop's Stortford  5-0 a must win for both sides. If you think 3 are going down, OEs and TJ’s being two of them, it leaves one from these two, Moseley or Blackheath in a four way battle for that last spot I’d say. Albion will be looking to their loans from Exeter and Cornish to dig them out of this hole and Stortford I don’t think will  have enough fire power up front to match them and the home advantage factor will come into play as well. .

Taunton v Darlington Mowden Park 5-1 Taunton with the baby Chiefs and Bears onboard at home will have too much a lot will depend if the 8/9/10 axis are playing for the Titans. DMP have flattered to deceive the season, but just wont have enough desire or diesel in the tank on the road to win this.

Tonbridge Juddians v Rams 0-5 TJ’s huff and puff, talk a good game each week on social media, but just cannot blow anybody’s house down. I think they are in for a very very rough ride in  the month of Jan as after Rams come calling this week, they have Sale, Cindy and then the City Slickers, all away, with the last  on a Friday night under lights, I think the next 4 games, will seal their fate! Even Richmond (when they won the league) and Club this season (by 50+ points) were taught a major lesson on a Friday night at the Rock under lights, when a City Slicker is most at home. You have to question who in their right mind at TJs would agree to that when you are in need of points to stay in the league. With 9 away games and only 6 at home, I think they will finish clear second to bottom. Rams to get back in the mix at the top with a convincing win to set their stall out for the second half of the season.

Probably be very wrong on all the above, but just my thoughts. 

For what its worth Park, Sale and Cindy are my top 3 with Caldy and Rams banging on the door

OE’s, Tj’s and one from Plymouth, Stortford, Moseley or Blackheath being the bottom 3. Just think Leeds have enough to pull away 

Happy new year to all.