Without question, the biggest game in the AASE leagues this week comes in the Northern Conference between Hartpury College and Oaklands College.
They are the only two remaining unbeaten sides in either division and currently sit first and second in the Northern Conference, with Hartpury a point clear at the top courtesy of an extra bonus point. They also have a +202 points difference relative to Oaklands’ +36. That, as much as anything, demonstrates why the Gloucester giants will be favourites tomorrow.
It will be a defining game though, with every other side having also lost to Hartpury, a failure for Oaklands would suggest that there is a very long second half of the season coming up for the rest of the conference.
Worcester 6th form College are these two’s closest challengers, they sit in third having won two and lost two of their four games. They will be looking to add a third as they make the trip up to the North East to face bottom of the table Gosforth Academy, however Gosforth will have a few points to prove having been denied a shot at a win after their game against Moulton was postponed.
Moulton College travel to Myerscough, who have come closer than anyone to beating either Hartpury or Oaklands. The Sale Sharks AASE side will be looking to add a second victory in front of their home fans, while Moulton look for their first.
In the Southern Conference three teams sit at the top of the pile on three wins and a loss, with only bonus points separating them. Naturally the foot of the table is the same, only in reverse.
Two of those pace-setters, St Paul’s Catholic College and Truro College meet tomorrow in another 1st v 2nd battle. St Paul’s head Truro by a point and have outscored them well, however Truro’s miserly defence is bettered only by third place Filton, making this an intriguing battle between attack and defence. St Paul’s will likely be favourites and home advantage should help them further, but this will be a cracker.
Third place Filton College will travel to Bicton College. Filton will feel they should be leading this division having beaten St Paul’s, however a slip up against Ivybridge in round three has cost them dear. They will be favourites tomorrow though despite being away. Bicton have impressed this season though, without necessarily picking up the victories that they might feel they deserve.
The final game is between the bottom two in the division, Ivybridge Community College and Henley College. Each has a solitary win, Henley picked theirs up against Bicton last week, while Ivybridge’s is that stunning effort against Filton, which makes their three defeats all the more intriguing.
That result plus home advantage probably makes them favourites for this one though.
Do you agree with our predictions? Let us know via the comment box below or through @FifteenRugbyXV
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AASE Round 5 Fixtures (predictions in bold):
Bicton College v Filton College
Gosforth Academy v Worcester 6th form College
Hartpury College v Oaklands College
Ivybridge Community College v Henley College
Myerscough College v Moulton College
St Paul’s Catholic College v Truro College
