More Action from Stage 2 of the RFU ACE Boys League continues tomorrow with big games across all 4 pools. It is still the early stages of the secondary pool stage, but with the final round of games kicking off at the start of December, this is a short and sharp road to promotion, relegation or a championship. Let’s have a look at all this Wednesday’s key fixtures.
Pool A
Loughborough v Gosforth
Gosforth grabbed all 5 points at home to Oaklands last week, but this will be a tougher task. Gosforth came out on top by 42-24 last time out, but that was early in the season, and Loughborough have improved since then. They were beaten soundly by table-topping Gordans last week and will need to be on top form to challenge the best team in the North from Stage 1.
Beechen Cliff v Oaklands
Beechen Cliff is riding high after beating Hartpury last week, but will be desperate to keep up that top form against Oaklands. The Saracens-backed outfit were beaten by Gosforth, and have another tough away day that threatens to stunt their Pool A ambitions. Can they be the Bath boys’ banana-skin? Or will Beechen Cliff continue marching on towards a first-ever ACE League title?
Hartpury v Gordons
It is a repeat of last season’s championship final, as these two southern juggernauts meet for the second time this season. There will be no grand finale this year, as the side sitting in first place at the end of the pool will walk off with the title, and Hartpury will still have ambitions of winning back its crown. They could do with taking all 5 points off of the men in green, just as they did last time these sides met, when the Acorns beat them 31-10; however, Gordons have started stage 2 in good form.
Pool B
Coventry v Moulton
It was not the start to life in Pool B that Coventry were after, being soundly beaten by a very strong Exeter side. Moulton, on the other hand, launched their promotion ambitions for next season with a bonus point win over Stourport. However, Exeter are the early favourites in this pool, and it is no shame to be beaten by a team full of academy league leaders. The last time these two sides met, it was a cracking game, ending 40-33 in Moulton’s favour. Expect another close tie.
Exeter v SGS College
Exeter are a brilliant team, and were a point or 2 away from staying in Division 1 last year. However, after dropping into the second tier, they were dominant and have continued to perform well in Stage 2. SGS will be up against it even if they, too, could feel aggrieved at giving up top-tier status and going on to perform very well in the second division. SGS might have pipped Oxford to the post in the regular season to claim a spot in this pool, but Exeter but 38 points past them last time they faced off, so they will need to be on top form.
The Bishop Wand v Stourport
Bishop Wand’s good form at the back end of last season carried over into stage 2, when they picked up a decent point against SGS, who, despite jumping up to Pool B, are a strong team. Stourport’s form went the other way in the back end of the season, and they struggled to contain Moulton, despite racking up 4 tries themselves. This is a must-win for both teams as they seek to stay in the highest division of ACE next season.
Pool C
Cardinal Newman v Truro
Cardinal Newman enjoyed a huge result last time out against Bede, in their strongest performance of the year. Truro will be a much tougher test after they narrowly missed out on finishing higher in the pool rankings after stage 1. They also have history on their side after beating Newman 38-17 just a few weeks ago. Can Newman carry their strong start to stage 2 into their second game?
City of Oxford v Bede Academy
The City of Oxford had a good run in Division 2 against opposition whose ability had already been proven. The Activate academy has produced several good players over the years, and they continue to be a quality outfit – this should be another win for the hosts, but another opportunity for Bede to cut their teeth against a strong team.
Myerscough v Bishop Burton
At the start of October, Bishop Burton beat Myerscough at home, but now they must leave Yorkshire as they search for their first win in the Pool. They put up a good fight against Trur, however, who are a strong team, and they will be the favourites in this one!
Pool D
Richard Huish v Ashton on Mersey
Richard Huish was beaten by Peter Symonds last week, a side they previously beat. However, the Ashton on Mersey game didn’t go ahead last week, so the BBristol-basedside side may just be the slightly sharper side. It’s a long journey for AOM, and Richard Huish has a chance here to rack up their second ACE win in their history.
Wath Academy v Peter Symonds
Wath may not have been among the top sides in Div 2 early on in the season, but they did taste victory against AOM in the early stages. It is a long way north for Peter Symonds, who will need to be at their best to beat Wath, who will just be hopeful that this fixture goes ahead.
You can find the full fixture list and last week’s results via the NextGenRugby Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or via the RFU website, found through this Link: https://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/search-results?competition=1664&season=2025-2026&division=66041#fixtures
