RUGBY: Winning weekend all round

James Orbinson with the ball for OLs in Saturday's win PICTURE BY MIKE BAKER

It was a great weekend for all of Rugby’s first teams, with a clean sweep of victories.

In Midlands 1 East, Old Laurentians notched up a very welcome 30-13 win over tenth placed Northampton Old Scouts. Although OLs are still bottom of the table, they are just one point behind Matlock now and four behind Newark.

Next weekend OLs are at home again at Fenley Field, this time to eighth-placed Wellingborough.

Steve Coleman in possession for Lions at Old Coventrians PICTURE BY RAY ANDREWS

Newbold had a narrow 33-27 win at seventh-placed Paviors, but stay third in the table going into their home game against leaders Bedford Athletic this Saturday at Parkfield Road.

Rugby Lions have taken over top spot in Midlands 3 West (South) after their 15-6 win away at Old Coventrians. They have another crucial game next weekend with the visit of second-placed Southam to Webb Ellis Road.

Lions are three points ahead now on 70, Southam 67, Evesham 66 (having played one game less), Ledbury 62 and Old Covs 58.

Rugby St Andrews were without a league game on Saturday, but host local rivals Daventry this weekend at John Tomalin Way. Saints are sixth in Midlands 3 East (South) and Daventry ninth.

A fantastic result for Rugby Welsh, playing their best rugby in ages, saw them beat leaders Five Ways Old Edwardians 27-19 away from home. Welsh are now just two points behind Old Eds in Midlands 5 West (South), but have played an extra game.

This weekend Welsh welcome fifth-placed Copsewood to Alwyn Road.

Games this weekend are 3pm kick-offs.