Sapphire Series Round 3 Schedule

Round 3 of the Sapphire Series is already upon us, it only seems like yesterday we were reporting on the hard hits and bruises from Round 2.

This is generally the time we find out who is the real deal and looking like serious contenders for the title. Of course given that there are 3 titles up for grabs this year, there is more opportunity to shine across the country.

In Division 1 the Birmingham Lions have once again set the early pace and it will take a really strong performance to knock them off their top spot, but as we all know it only takes an inspired moment to upset the odds. The Lions closest challenger is once again the Hertfordshire Tornadoes and they are the host team this weekend and the two clash for the second time this season, Birmingham having won the first encounter 35-10. Leeds could take advantage of any slip up by the Tornadoes as they play the Titans and Braves.

Host – HERTFORDSHIRE TORNADOES. Venue – University of Hertfordshire, Herts Sports Village, de Havilland Campus, Hatfield, AL10 9EU. Approx. 12.30 start.

HERTFORDSHIRE TORNADOES v BIRMINGHAM LIONS

BIRMINHAM LIONS v DERBY BRAVES

MANCHESTER TITANS v LEEDS CARNEGIE

MANCHESTER TITANS v HERTFORDSHIRE TORNADOES

LEEDS CARNEGIE v DERBY BRAVES

Division 2 North is the closest so far and it’s still very wide open to predict the winner at this stage. Edinburgh started strong but it’s the Teeside Steelers who had a strong Round 2 and are unbeaten as they look to extend their lead on their home turf. East Kilbride and Chester will not be there just to make up the numbers however so you could see another shift in power.

Host – TEESIDE STEELERS. Venue – SRC Bede Sixth Form College, Marsh House Avenue, Billingham, Cleveland, TS23 3HB. Approx. 13.00 start.

TEESIDE STEELERS v EAST KILBRIDE PIRATES

EDINBURGH WOLVES v CHESTER ROMANS

EAST KILBRIDE PIRATES v CHESTER ROMANS

TEESIDE STEELERS v EDINBURGH WOLVES

In the Division 2 South it seems to be one way traffic as the London Warriors are yet to be troubled and it’s their turn to be the host team. Depending on how busy their opponents have been in preparation over the last fortnight it could be a long afternoon for Wembley and Sandwell, the two teams the Warriors face off against. Those two along with Portsmouth and Iceni are facing the prospect of battling for second place such has been the early dominance of the Warriors, but as in Division 1 the leaders cant rest just yet and will be naïve to underestimate anyone.

Host – LONDON WARRIORS

LONDON WARRIORS v WEMBLEY STALLIONS

ICENI SPEARS v PORTSMOUTH DESTROYERS

LONDON WARRIORS v SANDWELL STEELERS

SANDWELL STEELERS v ICENI SPEARS

WEMBLEY STALLIONS v PORTSMOUTH DESTROYERS

We will bring you all the results and updated standings as soon as possible as the Sapphire Series builds up to its exciting climax.