Saphire Series Final round preview and schedule

Today (April 16^th) is the fourth and final round of the 2016 Sapphire Series. Once again the competition has proved to be an overwhelming success with new teams and players being introduced to the sport. There have been many bumps and bruises along the way but each one will have its own story attached to it.

Image courtesy of Garry Charles - My Lonely Tree Media

The organisation has been exemplary with 12 different hosts across the country, showing that the game is going forwards in a very positive manner.

Old rivalries have been renewed, and new ones established. Overall though it’s the learning curve that even the most experienced players are on that makes the game a success. The drive and ambition of the Great Britain teams’ performances is something that all the new players are aiming for. If they can’t get to that level it’s no big loss as new bonds have been met with colleagues.

DIVISION 1

Birmingham Lions have been the flag bearer for the game for a long time now and this looks set to continue this year. They host this week’s final round of games and should be crowned champions at the end of the day. Hertfordshire and Leeds will be aiming to finish runners up, and Derby will be looking to avoid the wooden spoon.

HOST – Birmingham Lions – VENUE – University of Birmingham, Metchley Park Sports Fields, B17 0JA.

Kick Off approx. 1pm

DERBY BRAVES v MANCHESTER TITANS

LEEDS CARNEGIE v HERTFORDSHIRE TORNADOES

MANCHESTER TITANS v DERBY BRAVES

BIRMINGHAM LIONS v LEEDS CARNEGIE

DIVISION 2 NORTH

Teeside have been the most consistent team amongst this group, but the play has been very even throughout. East Kilbride can take no shame from being the bottom of the pack having played more than their part in a division that at one point was too close to call. Chester will host the final round and has the Steelers looking to hold off the challenge of Edinburgh to secure the title.

HOST – Chester Romans – VENUE – Cheshire County Sports Club, Plas Newton Lane, Upton, CH2 1PR.

Kick off approx. 1pm

TEESIDE STEELERS v EDINBURGH WOLVES

CHESTER ROMANS v EAST KILBRIDE PIRATES

DIVISION 2 SOUTH

It’s been an amazing first year for the London Warriors. Like the men’s team they have been dominant from the word go and look to end their campaign in style. They travel to Norwich with an unbeaten streak and many, many points on the board. If you took them out of the picture it’s been a very closely fought group. Sandwell and Wembley are well matched, and Portsmouth have shown some excellent flashes of the potential they have. Host team Iceni have encountered problems in their rookie year having to forfeit some games. They look to bounce back this week and get their first win.

HOST – Iceni Spears – VENUE – Lakenham Hewitt Rugby Club, Main Road, Norwich, NR14 8DU.

Kick off approx. 1pm

LONDON WARRIORS v WEMBLEY STALLIONS

PORTSMOUTH DESTROYERS v ICENI SPEARS

SANDWELL STEELERS v PORTSMOUTH DESTROYERS

WEMBLEY STALLIONS v ICENI SPEARS

SANDWELL STEELERS v LONDON WARRIORS

There will be the usual hard hits and high scores, so if you can attend any of the 3 events, your support will be greatly appreciated and in the meantime will you will be awarded by seeing the growth of the game in front of you.