Champ Rugby: Round 1 - Worcester Warriors mark league return with solid win over Coventry

With strong winds and heavy rain, it was always going to be a fascinating contest. Nottingham got a convincing victory at home in difficult conditions. Nottingham thrived in the elements as Evan Mitchell crossed early, and their defence stood firm against the storm. Their pack dominance and kicking game put them in control, whilst Doncaster failed to make their territory count. Nottingham will look to kick on from here, taking on London Scottish in the second round, while Doncaster will have their first home game against Cambridge.

Nottingham 26
Tries: Mitchell, Williams, Dickinson, Green
Conversions: Parks 3

Doncaster 8
Tries: Wootton
HT: 12-0

Fresh from promotion, Richmond stepped into their first clash hungry to prove they belonged. The home side controlled possession, and when Chinnor gave glimpses of a comeback, Richmond held out to secure a win on opening day. Greg Kitson and Luc Jones crossed the try-line, and Callum Grieve was accurate with the kicking tee. Chinnor's only try came from Kieran Gross. Richmond will now look to keep their winning ways going as they travel to Caldy next, while Chinnor will look to bounce back against Ealing.

Richmond 18
Tries: Kitson, Jones
Conversions: Grieve

Chinnor 13
Tries: Gross
Conversions: Chamberlain
HT: 11-3

Ealing went to Goldington Road and came away with a massive victory. The visitors put on a mesmerising display, which saw them score an abundance of tries with pace and precision. Skipper Conor Oliver scored on debut, and Dan Jones’ kicking game impressed. Bedford’s three tries weren’t enough as Ealing kicked off their charge for the title in the right way. Bedford will face Coventry away from home, while the Trailfinders will fancy their chances of making it two on the bounce as they face Chinnor next.

Bedford 22
Tries: Heffernan, penalty try, Ward, Adamson

Ealing 50
Tries: Oliver, Wilson, Montgomery, Holgate, Kernohan, Gwynn
Conversions: Jones 5, Scannell
HT: 12-29

The sleeping giant has been awoken, as Worcester Warriors secured an opening-day win at Sixways and also came away with a bonus point. Coventry stormed into a 19-7 half-time lead, yet the Warriors rose with fury after the break. Tries from Senitiki Nayalo, Peter Sullivan and David Opoku-Fordjour gave Coventry the early lead, but they didn’t kick on in the second half. A last-minute try from Ashley Challenger capped off the comeback and got his side the bonus point. Hartpury RFC are next for the Warriors, and Bedford are next for Coventry.

Worcester 29
Tries: Reed, Seabrook, Kvesic, Challenger
Conversions: Reed 3

Coventry 19
Tries: Nayalo, Sullivan, Opoku-Fordjour
Conversions: Thomas 2
HT: 7-19

A common theme throughout the weekend was the wind. That was no different in Caldy as London Scottish came to town. The visitors took an early lead thanks to debutants Matt Gribbon and Fraser Honey. Caldy struck back through Matt Gallagher, and with the wind at their backs, surged ahead with three second-half tries. London Scottish’s early lead was undone after an impressive second-half display from Caldy. Caldy will have another home game next week as Richmond come to town. It’s a short week for London Scottish as they are set for a clash with Nottingham under the floodlights on Friday.

Caldy 26
Tries: Gallagher, Olyott, Hearn, Gerrard
Conversions: Kieran Wilkinson 2, Connor Wilkinson

London Scottish 10
Tries: Gribbon
Conversions: Honey
HT: 7-10

On Saturday afternoon in Cambridge, a great game of rugby took place — a back-and-forth affair that saw a host of tries scored. Ampthill overpowered their rivals with strength and control, sealing a commanding bonus-point victory in the local derby. Efan Jones gave a fantastic account of himself, controlling the game to a tee. It was a new-look Cambridge side with 14 players making their debuts, but it showed glimpses of attacking flair. Ampthill will be hunting for a second win against the Cornish Pirates, whereas Cambridge will be looking for a result against Doncaster Knights.

Cambridge 26
Tries: Ellwood, Irvine, Eckersley, Stewart
Conversions: Caven 2

Ampthill 45
Tries: Kava, Smith, Jones, Auvaa, Merrett, Kildunne, Adejimi
Conversions: Grimoldby 5
HT: 12-21

Cornish Pirates welcomed Hartpury for the closing match of the opening weekend. The home side took a commanding 22-0 lead at the break thanks to an Alex Morgan try and a double from Will Crane. Arthur Reston and Sol Moody ignited a fierce Pirates comeback, closing the gap to a single, breathless point. The visitors put on a relentless performance for the win, but Hartpury held firm to secure a well-earned victory. Hartpury will face Worcester next, and the Pirates will face Ampthill.

Cornish Pirates 21
Tries: Reston 2, Moody
Conversions: Robson 3

Hartpury University RFC 22
Tries: Morgan, Crane 2
Conversions: Bazalgette 2
HT: 0-22