London 2N 2007-2008

Bury St Edmunds

http://www.bserufc.co.uk/

Newly promoted Bury St Edmunds arrive into London 2N with high expectations for the season. Finishing top of London 3NE last season, it seems that they will not rest on their laurels and have appointed former Super 12 star Owen Scrimgeour as their head coach for 2007-2008. Woodford face Bury at the Highams on the 6th October and it will be interesting to see how they settle into life in London 2.

Chingford

http://www.chingfordrugby.co.uk/

Local rivals Chingford have seemingly overtaken Woodford in recent seasons since their promotion to London 2 in 2005. Woodford were relegated that season and so the two sides had to wait until 2006 to meet. The two games were both closely fought and in the end home advantage proved significant in both. Chingford, who finished third in 2006-2007, will no doubt be once again chasing promotion.

Last Seasons Results:

11-Nov-06Chingford21V18Woodford

16-Dec-06Woodford15V7Chingford

Eton Manor

http://www.etonmanor.net/

Another local rival, the Manor are coached by ex Woodford man Ged White and will be looking to build on their 6th place finish in London 2 last season. Games between these two sides are rarely pretty but are always high octane clashes. Expect more of the same this season. Rivalries are often put aside after the match and it is always good to enjoy a few sharpeners with Ged after the game.

Last Seasons Results:

30-Sep-06Woodford7V15Eton Manor

10-Mar-07Eton Manor12V16Woodford

Letchworth

http://www.crossoversoftware.com/lrc/

The Hertfordshire side suffered an uncharacteristic slip in form last season which saw them battling relegation up until the final day of the season. Typically a tough side with a powerful pack, it was surprising to see them finishing just one place above the relegation zone.

Last Seasons Results:

21-Oct-06Letchworth37V7Woodford

13-Jan-07Woodford29V11Letchworth Gdn City

London Nigerian

http://www.londonnigerian.com/

A powerful side from West London, the Nigerians play a fast open game. They also have the leagues largest player, Nsa Harrison in their ranks - a difficult man to stop. Both matches last season were closely fought and once again home advantage was key. It is always worth a trip to the Linford Christie stadium for the hospitality and spicy chicken after the game.

Last Seasons Results:

07-Oct-06London Nigerian25V22Woodford

03-Feb-07Woodford 29V24London Nigerian

Ruislip

http://www.ruisliprugbyclub.co.uk/

Promoted as champions from London 3NW in 2007, it seems that Ruislip have ambitions for further success. Woodford achieved a double over Ruislip on their way to the 2006 championship but it seems that following an influx of players for their promotion season, facing Ruislip will be an altogether different proposition. We look forward to welcoming them back to the Highams on the 22nd September.

Staines

http://www.stainesrugby.co.uk/

The last time Woodford played Staines, the NW London team sheet read had some significant names on it – Chris Sheasby, Steve White-Cooper and Waisale Serevi were all starting. All three have since left but if the rumours are true Staines will have some more familiar names on their team sheet, at least to the Woodford players.. Former Barking coach Eddie Jones has since joined Staines and according to the reliable source of Robbie Connell (who has obviously had his nose close to the ground) has managed to convince some of his former star players to join his Staines revolution.

Tabard

http://www.tabardrfc.com/

Tabard finished 4th in London 2N last season and will no doubt be chasing promotion to London 1 again this season. Woodford won the home fixture last season thanks to a no show by the Tabard front row, but were unfortunate to lose a closely contested battle in Hertfordshire.

Last Seasons Results:

16-Sep-06WoodfordHWVHWTabard

03-Mar-07Tabard15V12Woodford

Thurrock

http://www.thurrockrfc.co.uk/

One of Essex’s most successful sides in recent seasons - they have contested the Essex cup final for the past three seasons, winning the first against Woodford before losing the following two to national league sides Barking and Southend in the following two. A powerful start to the season saw them move to within touching distance of promotion, however a dip in form allowed their rivals to pull away from them and they eventually finished a respectable 7th place.

Last Seasons Results:

23-Sep-06Thurrock22V14Woodford

24-Mar-07Woodford24V12Thurrock

Tring

http://www.tringrufc.co.uk/

Woodford beat Tring to London 3NW championship in 2005-2006 but this had no bearing on the 2006-2007 campaign. Tring finished runners up in the league, narrowly missing out on automatic promotion by points difference. Their playoff game was always going to be a difficult one – Woodford met the eventual winners Thanet earlier in the year and were on the wrong end of a beating. Last season though Tring showed that they are an excellent side and will provide problems for all teams in the league.

Last Seasons Results:

14-Oct-06Woodford12V38Tring

27-Jan-07Tring22V20Woodford

Welwyn

http://www.welwynrugby.co.uk/

Another side that Woodford met during the 2005-2006 campaign Welwyn gained promotion to London 2 on the back of a play off win against Harlow. A well organised side, they were only one of two teams to beat Woodford in 2005-2006.