Nick Verdier’s team of the week
1. Ian Stock (Chinnor) – Ending the season in style with a bonus-point win at the already relegated Dings, Chinnor enjoyed a fine afternoon and so did Stock who helped himself to two tries.
2. Alex Bloisi (Ampthill) – The hooker got his side’s first try as they pushed for one final bonus-point win in the hope of catching Hull Ionians – which they unfortunately couldn’t. They will now take on Bishop’s Stortford in the National League One promotion play-off.
3. Sean Edwards (Bishop’s Stortford) – Stortford’s pack will be high on confidence going into that play-off after winning three penalty tries against Launceston where Edwards spearheaded the scrum with aplomb.
4. Dave Clements (Henley) – The Hawks lost their last game of the season but they’ll return to National League One after dominating the NL2S all season. Captain Clements celebrated the promotion with a brace against Dorking.
5. Chris Jacques (Luctonians) – Lucs had their fate in their hands but Jacques’ outstanding display against Leicester Lions ensured they retained their NL2N status for another season even if they left it a bit late to seal the deal.
6. Santiago Socino (Hull Ionians) – Ionians knew yet another bonus-point win would crown them NL2N champions and secure promotion to NL1. Socino was on hand with the first of five tries.
7. Jamie Thompson (Richmond) – For the second week running, the Richmond fans were treated to a try-fest at the Athletic Ground. After Adam Gasby, last week, it was Thompson’s turn to score a hat-trick.
8. Leroy Houston (Bath) – The big No.8 was at his rampaging best against London Irish carrying and tackling relentlessly all game. He was the one starting the second-half blitz with a try five minutes in.
9. Jordan Burns (Richmond) – Thompson wasn’t the only one crossing the line three times for Richmond against Macclesfield last week as Harlequins youngster Burns matched his performance.
10. Nicky Robinson (Bristol) – The West Country outfit secured top spot in the Championship in style with a win at fellow promotion favourites Worcester. Robinson was the match-winner with two late penalties.
11. Mason Rosvall (Canterbury) – The Kent side did not have the season they were hoping for but Rosvall was a constant performer scoring 19 tries in total and a hat-trick against Clifton.
12. Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester) – The England centre sparked the Cherry and Whites’ stunning revival against Newcastle with the second of his two tries. The first was a gem too.
13. Robert Connelly (Birmingham & Solihull) – The Bees did what they had to do claiming a bonus-point win at Otley, in which Connelly was outstanding, but Luctonians’ late try meant they were still relegated in the end.
14. Stefan Hawley (Cinderford) – What an escape from Cinderford who secured their place in NL1 with a stunning bonus-point win against Esher. Hawley kicked things off with two tries in the opening 12 minutes.
15. Gary Kingdom (Taunton) – The Titans full-back ended the season as the most prolific point scorer in English rugby with 312 points. That’s six tries, 69 conversions, 47 penalties and one drop-goal at the end of 30 rounds.