Barking are now the only team with a 100% record after they won at home to Macclesfield and Blackheath went down 22-21 at Tynedale. Tynedale trailed Blackheath until the 54th- minute but a brace of tries from Peter Cole rescued them. Barking gained revenge for last season’s National Two Champions Final defeat to Macclesfield with a 10-6 win at Goresbrook. They will be looking to improve on a tally of just two try- scoring bonus points at lowly Redruth – one of only two teams yet to score four or more tries in a match. Redruth, though, will be buoyed by their 26-24 win over Rosslyn Park, which came thanks to Aaron Penberthy’s last- minute drop goal.

Surprisingly, Wharfedale, handily placed in fourth following a 27-19 win at Sedgley Park, are the division’s other try- shy team. Cinderford lie in wait next and Andy Deacon’s side, so disappointing in the early rounds, showed definite signs of improvement in a 33-26 win over Blaydon.

Coventry’s home and away form continues to contrast starkly. Phil Maynard’s men have lost all three games on the road – slipping to a 43-22 defeat at Cambridge on Saturday – but have won both games so far at home. Macclesfield are the next visitors to the Butts Park Arena.

London Scottish, who play Tynedale, moved up to sixth in the table after leaving Otley as 34-22 winners. Stourbridge beat Launceston 17-10 and face a trip to Blackheath next, while the Cornish All Blacks are at home to Sedgley Park.