Moseley are resigned to a second consecutive relegation battle regardless of how they fare in the final two games of the ‘regular se ason’. Even bonus point wins against Rotherham and Esher would not be enough to se e them safe because Bristol or Plymouth are guarante ed to pick up competition points from their me eting at the Memorial Stadium on Sunday. Bristol go into the game knowing that a fifth straight win in all competitions would be enough to book them a place in the promotion play- offs. Their last success came at Birmingham & Solihull who, like local rivals Moseley, face a scrap to save their Championship status.

Esher came from 12-3 down to be at Cornish Pirates and hand themselves a play- off lifeline. But they still need to be at Doncaster for the first time in six attempts on Saturday to keep their hopes alive. New signing Richard Mayhew proved the inspiration against the Pirates, the North Harbour recruit scoring a try within five minutes of his arrival as a second- half replacement. Rotherham are safe following a thrilling south Yorkshire derby victory over Doncaster. The Titans had Juan Pablo Socino to thank for the narrowest of wins after the Argentine centre booted seven penalties and two conversions.

Bedford will be sure of second place behind Worcester if they be at the Be es at home on Saturday and London Welsh fail to likewise at le aders Worcester. Nottingham play Doncaster in midweek before he ading down to Cornish Pirates for their third game in a week.

NEXT MATCHES

9th February

Nottingham Rugby V Doncaster Knights

11th February

Bedford Blues V Birmingham & Solihull

Moseley V Rotherham Titans

12th February

Doncaster Knights V Esher Rugby

Worcester Warriors V London Welsh

13th February

Bristol Rugby V Plymouth Albion

Cornish Pirates V Nottingham Rugby