National League Predictions, Week 12

National North

DC Presidents vs. Glasgow Tigers

The Presidents were somewhat stopped in their tracks as they lost to local rivals Gateshead and then to the Clyde Valley Blackhawks and now sit at 3-2. They take on Glasgow looking to get back to winning ways under Coach Ben Johnson.

Glasgow meanwhile, whilst not scoring much, have defended their way to a 2-1-1 record and sit second behind the Senators. This could be a close game and will depend on how the Tigers’ D holds the President’s O.

Glasgow Tigers to win by 1 score

Clyde Valley Blackhawks vs. Gateshead Senators

A rematch of the opening day 13-7 win for Gateshead sees the Senators head North to face Clyde Valley. Whilst the opening day was a close victory, recent games have seen the away side open up on offence (read: give it Evander Harewood) and score more points.

Will the Blackhawks be able to stop the now free-scoring Senators? It’ll be tough.

Gateshead Senators to win by 2 scores

Edinburgh Wolves vs. Dundee Hurricanes

The bottom two teams in the National Division North square off on Saturday. The Hurricanes are 0-5 whilst the Wolves are a fraction better off at 2-3 but both will be concerned with the win-loss ratio.

The Wolves should overcome the Hurricanes but they’ve not been recreating the form that saw them head to the playoffs last year and are struggling amongst their rivals. Maybe a win here can kickstart their season?

Edinburgh Wolves to win by 2 scores

National Central

Crewe Railroaders vs. Chester Romans

The Chester Romans were flying high at the top of the division and our Power Rankings prior to the Merseyside loss. However that isn’t such a bad result, against former Division One opposition. The Romans are having a fantastic season and will be aiming for playoffs at least.

The Railroaders on the other hand are struggling somewhat on a 1-3 record and having conceded 154 points. This’ll be a tough game too.

Chester Romans to win by four scores

Manchester Titans vs. Shropshire Revolution

What a game the first one between these two was! The Revolution pipped that game by a point and will be looking for a similar result at Salford City Stadium.

However the Titans will want to get back to that early season form, as well as get some revenge for that result and they’ll be fired up for this one.

Manchester Titans to win by 1 score

Lincolnshire Bombers vs. Merseyside Nighthawks

The Nighthawks head to Lincolnshire flying high. They’ve had a couple of key injuries so far this year but they’ve continued to dominate within the division and, although it’s still early, they’re looking good for an undefeated year.

Lincolnshire have had a torrid time, in no small part due to injuries. They sit on 0-5 with just 28 points scored and 225 points conceded.

Merseyside Nighthawks to win by 5 scores or more

National South

Cornish Sharks vs. Gloucester Centurions

A rematch from two weeks ago when the 3-1 Centurions defeated the 1-3 Sharks - 22-17. With four teams battling it out for the two playoff spots in the National South, the Centurions will need to win games like this one if they aim to make the post season.

Centurions by a score

Oxford Saints vs. Farnham Knights

Another rematch of a game that took place two weeks ago and featured a one score victory. The last time these two teams played, we predicted a Knights victory. However, it was the Saints that came out on top to keep their playoff bid alive. Should the Saints win again this weekend, they’ll be one step closer to a possible return to the top division.

Once again, this game can go either way. We’ll say Saints by a score.

Solent Thrashers vs. Swindon Storm

Like the two games above them, this one is a rematch of a game that took place two weeks ago, unlike the two games above; the victory margin was more than one score. With the Thrashers trying to maintain their unbeaten run for another week, expect them to pull out all the stops in this one to end the weekend 6-0.

Solent by three scores

National South Central

Essex Spartans vs. Colchester Gladiators

Despite this game being a local derby, we’re not expecting a close game when the high flying Gladiators take on the lowly Spartans. Having scored more than thirty points in their previous two games, we can see this one being another comfortable victory for the Gladiators to improve their record to 5-0.

Gladiators by three scores

Bedfordshire Blue Raiders vs. Milton Keynes Pathfinders

Looking at how the South Central table is shaping up this season, this game is a huge clash with regards to the playoff race. Should the Blue Raiders come away with the victory, they’ll move 5-1 while the Pathfinders drop to 3-3, meaning MKP will be at least two games back on the top three teams. But, should the Pathfinders come away with the ‘W’, they’ll join the Blue Raiders in the 4-2 club making the playoff race wide open. Huge game.

A tough game to pick, but we’ll go with...the Pathfinders by a score.

Kent Exiles vs. Maidstone Pumas

Credit where it’s due, despite taking a beating in every game, the Pumas still turn up week in, week out and play while most teams would forfeit. However, after losing 87-0 in their last game to the Exiles, some would question what benefit the Exiles are gaining when they take on a team who doesn’t pose any challenge.

Kent by eight scores