Perfect Predictor Pete (that alliteration should score Matt an extra point there (nope Matt - good try though)) is therefore going second in the results predictions this week.

Melbourne entertain Market Rasen, welcoming the Lincolnshire based side to Cockshut Lane. Rasen are coming off a closely fought win vs Matlock and will be buoyed by the result and Melbourne must ensure no complacency creeps in. Melbourne themselves had a fine win at Loughborough.

So on to the other fixtures............

Matt’s predictions were exactly what Pete would have gone for so Pete is under real pressure this week.

Ashbourne vs Long Eaton. Well this should on paper be a tough game to predict. However, with Shrove Tide on the agenda and a recent cup win Matt is backing Long Eaton despite the fact it is away. The weather is due to be fine and Long Eaton are a hard team to break down. As Pete is 7 up and just to be different, boldly going for Ashbourne in a close game.

Ashby v Lincoln - this is tough one to predict as Ashby can be hit and miss. It’s a long Journey for Lincoln but Matt sees them edging it as long as they travel well. Both teams like to be physical but Lincoln are a different level when at full strength. Pete cannot argue here. Lincoln are a good team and he is predicting an away win here too

Dronfield v Ilkeston - Dronfield are the form side behind Melbourne. Ilkeston are improving and have class in their team. Dronfield have solid home form however and Matt sees the home side taking all the points. Dronfield have only lost 2 in 13 games and Pete sees a bonus point win here for Dronfield.

Newark v Loughborough. Again this fixture is a potential banana skin. Loughborough have one of the best scrums in this league and can build a lot from this. Newark have been sluggish and not had a decent run of form. However, Matt sees the home side narrowly winning. Loughborough are have an away day coach trip so should be well prepared. A physical battle and Pete predicting an away win (just to be different).

Southwell v Matlock - a difficult one to predict as Southwell at home have not been an easy team to beat and have had their best results at home. Matlock are on a losing run and lost to Rasen in the last round. With all to play for including survival Matt is backing Southwell on this occasion to try and drag Matlock into the relegation battle. Matlock have a lot to play for being 3rd from bottom and need to get back to winning ways. A Matlock win for Pete

So, we both agree on Lincoln and Dronfield but differ on the other 3. Could there be a big swing this week?