NVL preview (15th and 16th March) - Richmond and Riga fight out relegation battle after Giants clinch play-off berth

The home side needed just one more win from their final four games to be assured of a match against the seventh-placed team in the MAAREE Super League for a place in the top flight next season. 

And they clinched the points needed at the very first attempt, earning a 25-16, 25-18, 19-25, 27-25 success at the Caius House Youth Centre, a result that also leaves Richmond nervously looking over their shoulders. 

While they are currently four points clear of the drop zone and strong favourites to stay up, they have played a game more than the side immediately, Coventry and Warwick Riga, and could still have worked to do. 

Things are likely to become much clearer come Sunday evening, when the West Midlands side will have played their penultimate game of the campaign at Everton Belugas. 

Win, and it will go right down to the wire, but lose and they will go down for the second season running. 

For the Belugas, who have played less games than anyone else at this point, it will be a second game of the weekend after making the short trip to Stockport on Saturday. 

Elsewhere, third-placed Leicester Athena Phoenix have the chance to bounce back from last week’s defeat to champions-elect Newcastle Knights, when they travel to play London Inter Crocs. 

It is the first of a double bill in the south for them as they follow it up with a tough-looking match at the side just above them, the Giants, on Sunday. 

As they look to continue their march towards going unbeaten all season, Newcastle travel to Essex Trinity on Saturday.  

It’s a big weekend for Manchester Marvels in Division 2 North, as they could move a step closer to the title with victory over Newcastle Staffs. 

If they fail to win, however, Loughborough Students, who visit Yorkshire clubs Sheffield on Saturday and The Miners Doncaster on Sunday could take over at the top, albeit having played a game more. 

Mid-table Sheffield and Tamworth Spartans then round off their respective seasons by meeting on Sunday. 

In Division 2 Central, two contenders for second spot in the table are in action in home games. 

Richmond 2, who currently occupy that position, host Dartford Chargers while Northampton, two points further back, entertain Onyx, both on Sunday. 

By then, the Chargers will have also played MK City on Saturday, who also have two games in the weekend, visiting fellow strugglers Herts in a key clash. 

A South Wales derby takes on added significance on Saturday given Team South Wales' desire for the title and they will hope to beat struggling Cardiff Falcons to strenghten their cause. 

The other action in the division on Sunday sees Oxford Eagles entertain Bedminster who still have outside hopes of finishing second. 

There is just one game in Division 3 North, but it is an important one as unbeaten Manchester Moss Side Jaguars can all-but seal the title should they overcome third-placed Leeds Gorse 3. 

A triangular fixture in Division 3 Central will see Lincoln Cannons bid to clinch second in the table and, with it, promotion, if they can get the better of Coventry and Warwick Riga 2 and Leicester Athena Nova. 

There are no matches in either Division 3 South East or Division 3 South West. 

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There are key fixtures at both ends of the table in Men’s Division 1 with games fast running out. 

Third-placed Bristol are first in action on Saturday as they visit a Hull Thunder side desperate for the points in a bid to beat the drop. 

Newcastle Staffs, in fifth, could also take closer order to those at the top if they can triumph at Exeter Storm. 

On Sunday, Bristol will have another opportunity to move into second, above Black Country, as they go to a Lincoln Cannons side fighting for their lives. 

Hull play again when they take on bottom club London Baks, while it’s seventh versus ninth as Cambridge ARU go to Tamworth Spartans with just two points between them. 

Alll eight teams in Division 2 North are in action on Sunday across four matches. 

Having already secured promotion, Manchester Marvels will be on the cusp of finishing as champions should they prevail against Newcastle Staffs 2. 

Second-placed Sheffield will be strong favourites to beat bottom side Harrogate, while third-placed Leeds Gorse 2 complete their season at Kings of Court and Darkstar Derbyshire go to Wigan Seahawks. 

Rhinos Volleyball Cambridge can become champions of Division 2 Central on Sunday if they claim maximum points in their final match at home to MK City. 

Loughborough Students, in second, host Newmarket knowing if they win their remaining two matches, they will go up as well. 

Third-placed Coventry and Riga will hope to keep up the pressure against bottom club Northampton, who are still bidding to beat the drop because of games in hand. 

A maximum points win for leaders Wessex at Hounslow on Sunday will be enough for them to clinch promotion, while Southampton will be favirotiess to join them if they overcome relegation-threatened Cardiff Panthers. 

Spelthorne Lions will take a giant leap towards safety should they get the better of Hounslow. 

There are no matches in Division 3 North Central, but bottom three clubs Sheffield 2, Manchester Marvels Marauders and York Vikings will look to boost their standing with two victories. 

There are no game sin Division 3 South East, but in Division 3 South West, Reading Aces – bidding to join their women’s team in winning promotion – can take advantage of their games in hand against City of Bristol and Southampton 2 to go above Weymouth into second. 

Images by Simon Clarke (Everton), Jason Dudley Photography (Newcastle Staffs) and Marie Sima (Loughborough)

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