Super League and NVL preview (4th and 5th January)

There is just one top-flight match scheduled and it sees IBB Polonia and Essex Blaze men looking to boost their survival hopes. 

Both teams secured confidence-boosting wins in their last outings with the hosts notching a first success of the season in a five-set thriller at Richmond, while the visitors beat high-flying University of Nottingham. 

Whoever prevails at Northolt High School will be eyeing the opportunity to build some real momentum moving into the second half of the season. 

There are no games in NVL Women’s Division 1, but there are three in the men’s section, where Bristol, the highest placed team, could go third with victory over Hull Thunder. 

The bottom-of-the table Humberside club are also in action against Exeter Storm, hoping to record a victory in order to leapfrog their opponents, who are just one place above them. 

The other match pairs Tamworth Spartans with Newcastle Staffs in a West Midlands derby. 

The only match in the whole of the various regions of Division 2 is the Men’s North Yorkshire battle between Sheffield and Leeds Gorse 2. 

There are, however, a number of triangular fixtures in Division 3, with seven out of eight regions in action. 

In the women’s section, third-placed Manchester Liberators will hope to make up ground on the two unbeaten sides above them on Saturday when they take on Chester Amazons and Newcastle Staffs 2 in Division 3 North. 

On Sunday, Manchester Moss Side Jaguars could go top of the pile should they make it nine wins out of nine when playing Hull Thunder and Manchester Marvels Mystics. 

In Division 3 Central, Wombourne will bid to extend their lead at the summit by stretching their unbeaten run into double figures when Coventry and Warwick Riga and Nottingham Rockets provide the opposition. 

There are two triangulars in Division 3 South East where Worthing will hope to pull further clear at the top in playing Spelthorne Sharks and Dartford Warriors, while Essex Ravens, Ashcombe Dorking and Invicta meet at St John Payne School. 

With leaders Reading Aces not in action, Southampton 2 could jump to the top if they can get maximum points against Bristol 2 and City of Bristol. 

On the men’s side, second-placed Leicester can strengthen their hand as they face Tamworth Spartans 2 and Wombourne 2 at Limehurst Academy. 

There are two Division 2 North West triangulars on Saturday, with the top two both in action. 

Leaders Sheffield Springers head west to take on Urmston Grammar and York Vikings as Liverpool tackle InterVolley Manchester and Sheffield 2. 

After a period of inactivity, Invicta are back in action and they can reclaim their position at the head of the Division 3 South East table should they overcome both Tendring and Urbond Portsmouth in convincing fashion.