Hot off the Press

[The Mole]

Maybe Hegians will be the surprise package next season.

What makes you say that TJ?

[Veritas]

Nice try TJ.

Isn't amazing how people from outside the Club always think that they know more about what is going on than people from within?

In fact, the WPL squad has been fairly consistent for the last few seasons, apart from a few retirements here and there and new players coming up through the lower teams and/or Juniors/Colts. Many of the 1st team squad have been at the Club for around 20 years ie from minis onwards.

Admittedly, three or four new players joined last season, either being new to the area or coming in from other Yorkshire Clubs. That is likely to happen again, we get lots of enquiries and newcomers are always welcome.

Centre Stew McLure is leaving to continue his medical studies but to balance that we have three quality backs due to return from long term injury (one of whom made his come back in the 2nds towards the end of last season).

The atmosphere in the Club is excellent - ask those who were at the Players Dinner last week.

By the way, we are 7 not 10 miles from Leeds city centre but with facilities like ours, who would ever want to go anywhere else?

Yorkshire 2 will be as tough as ever next season but we will compete.

[Grasscutter]

Maybe Hegians will be the surprise package next season.

What makes you say that TJ?

Dont they say Hegians will do well every time they come and every time they are sent packing?

[dave t]

As an honest appraisal of the teams joining you next season:

Roundhegians this season were strong in the pack with a good scrum and some strong players coming off the bench, which is rare in Y3. Half backs are good, 10 threatens the line and 9 is young but has the skills. When they look to play wider everything is a bit predictable and too far behind the gain line so a decent drift defence can handle it.

Medics this season have one big weakness which is the scrum and they cover this well with collapses, wheels and standing up, which they got away with in both games we played. Their line out is quality, best defensive line out I have seen and you best be very good or they will track your jumpers and not fall for your decoys. Around the park they are very fit with good technique and skills, can counter attack from anywhere and support play is top drawer. If they can strengthen their scrum they are the better of the two sides.

This is based on the two games each against us this year.

[Chunky]

I have to agree with Dave t there. I think Medics may be better equipt to deal with Y2 as their support play is great and they are generally very fit lads who like to play attacking rugby. Their main weakness is against a big set of forwards who can over-power them.

As for Hegians, to come top of y3 is not easy. They have a decent side in all areas with solid players that come off the bench. The good point about their team this season was that no-one player let the side down. Conversely, this is a main weakness when they go up to a higher standard as they really don't seem to have many match winners or game breakers.  If you get in their faces early on, we found they went missing but the experience of a season in y2 a couple of years ago could be invaluable.

[componere lites]

I've just found this Forum and after reading quite a few of the threads I cannot believe the bad press and write ups Bradford Salem are getting and how Moortown are getting away with barely a mention; Facilities, crowds, atmosphere, welcomes etc...

Will Y2 be as competitive next season? Probably not! The quality coming into the league does not compare the quality leaving the league. My predicition is the league will look like it finished with the top two promoted; Salem 1st, WPL 2nd, Leos/Hullensians/Selby fighting for the next few spots, Cas mid table, with the two promoted teams and Ripon fighting not to go down.

*** On a better note has anyone checked out Sam Boatwright from Skipton Rugby Club and his 'Epic Run'? 50 miles for 50 consecutive days for Help for Hereos and he has already completed over 2000 of those! Chek the link:

http://www.epicrun.co.uk/

[RingRoadRugby]

Nice try TJ.


By the way, we are 7 not 10 miles from Leeds city centre but with facilities like ours, who would ever want to go anywhere else?

True, Veritas, those facilities are Out of This World, but then again so is Venus, and that's got no atmosphere either.

[RingRoadRugby]

... and yes, most other Clubs are jealous much!

[The Vole]

Componere, trust me Moortown have had plenty of stick in the past!