Just looking at the North Rugby vote for coach/DOR of the season so far.
Rightly agree with David Harrison Heath unbeaten, look a much improved side from last year, which is some going for a team that was already up there at this point last season. Think clear winner based on results and the clear improvement on last season.
Alnwick and Michael Van Vuuren 8 wins and 3 losses, 5 wins at home and unbeaten is a great return, sides struggle to go and turn them over in the North East. 3 wins and 3 losses on the road. They have had an improved start on last season, but prior to last season would be as expected from a strong club with a decent side. Great first half of the season but not massively unexpected.
Harrogate and Jake Brady. The money men of the league, who no doubt believed they would bounce straight back up, and might still do it, but so far not looking convincing. They continue to grind out results, but with the squad they have, national league experience and the money on offer, you should think they would be putting sides to the sword every week which they aren't. 4th in points scored, 4th in points conceded . I personally don't think they are in the conversation for the season so far even sitting in 2nd place.
Others for me, Ilkley and Rhys Morgan, after a fairly disappointing season last year they have come out firing 2nd top points scorers in the league, 7 wins and 4 losses. They only had 9 wins in total last year and are currently only 150 points behind last years total points for the season. Very similar squad showing massive improvements.
Or
Middlesbrough and Ollie Hodgson, not only is he one of the best backrow players and lineout jumpers in the league, his side is currently sitting 8th in the table. Promoted sides over previous years have struggled to break out of the bottom 2. With 4 wins they are currently on the type of form that will give them a fighting chance at survival beating the sides around them in the league. It's not top of the table form, but is the best a promoted side has been sitting in Regional 1 NE for a number of years at the half way point