Some important clashes this weekend.
Ilkley v Harrogate. This game will finally decide Harrogate's situation for next season? I think Ilkley can win this at home, especially if the weather is fine.
Kendal v Blaydon. Close game, maybe Blaydon just?
Middlesbrough v Alnwick. Alnwick to keep their place 2nd in the league.
Sandal v Penrith. Sandal win.
York v Cleckheaton. I am pretty sure York will win and put further pressure on Cleck.
Heath v Driffield. Is it possible Driff can beat Heath away? The statistics say no. Heath top of the league and unbeaten. I have to admit it looks a forlorn hope, but the occasional upset does happen!
Heath v Driffield - sorry lads, but a comfortable home win for the Champions elect. Maybe a point for Driff.
Ilkley v Harrogate - robbed of a victory away, the Dalesmen will be seeking revenge. Will they get it ? I'll go for a very narrow home win.
Kendal v Blaydon - home advantage and an improving Kendal for the win.
Middlesbrough v Alnwick - away win. Alnwick have too much and Boro are in trouble.
Sandal v Penrith - home win and more misery for the Cumbrians.
York v Cleckheaton - the only possible surprise. Cleck win. Maybe
Well ever the optimist and backing the Woldsmen
Heath Vs Driffield
A big challenge for Driffield no hiding from that but always have to be confident that they can get a result and upset Heaths perfect season, I think someone will do it before the end of the season.
Driffield Win
Ilkley Vs Harrogate
Flip of a coin for me, Ilkley will be looking to get a result with a tough run of fixtures to come. This game could be the factor of a top 3 playoff place or a potential 5th place finish.
Ilkley win and Harrogate looking at back-to-back seasons in Regional 1. Not a great return on investment.
Kendal vs Blaydon
Blaydon appear to of finished for the season, and Kendal still desperate for a few more points to feel safe. Home advantage
Kendal Win
Middlesbrough vs Alnwick
I can't see Middlesbrough getting anything from this, which I think just about sees Middlesbrough fighting for home advantage in the relegation playoff games.
Alnwick Win
Sandal vs Penrith
I think Penrith are odds on to join Cleckheaton in the automatic relegation places, recent form says they will have a tough time on the road at Sandal.
Sandal Win
York vs Cleckeaton
Have York finally turned the corner? Are we going to see contributions from DAA appearing in the near future?
York Win
Heath v Driffield
Heath a team who just look to be going from strength to strength, Driffield has a pretty good season so far but can't see anything but a Heath win here.
Ilkley v Harrogate
Game of the day this for me, could go either way but just tipping Harrogate to edge this one in a close one.
Kendal v Blaydon
Kendal usually better at home than away, Blaydon struggle away, so logic says home win.
Middlesbrough v Alnwick
A great win for Middlesbrough last week to ease a bit of pressure but Alnwick are a very good team so going for an Alnwick win.
Sandal v Penrith
Sandal seem to have been turning a corner until last weeks defeat at Middlesbrough but with Penriths recent struggles expecting them to get back on track here, Sandal win.
York v Cleckheaton
York also seem to have turned things around and Cleck really need to win here to have any hope of survival (Interesting that in the last 5 games Cleck are playing all the bottom 5 teams above them) but think York take this one.
Apologies been a while. Trying to get back into the account has proven difficult...
Heath v Driffield
Heath to steamroll Driffield.
Heath
Ilkley v Harrogate
Ilkley without Magee since he was injured at Blaydon. Only one who really gets them to forward. Harrogate to win with set piece. Dobby to call it otherwise.
Ilkley
Kendal v Blaydon
Blaydon off to a shocker to start 2026 injuries and unavailable players. Seem to have a more settled squad tomorrow. Kendal fighting. If they stop silly pens for Moir to kick they'll come through here.
Blaydon
Middlesbrough v Alnwick
A short trip to smog land for Alnwick. Alnwick by 30 or 40.
Alnwick.
Sandal v Penrith
Sandal similar to Blaydon much better at home. More players available for their meal ticket. No coach player from boro either.
Sandal
York v Cleckheaton
York to dispatch of Cleckheaton. Cleck seem to have their better players on the bench? Hainsworth to make the difference?
Draw
Heath Vs Driffield
I wonder how Driffield will manage with the loss of their captain to Sheffield. Driffield must not have been willing to increase his pay further to match what Sheffield offered.
Heath to continue their fine form with a solid win.
Ilkley vs Harrogate
I think Ilkley will edge this, even without Magee. Echoing the previous comments of not a good return on investment for Harrogate to stay in this league.
Kendal vs Blaydon
Comfortable victory for Kendal
Middlesborough vs Alnwick
Alnwick far too good to let Middlesborough even get a sniff here.
Sandal vs Penrith
Going for a Penrith upset. They're not a bad side and their heavy ball carriers can do some real damage.
York vs Cleckheaton
I still think, on their day, York can beat anyone in this league. But that being said, it has not been their day much this season. They are still the most inconsistent team in the league. York win, but it could be a close encounter.
Quote from: Yari on Feb 28, 2026, 09:25 AMHeath Vs Driffield
I wonder how Driffield will manage with the loss of their captain to Sheffield. Driffield must not have been willing to increase his pay further to match what Sheffield offered.
Heath to continue their fine form with a solid win.
He is only on loan to Sheffield, a great opportunity for a great player to get some games for the best side in Nat 2. Nothing to do with money. Agreed between the player and the club, and will be back in a Driffield shirt this season without being paid. Also offers opportunities for some young lads to get game time and experience, and others to step up as leaders.
It was a tough day in Halifax for the Woldsmen, Heath were physical and clinical when they had opportunities. Driffield certainly tested them and will be frustrated to not get the 4th try. But another current Colt in the match day squad, and the 1st team continues to feature at least one player who is 17/18 years old as they have done all season. When a club doesn't pay players they have to develop their own talent, and this season the Woldsmen are certainly demonstrating how to build a competitive squad without throwing money around.
Quote from: Differ Lid on Feb 28, 2026, 07:35 PMQuote from: Yari on Feb 28, 2026, 09:25 AMHeath Vs Driffield
I wonder how Driffield will manage with the loss of their captain to Sheffield. Driffield must not have been willing to increase his pay further to match what Sheffield offered.
Heath to continue their fine form with a solid win.
He is only on loan to Sheffield, a great opportunity for a great player to get some games for the best side in Nat 2. Nothing to do with money. 😂😂
Agreed between the player and the club, and will be back in a Driffield shirt this season without being paid.😂😂 Also offers opportunities for some young lads to get game time and experience, and others to step up as leaders.
It was a tough day in Halifax for the Woldsmen, Heath were physical and clinical when they had opportunities. Driffield certainly tested them ( obviously by the 29 points difference) and will be frustrated to not get the 4th try. But another current Colt in the match day squad, and the 1st team continues to feature at least one player who is 17/18 years old as they have done all season. When a club doesn't pay players 😂😂
they have to develop their own talent, and this season the Woldsmen are certainly demonstrating how to build a competitive squad without throwing money around.😂😂😂
Quote from: Differ Lid on Feb 28, 2026, 07:35 PMQuote from: Yari on Feb 28, 2026, 09:25 AMHeath Vs Driffield
I wonder how Driffield will manage with the loss of their captain to Sheffield. Driffield must not have been willing to increase his pay further to match what Sheffield offered.
Heath to continue their fine form with a solid win.
He is only on loan to Sheffield, a great opportunity for a great player to get some games for the best side in Nat 2. Nothing to do with money. Agreed between the player and the club, and will be back in a Driffield shirt this season without being paid. Also offers opportunities for some young lads to get game time and experience, and others to step up as leaders.
It was a tough day in Halifax for the Woldsmen, Heath were physical and clinical when they had opportunities. Driffield certainly tested them and will be frustrated to not get the 4th try. But another current Colt in the match day squad, and the 1st team continues to feature at least one player who is 17/18 years old as they have done all season. When a club doesn't pay players they have to develop their own talent, and this season the Woldsmen are certainly demonstrating how to build a competitive squad without throwing money around.
I don't know whether this is delusion, or naivety.
Which part of it is delusion or naive? Would be interesting to hear your first hand experience of the players thoughts, experiences or conversations that have taken place before the decision was taken for him to be loaned?
DAA good to see you back, been a while, but a few wins always tends to do that to you. How's the second team holding up? Got some good youth coming through to bolster the ranks?
Quote from: Differ Lid on Mar 01, 2026, 01:22 PMWhich part of it is delusion or naive? Would be interesting to hear your first hand experience of the players thoughts, experiences or conversations that have taken place before the decision was taken for him to be loaned?
DAA good to see you back, been a while, but a few wins always tends to do that to you. How's the second team holding up? Got some good youth coming through to bolster the ranks?
The part where you say you don't pay players at Driffield. There is no shame in admitting it, but there is in denying it! A lot of the teams in this league pay players.
If it happened I don't think anyone would be denying it at the club.
An overseas player in the squad is the extent of money spent on players.
But if you want to believe that Driffield pays players yet continues to lose players to paying clubs each year then something isn't right.
As Differ says....it's unlikely that Driff would lose the various players they have over the years to the likes of Hull Is if they were paying anything meaningful.
I doubt there is much money going around in level 5 or 6. There will be exceptions (Heath, Morley, Bradford S etc) but not many.
I'd say at least half pay at level five, probably more
Driff say they don't, Ilkley say they don't....
Heath, Hgate, Blaydon, Cleck pretty sure do
York and Sandal - assume, but not sure
Don't know about Midds, Penrith, Kendal, Alnwick
Quote from: BishBashBosh on Mar 02, 2026, 03:04 PMI'd say at least half pay at level five, probably more
Driff say they don't, Ilkley say they don't....
Heath, Hgate, Blaydon, Cleck pretty sure do
York and Sandal - assume, but not sure
Don't know about Midds, Penrith, Kendal, Alnwick
Ilkley pay two 'player-coaches'. They have the same budget for these two players, as some teams do for a full team. If that money was distributed across the entire team, would they have lost some of the players they have over the years and be in a better position?
What does it matter, if you pay or not?
Just so long as you do not risk the long term prospects of the club.
Some blazers are only interested in their self preservation ( not the clubs).
Unfortunately this great game is coming under pressure from all directions, dwindling participants, leadership who do not seem to understand the changes of the nature of the pressures on the players?
When I played, you wouldn't be sacked or reduced in pay by an employer for periods of recovery following serious injury, you didn't have loved ones concerned re concussions , MND and similar conditions,financial pressures on most families and more importantly, in my opinion the league system.
I think we need a professional class at the top of the pyramid, everyone else go back friendlies.
Bring back the local derby's, reduce travel times and associated costs. Bigger home crowds generating more precious income, not for paying players, but developing the future players etc.
Quote from: Dark Arts Advocate on Mar 02, 2026, 07:16 PMWhat does it matter, if you pay or not?
Just so long as you do not risk the long term prospects of the club.
Some blazers are only interested in their self preservation ( not the clubs).
Unfortunately this great game is coming under pressure from all directions, dwindling participants, leadership who do not seem to understand the changes of the nature of the pressures on the players?
When I played, you wouldn't be sacked or reduced in pay by an employer for periods of recovery following serious injury, you didn't have loved ones concerned re concussions , MND and similar conditions,financial pressures on most families and more importantly, in my opinion the league system.
I think we need a professional class at the top of the pyramid, everyone else go back friendlies.
Bring back the local derby's, reduce travel times and associated costs. Bigger home crowds generating more precious income, not for paying players, but developing the future players etc.
Welcome back formally DAA it's seemed quiet without you. And I agree, nothing wrong with paying players. If a clubs aspirations are to be competitive in the National leagues it would be very difficult to do so without a players budget.
I agree with some of your points, however I think doing away with a league structure would be detrimental.
Here is a question for the group whilst we have interaction.
Will Heaths touchline wall and technical areas be compliant in the National Leagues? Not meant as a dig, Heath have been exceptional and fully deserving of promotion (when it becomes official). But it is surely something the club have considered before now
Quote from: Differ Lid on Mar 02, 2026, 07:51 PMQuote from: Dark Arts Advocate on Mar 02, 2026, 07:16 PMWhat does it matter, if you pay or not?
Just so long as you do not risk the long term prospects of the club.
Some blazers are only interested in their self preservation ( not the clubs).
Unfortunately this great game is coming under pressure from all directions, dwindling participants, leadership who do not seem to understand the changes of the nature of the pressures on the players?
When I played, you wouldn't be sacked or reduced in pay by an employer for periods of recovery following serious injury, you didn't have loved ones concerned re concussions , MND and similar conditions,financial pressures on most families and more importantly, in my opinion the league system.
I think we need a professional class at the top of the pyramid, everyone else go back friendlies.
Bring back the local derby's, reduce travel times and associated costs. Bigger home crowds generating more precious income, not for paying players, but developing the future players etc.
Welcome back formally DAA it's seemed quiet without you. And I agree, nothing wrong with paying players. If a clubs aspirations are to be competitive in the National leagues it would be very difficult to do so without a players budget.
I agree with some of your points, however I think doing away with a league structure would be detrimental.
Here is a question for the group whilst we have interaction.
Will Heaths touchline wall and technical areas be compliant in the National Leagues? Not meant as a dig, Heath have been exceptional and fully deserving of promotion (when it becomes official). But it is surely something the club have considered before now
They are not compliant with any league. They never have been.
Plans are in place for improvements over the summer irrespective of what division we are in.
Good on you...