My predictions for the 3A this season. Im probably going to focus more on this side of the leagues as I know more of the teams. I'll be keeping check of 3B but probably won't be going in to as much detail.
As usual probably going to be way off but here goes. Splitting in to top, middle & bottom 4 in no particular order.
Top 4
West Park Leeds - being challenging for promotion the last couple of seasons and if they have managed to keep all of last seasons squad I think they'll be right up there.
Scarborough 2's - big things happening on the North Yorkshire coast, always tricky to gauge how a second team in the leagues will get on but I think these boys will be up there.
Pock 2s - solid squad. Be surprised if these boys aren't in the top 4.
North Ribb 2s - other then Skipton it's a long way for every team to travel here. the singings the 1st team has made it should make the 2nd team strong enough for a good finish.
Middle 4
Skipton - they always seem to start the season slow but always pick it up after Christmas. Won't challenge for promotion but got enough for an upper mid table finish.
Selby 2s - maybe don't quite have the depth as Scarbs, Pock & North Ribb and all depends on injuries and availability for the 1st team. But should have enough for mid table.
Hornsea - strong at home and if they can pick up a few away wins at some of the weaker teams they should be mid table.
Morley 2s - unknown really, similar to some of the other 2nd teams in the league all depends on depth and availability.
Bottom 4 -
Wetherby 2s - don't think they be going down but can't see them being higher then 7th/ 8th.
Burley - all depends on what students have decided to study in Leeds this year. Will be pick some good wins at home but will struggle on the road.
Rowntrees - Yorkshire 4 champions, the jump for 4 to 3 is bigger then most teams expect, be similar to Hornsea last season I think. They should just have enough to stay up.
York RI - my favourites to go down. They'll get a few wins but will be a long season for them boys.
if it's two up two down then my top 2 will be WPL & Pock and then RI & Burley to go down.
It's certainly going to be interesting to see how the 2nd XVs get on and what strength in depth the "more senior" clubs in reality. Having been around the county playing at lower levels over the past quarter century, it's fair to say most of the bigger clubs are running way fewer teams than they used. The days of competitive 2nd XVs fed by aspiring 3rd XV players are mostly gone, so how clubs will successfully sustain two effectively independent squads is going to be a challenge.
Based on limited recent knowledge but noting results last season, I will wager:
Top four - North Ribb 2's (Promoted as champions) with WPL (Based on last season's form). Morley 2's and Selby 2's taking 3rd and 4th.
The middle mix to include - Scarb 2's, Wetherby 2's, Burley and Pock 2's.
Botttom huggers - Hornsea, Skipton, Rowntrees and York RI. Insufficient data to call relegations! :)