I think I'm right in saying..
1) Rochdale up
2) Goole down
3) Donny P down
4) North Rib promoted into R2NE
5) Pocklington promoted into R2NE
6) Selby relegated into R2NE
Anyone disagree?
3 out
3 in
Let's be honest no one backed crocs to win, so who knows with all the reprieve happening what the actual standings are
Quote from: backrowbandit on Apr 05, 2025, 08:48 PMI think I'm right in saying..
1) Rochdale up
2) Goole down
3) Donny P down
4) North Rib promoted into R2NE
5) Pocklington promoted into R2NE
6) Selby relegated into R2NE
Anyone disagree?
3 out
3 in
BRB
Far to logical for RFU North. Also you need to consider relegations from North 2 and North West 2.
Both the sides relegated from North 2 are actually Cumbrian sides (Kirby Lonsdale and Carlisle) so we could have a level transfer in or out.
So I'm proposing Phoenix get a reprieve and we level transfer Scarborough to North 2.
Hope you have a great summer BRB.
It seems they'll be probably be two reprieves at R2 now as Devizes finished 2nd in counties 1. (They've requested not to be promoted)
Rugbyroots on insta doing all the leg work.
Donny & Gravesend are them, equalling 13 in R2NE by my reckoning, we could say goodbye to Donny back to midlands, Ribb could try the north west, Wetherby who are straight down A1 (travel time considered) Scarborough or us could all go north like a couple of decades ago.
Who knows, they'll be a lot of Google mapping & calculations happening on Monday before they meet on Tuesday & decide.
It will all come out in the wash I guess
With Malton, Pock, Selby all reasonably close matches for Scarborough I'd hope we wouldn't be moved anywhere.
Sounds sensible BRB but as others say thats before the RFU get involved so best wait till she starts singing.
Looking like Dony P staying up as one of the 2 best 11th placed level 6 teams. North ribb and Pock comming up and Selby comming down leaves us with 13 teams in NE2 from Yorkshire. As someone said time to get the maps out for who gets the short straw of being arm twisted into R2 North or R2 NW.
Quote from: old style prop on Apr 06, 2025, 08:42 PMLooking like Dony P staying up as one of the 2 best 11th placed level 6 teams. North ribb and Pock comming up and Selby comming down leaves us with 13 teams in NE2 from Yorkshire. As someone said time to get the maps out for who gets the short straw of being arm twisted into R2 North or R2 NW.
Don't forget Midlands 2, Donny P have been in Midlands before. Expect it will be a fun meeting on Tuesday.
Did I read on another thread that North Rib would prefer a level transfer? I hope not as I'm looking forward to a ride to the dales...
Was told at Ponte on Saturday that Ribb have requested to play in NE North as it will be an easier route up.
Quote from: selall on Apr 07, 2025, 09:41 AMWas told at Ponte on Saturday that Ribb have requested to play in NE North as it will be an easier route up.
Exactly what I was told in the clubhouse, a few times.
Here's the map of all the clubs in the NROC within their current leagues.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tkEQbaJiNAQGG07gFZ-Yy7yqwlU&ll=54.08655480336798%2C-2.3446473000000188&z=8
You guys shouldnt listen to too much idle gossip. If you want to know anything just ask me!!!!!!!!
BRB
The mighty Scarbs dont have to play Ribb for you to have a drive to the Dales. You are always welcome around here,(stay with us if you fancy slumming it) but you may wish to go and watch a couple of our young starlets who have been tempted by the "Large cash offers" from a neighbouring club as you seem to be well in "The know" !!!!!!!
Look forward to locking horns again next season.
The schools network is good for all the latest news Flaggy!
I hope you manage to hold onto them but I hear it's going to be a battle.
It is a problem for all clubs with an efficient and well organised M&J section. Spend on infrastructure and better facilities, recruit well and watch some club come along and waft notes in players faces. There should be some form of financial redress from these predator clubs. Perhaps then they themselves will start to invest in their own clubs.
Dalesman
there used to be a fee (£600)that had to be paid if a senior (supposedly) club poached/induced a player who had come through their junior section. We got it once from near rivals, but after that all sorts of excuses as to why it was not justified for future poaching/payment. I totally agree with your comments and wish you well. I played for Littleborough in the late 80s when the Russell brothers were rising to prominence about the time Gareth went on to be a Fylde stalwart. Best of luck next season, but please dont start paying!!!!!!!
BRB
not a problem so far as said individuals are more than happy at Ribb. Why wouldnt local lads want to play with their mates at their local club and havent lost a league game since Oct 2023. Lets see, I know you keep hold of your players without financial inducements, and long may it be as such.
Local lads wanting to play for their local team without financial inducements that have been offered by clubs. Morley being one.
Good on you...it must be a constant worry having a senior club on your doorstep who, no doubt, pay match fees.
Thankfully not a problem we have - if we did it would be a challenge.
So was it all decided last night?
Is it not tonight the meeting?
Quote from: Flaggy on Apr 07, 2025, 09:05 PMBRB
not a problem so far as said individuals are more than happy at Ribb. Why wouldnt local lads want to play with their mates at their local club and havent lost a league game since Oct 2023. Lets see, I know you keep hold of your players without financial inducements, and long may it be as such.
Local lads wanting to play for their local team without financial inducements that have been offered by clubs. Morley being one.
I am interested in your suggestion that Morley waive large wads of cash at Juniors from other clubs to persuade them to join us.
I am a member at Morley, although I know little of the 'financial' side of the club.
I do know that if I remember correctly 10/11 of the match day squad last Saturday came through our own Junior section. As indeed did two of the coaches.
If you would care to elaborate or indeed retract I would be grateful.
I do know that all payments made at Morley to players/coaches/staff are all within the clubs submitted accounts.
It is this honesty that is in stark contrast to some of our peers which doesn't allow us to access a whole range of grants from the likes of the RFU.
I know many of us are involved in clubs trying to play within the rules and to do things 'properly', however as you can see a 'label' no matter how inaccurate or unfairly attributed can be a 'stain' that is difficult to remove.
Then, why do you pay players? legally or under the table.
We have no problem at North Ribb as no money passes above or below the table, like Rochdale we just want to do the best for our community club. Be that at level six (next season) or level 8 where we were two seasons ago. We simply do not have the resources to fill players pockets with money.
Jim
Morley have always paid players since the 70s and the times of Binks and Vollans you must be very naive if you dont know that. I can assure you that one of our Uni student players was offered a package to transfer to you. However he is loyal to us and is not going to you or hopefully anywhere else.
Jim
for the sake of good order, I never said that Morley had offered "Large wads of cash" to anyone. Just your assumption. Must be a bit tetchy.
Quote from: backrowbandit on Apr 05, 2025, 08:48 PMI think I'm right in saying..
1) Rochdale up
2) Goole down
3) Donny P down
4) North Rib promoted into R2NE
5) Pocklington promoted into R2NE
6) Selby relegated into R2NE
Anyone disagree?
3 out
3 in
Just seen the RFU Google drive excel spreadsheet that shows Doncaster P will be given the reprieve for >36 points and 7 wins, one of the two best records for an 11th placed side at Level 6.
Does this put cats amongst pigeons for region transfers, or will North Rib going NW 2 stop the need?
Financially, the landscape was completely different in the 1970s and 80s, so I'm not sure there's much value in looking that far back. I wasn't at the club during the era you mentioned, and unless you were, I doubt you have direct knowledge of what payments were or weren't made. We've all heard the stories — brown envelopes, jobs, housing offers — but that was a different time.
The game has moved on. It's turned professional, and whether we like it or not, that shift has trickled down through the leagues. The simple reality is that if a club wants to climb the ladder, at some point, paying players becomes part of the equation. I don't see an issue with that — as long as everything is done transparently and within the rules.
When it comes to student players, I've seen firsthand how it can help. My nephew was fortunate to be paid to play while at university, and with a part-time labouring job on the side, it gave him a more stable and enjoyable university experience.
This time of year always sees increased movement — phone calls, back-channel conversations, and "mates of mates" reaching out to see what players are planning. Dreams get sold. But ultimately, it's up to each player to decide what's right for them.
Clubs like Morley — and many others based in rugby league heartlands — face an ongoing challenge in retaining talent at junior level. Rugby league does a great job of identifying and recruiting young players, so we often don't keep them for a full season. In contrast, clubs outside of those areas generally have better retention.
As clubs move into the national leagues, the reality is that players are offered retainers as well as match fees. That's the current state of the game. If a club has the financial means, they can choose whatever recruitment model fits their goals. If a club opts not to pay players, I fully respect that, and I hope they can continue to bring through homegrown talent.
At the end of the day, each club must do what's right for them — and good luck to all of them, whatever route they choose.
All very fair points.
Quote from: crash ball on Apr 09, 2025, 09:15 AMFinancially, the landscape was completely different in the 1970s and 80s, so I'm not sure there's much value in looking that far back. I wasn't at the club during the era you mentioned, and unless you were, I doubt you have direct knowledge of what payments were or weren't made. We've all heard the stories — brown envelopes, jobs, housing offers — but that was a different time.
The game has moved on. It's turned professional, and whether we like it or not, that shift has trickled down through the leagues. The simple reality is that if a club wants to climb the ladder, at some point, paying players becomes part of the equation. I don't see an issue with that — as long as everything is done transparently and within the rules.
When it comes to student players, I've seen firsthand how it can help. My nephew was fortunate to be paid to play while at university, and with a part-time labouring job on the side, it gave him a more stable and enjoyable university experience.
This time of year always sees increased movement — phone calls, back-channel conversations, and "mates of mates" reaching out to see what players are planning. Dreams get sold. But ultimately, it's up to each player to decide what's right for them.
Clubs like Morley — and many others based in rugby league heartlands — face an ongoing challenge in retaining talent at junior level. Rugby league does a great job of identifying and recruiting young players, so we often don't keep them for a full season. In contrast, clubs outside of those areas generally have better retention.
As clubs move into the national leagues, the reality is that players are offered retainers as well as match fees. That's the current state of the game. If a club has the financial means, they can choose whatever recruitment model fits their goals. If a club opts not to pay players, I fully respect that, and I hope they can continue to bring through homegrown talent.
At the end of the day, each club must do what's right for them — and good luck to all of them, whatever route they choose.
Very good post. If clubs choose to pay then good luck to them if it's sustainable and done correctly.
The brown envelopes and broken promises distorts the picture for those clubs doing it correctly or choosing not to pay players at all.
Crash ball's summary seems correct and well explained. The geographical situation that clubs find themselves in dictates their decisions and motivation. The main and pertinent outcome is that the game survives and hopefully in the future that community rugby gets back to previous heights.
Quote from: Dalesman on Apr 08, 2025, 11:24 PMThen, why do you pay players? legally or under the table.
Dalesman, may I start by congratulating you on Rochdale's promotion, it has been richly deserved. The little bit of junior rugby I played was at Rochdale and it pleases me to see my peer group; the Deasey's, Duffin's, Coogan's et al, adorn your clubhouse walls.
With regards to the payment of players by whatever means I cannot explain any better than crash ball the current situation, I will leave it mostly at that.
Nevertheless I feel it only fair to ask you to consider another point of view;
When rugby went 'Professional' in the mid 1990's Morley was considered a Big Club, a Top Tier Club and we paid the price for this hubris.
We were playing clubs such as Wakefield, West Hartlepool, Richmond, Orrell there is more and there is definitely a pattern to the clubs I could choose.
It has taken Morley and other clubs a lot of time to adjust to the new reality of Rugby Union in the modern age.
It is not just ourselves that have had to navigate the transition from 'professional' to 'community' club, Halifax and Bradford and Bingley to name just two locally have also found it painful and fraught.
There are many similarities in most rugby clubs but they are all unique.
Morley and more importantly the volunteers behind the scenes at Morley have worked tirelessly for over 25 years to drag it from the brink of bankruptcy and to re-focus and restructure the club and it has been amazing to see the fruits of their labours, but we are not there yet.
We still pay players, it is true although how much I do not know. What I do know is that it is nowhere near the amounts many suggest and the numbers of players who are paid within the squad is vanishingly small.
So why do we do it?
Mostly as crash ball explained Morley wishes to play at this level and needs to supplement the homegrown talent we have. But gone are the days as others are suggesting on this forum that we as a club have the ability to buy success in whatever form.
We like most suffer from 'poaching' by other clubs at this level and above, we lose them to professional rugby union and league, we lose them to play internationally abroad and we all suffer this.
This is the new reality and is difficult to appreciate the journey to it if your own club hasn't walked a similar path.
Investing in your Junior Sections is the only way forward, investing in your facilities, making your club a place that is able to attract people to play rugby it is not rocket science and this is the journey we are on.
This is an interesting debate and the reality is.. who cares if teams decide to pay their players? It's their money let them do what they want with it.
Clubs like Rochdale & Wetherby field 18 homegrown players nearly every week. This is what clubs should aspire to be like.
Quote from: Flaggy on Apr 07, 2025, 12:55 PMYou guys shouldnt listen to too much idle gossip. If you want to know anything just ask me!!!!!!!!
Surely idle gossip and banter is what this forum is partly about Flaggy? I don't believe everything I hear, if that were the case then I'd be convinced your classy 10 was on a BIG brown envelope per match, along with a few others ;D Funny what the rumour mill conjures up.
Again, congratulations on a stellar season and I really do hope we're in the same league again next season as the trip over to Grove Park in Jan was a great day out.
Their 10 doesn't get a brown envelope......he's paid by direct debit 😁😁
BRB Behave yourself.
Our 10 is my nephew and does get paid to coach, if he doesnt play he gets the same to coach. Doubt your employment of a certain Mr Foden meets with the RFU rules on paying players. But as a true gentleman if you tell me it is so I will believe you. Scarborough College must be a financially sound institution, to say the least. Hope to see you later in the year. Bon Chance mom ami.
And yes FYI he is paid by DD so its all transparent to the RFU spies.
Quote from: Flaggy on Apr 10, 2025, 06:39 PMBRB Behave yourself.
Our 10 is my nephew and does get paid to coach, if he doesnt play he gets the same to coach. Doubt your employment of a certain Mr Foden meets with the RFU rules on paying players. But as a true gentleman if you tell me it is so I will believe you. Scarborough College must be a financially sound institution, to say the least. Hope to see you later in the year. Bon Chance mom ami.
15 player coaches is an interesting set up Flaggy.
Quote from: Flaggy on Apr 10, 2025, 06:39 PMBRB Behave yourself.
Our 10 is my nephew and does get paid to coach, if he doesnt play he gets the same to coach. Doubt your employment of a certain Mr Foden meets with the RFU rules on paying players. But as a true gentleman if you tell me it is so I will believe you. Scarborough College must be a financially sound institution, to say the least. Hope to see you later in the year. Bon Chance mom ami.
Pretty sure he's clarified Foden isn't playing.
OK, Clubs can act and pay players if they want to, I get that. What I am saying is that there should be a compensatory payment to clubs who have brought players through their M&J or academy system if they have one. It does not seem right that Predator clubs should go around cherry picking players just because they have the desire to play at a higher level or no early player scheme of their own, and have the cash.
There would be a dearth of young players if all clubs adopted this method of business.
Just be fair and contribute to the system. It would ensure that those clubs with the "Corinithian Spirit" would not would be unduly punished.
BBWolf
I dont know where you are from but I know you are a fairly recent recruit, a warm welcome, no more than one player coach that I know of. We have our players dinner tomorrow night it should be an interesting affair, after such a spectacular season.
Jim
firstly can a give my congratulations to Morley on a fairly successful season. You have always been a "Stalwart" club for the county and irrespective of peoples views on here it was always a welcoming place (not on the field but thats ok) when I played there many moons ago. Despite your fall down the league system you remain steadfastly a good club and may I wish you success in the near future, but hopefully not at our expense, I look forward to making your acquaintance next season.
Good Luck. Flaggy.
Quote from: Flaggy on Apr 10, 2025, 06:43 PMAnd yes FYI he is paid by DD so its all transparent to the RFU spies.
I'm genuinely looking forward to us playing North Rib , it sounds like you have an exciting backline and will probably relish playing at Silver Royd.
Quote from: Flaggy on Apr 10, 2025, 06:39 PMBRB Behave yourself.
Our 10 is my nephew and does get paid to coach, if he doesnt play he gets the same to coach. Doubt your employment of a certain Mr Foden meets with the RFU rules on paying players. But as a true gentleman if you tell me it is so I will believe you. Scarborough College must be a financially sound institution, to say the least. Hope to see you later in the year. Bon Chance mom ami.
He's just a coach.
Scarborough College are doing fabulously well. Numbers have increased every year for last 5 years and is currently full. Highest level school nationally for cricket, Tier one for hockey and rugby motoring on. Feel free to make referrals!
Quote from: Dalesman on Apr 11, 2025, 05:47 PMOK, Clubs can act and pay players if they want to, I get that. What I am saying is that there should be a compensatory payment to clubs who have brought players through their M&J or academy system if they have one. It does not seem right that Predator clubs should go around cherry picking players just because they have the desire to play at a higher level or no early player scheme of their own, and have the cash.
There would be a dearth of young players if all clubs adopted this method of business.
Just be fair and contribute to the system. It would ensure that those clubs with the "Corinithian Spirit" would not would be unduly punished.
The reality is simple: any talented player who stands out will naturally attract interest from other clubs. If financial incentives are offered, it's ultimately up to the player to decide—no one else.
Yes, clubs invest in developing players through their junior systems, and that investment isn't solely about producing first-team players. It's also about strengthening the club as a whole, including second and third teams where they exist. Some players are ambitious and want to progress up the leagues, while others may not.
In truth, more players are lost to the sport altogether than to so-called "predator clubs." That's why I struggle to see how financial compensation for losing a player would be workable.
Over the years, I've seen many players leave clubs I've been involved with and go on to play at higher levels. Whether money was involved or not, they found a level that matched their ability. That's something to be proud of—and worth celebrating.
Mr Crash Ball speaks lots of good sense.
Losing players to the sport is the biggest problem. Although this seems to have stabilised.
It's a fact of life that some rugby clubs are well run and some aren't....the latter contributes to players drifting off.
Quote from: Flaggy on Apr 07, 2025, 12:55 PMYou guys shouldnt listen to too much idle gossip. If you want to know anything just ask me!!!!!!!!
Go on then flaggy, it appears RFUNorth have confirmed you requested to play in R2 North. Seems you got your wish.
Be careful what you wish for.
Stella are the leagues for next season out ? keep checking my email and no comms yet
Quote from: old style prop on Apr 30, 2025, 10:28 PMStella are the leagues for next season out ? keep checking my email and no comms yet
Most of them are/were clear cut but in R2NE we were potentially at 13 teams meaning a level transfer would be required. From what i've been told that issue has been resolved by Nth Rib asking to play in R2N
Quote from: avinastella on May 01, 2025, 10:10 AMQuote from: old style prop on Apr 30, 2025, 10:28 PMStella are the leagues for next season out ? keep checking my email and no comms yet
Most of them are/were clear cut but in R2NE we were potentially at 13 teams meaning a level transfer would be required. From what i've been told that issue has been resolved by Nth Rib asking to play in R2N
That can't be true. Ribb Flag Man told us so :o
Quote from: selall on May 01, 2025, 12:14 PMQuote from: avinastella on May 01, 2025, 10:10 AMQuote from: old style prop on Apr 30, 2025, 10:28 PMStella are the leagues for next season out ? keep checking my email and no comms yet
Most of them are/were clear cut but in R2NE we were potentially at 13 teams meaning a level transfer would be required. From what i've been told that issue has been resolved by Nth Rib asking to play in R2N
That can't be true. Ribb Flag Man told us so :o
I thought the rumour of them asking was just idle gossip?
Just so everyone is aware. I did send a message to the North ROC Chair saying that if at the end of the season there was a need for a level transfer we would not be against going into North 2. It was certainly not a request but merely offering to go north instead of north East as the travel is very similar and our direct trainline into Cumbria from Settle would help to reduce our travel costs as we have an arrangement with Northern rail for group travel. Wherever we end up will be a new challenge for North Ribb. Rest assured we will be doing our best to carry forward our form be it in Yorkshire or Durham/Cumbria. Wishing you all a restful close season and for those of you still in the Pizza cup make the most of it.
You never know it might not happen again next year. Lets wait and see.
Sincere good luck to all clubs still involved.
Keep the White Rose Flag Flying.
Confirmed by North Ribb on socials now that they've gone into the North league. I'll be interested to see how they fare next season, not knowing anything about the standard of league they are entering. All I'll say is they look well placed as a squad to move up to level 5.
Quote from: gateprop on May 03, 2025, 03:44 PMConfirmed by North Ribb on socials now that they've gone into the North league. I'll be interested to see how they fare next season, not knowing anything about the standard of league they are entering. All I'll say is they look well placed as a squad to move up to level 5.
Wouldn't be too sure of North Ribb doing back to back promotions, especially if Percy Park keep all of their players as they were very unlucky to be relegated from level 5 this season imo
Quote from: Rugby Badger on May 12, 2025, 08:41 PMQuote from: gateprop on May 03, 2025, 03:44 PMConfirmed by North Ribb on socials now that they've gone into the North league. I'll be interested to see how they fare next season, not knowing anything about the standard of league they are entering. All I'll say is they look well placed as a squad to move up to level 5.
Wouldn't be too sure of North Ribb doing back to back promotions, especially if Percy Park keep all of their players as they were very unlucky to be relegated from level 5 this season imo
To be honest I know very little of the leagues above. North Ribb have a lot of players who looked to be playing well below their ceiling at level 7 and have a very strong 2nd team backing up injuries. Be a big ask for any team to go back to back to back promotions but I'd certainly see them challenging towards the top.
Any news as radio silence from county, sounds like a monumental cock up as per usual
Hearing on the grapevine that one particular club will be very disappointed at being transferred to the West from NE2. Believe it will be confirmed by Monday latest. Watch this space.
Quote from: Flaggy on May 16, 2025, 06:34 PMHearing on the grapevine that one particular club will be very disappointed at being transferred to the West from NE2. Believe it will be confirmed by Monday latest. Watch this space.
So, we now know you're not going North and we get are annual train ride up to Settle.??
Maybe, lets see.
I'm sure we are all looking forward to the official statement from North Ribb Chairman and Head Coach - need to keep members and stakeholders informed.
Apparently not Stella. Total communication shambles. The RFU seem hell bent on destroying the sustainability of some clubs with total disregard for travel expense etc. Heard yesterday that Sheffield Tigers have been placed in South West, with some local games at Redruth, Camborne etc etc. Who is in charge of logistics. Is it Stevie Wonder Or Ray Charles. Think they would do a better job. Total disgrace by our custodians.
Quote from: Flaggy on May 17, 2025, 12:50 PMApparently not Stella. Total communication shambles. The RFU seem hell bent on destroying the sustainability of some clubs with total disregard for travel expense etc. Heard yesterday that Sheffield Tigers have been placed in South West, with some local games at Redruth, Camborne etc etc. Who is in charge of logistics. Is it Stevie Wonder Or Ray Charles. Think they would do a better job. Total disgrace by our custodians.
Macclesfield had that last season.
Remember what bill sweeney said. "if you can't afford the travel, you're in the wrong league". And the effing Council voted to support him. And they're now getting the boot too.
It really is shameful and just shows that deep down they dont give a shit about grassroots clubs. Its time we git together and had a collective voice as I dont think our county reps really represent the Yorkshire clubs rather take the freebies on offer and just nod there heads when told to do so.
it really does make me think, why am I putting so much time into the game only to wipped and ignored by our custodians. Very disappointing.
It sounds like the reps are being scrapped along with the Council.
In this instance the county reps will have had nothing to do with such decisions, so are absconded of any criticism. Someone who makes such outcomes sits in an office at HQ and has no idea of the implications financially to such clubs. Shameful.
It was said elsewhere that Ribb wanted to move to the North league because it would be easier to get another promotion (not sure that's right as there are some "big" clubs there). However, it now seems finance is a big factor. Just wondering if Ribb can't afford the travel costs if it's still the case that a club can decline a promotion?
No prizes for guessing who that was as we only two council members and one oF those is female. That means Joe Bedford does not support the clubs that he is supposed to represent. Beware of this when the next elections come along in two years time, if in fact the council still exists then.
Quote from: davie on May 18, 2025, 01:31 PMIt was said elsewhere that Ribb wanted to move to the North league because it would be easier to get another promotion (not sure that's right as there are some "big" clubs there). However, it now seems finance is a big factor. Just wondering if Ribb can't afford the travel costs if it's still the case that a club can decline a promotion?
Not sure where you get your info from davie but logistically if you know where settle is you will know it's not near a motorway easily. Going north would have made links to the m6 definitely easier. Every club has ever increasing costs and it would always make sense to be prudent rather than gun ho and wing it.
No promotion is easy in any league. Ribb have done well but also know full well the challenges that lye ahead moving into, NE2, NW2 or North.
No issue, clarity from the powers that be would have been nice though. As things have fallen there was always going to be a shuffling of cards for clubs. Not sure Twickenham understands and or has calculated correctly when the North made there recommendations
ribbrugby - a couple of posters mentioned earlier in this thread that you felt the North section was easier. I took that at face value.
As far as travel is concerned I have been to Settle a few times and liked it very much
Admittedly you don't gave a motorway running through town, but that's a blessing as you live in a very beautiful area.
Having said that I suspect Morpeth is a bit further than Scarborough for you. You are victims of your own success
Quote from: davie on May 18, 2025, 08:53 PMribbrugby - a couple of posters mentioned earlier in this thread that you felt the North section was easier. I took that at face value.
As far as travel is concerned I have been to Settle a few times and liked it very much
Admittedly you don't gave a motorway running through town, but that's a blessing as you live in a very beautiful area.
Having said that I suspect Morpeth is a bit further than Scarborough for you. You are victims of your own success
15 miles further to be exact 😂 do you think the north section is easier? As a club we sounded out to the north committee that if good for them with all the changes possible we'd be open to the NORTH league. As it has all ended we would have always been allocated elsewhere, which in my opinion twickers hasn't really looked at their own regs correctly but hey ho. We feel sorry for the likes of Sheff Tigers who have now been drawn with Redruth and such places, absolute carnage of a system really.
Our reasoning for offering anything was purely based on travel options, with buses costing between 750 and 950 each time in Y1 this time, it is always going to be a financial burden wherever any club goes. We take it on the chin and move on. Nothing wrong with venturing elsewhere for a season at all
I'm sure the strengths of the leagues varies from season to season. It's interesting that your near neighbours Kirkby Lonsdale, who are further west but closer to the M6, were put into the North league last season and finished bottom. They may have a view?
Kirkby are a shadow of the side that got to regional1NW only a few years ago. A fall that has been precipitated by not having six overseas players at any one time. Still a good club though.
I thought Kirby would be well placed to answer ribbrugby's question about the strength of the north league having just competed in it - albeit they may be having a tricky time with their own team.
Incidentally , you seemed to think we would have found out by now who is being level transferred. I haven't seen anything?
Quote from: Flaggy on May 20, 2025, 11:39 AMKirkby are a shadow of the side that got to regional1NW only a few years ago. A fall that has been precipitated by not having six overseas players at any one time. Still a good club though.
Throw in the mix Wharfedale picked up anyone half decent from them of which none of them were overseas players.
Davie,
I know who is being level transferred and its not who you think. It could be open to a legal challenge as they have not applied the Regulations as they are written. Watch this space.
All sounds intriguing
It is,