Regional 1 North East Play-Offs

[The Sideline Savant]

Given last weeks relatively poor interaction (myself included), I thought I would start this early to give people a chance to discuss.

What are peoples views as to the play-off games?

The games in question, with my views, are:
Alnwick vs Harrogate
Huge clash. At the start of the season Harrogate got the better of Alnwick, however, Alnwick repaid the favour in the return fixture. I believe Harrogate have the better squad, but have been more inconsistent! Alnwick have gone from strength to strength since the new year and are coming off a run of impressive form. I am going to go for a real close game with home advantage playing its part. Alnwick by 2 points!

Middlesbrough v York
Both teams finished the season on real highs, seeing off two good sides. It'll be sure to give them both plenty of encouragement heading in to the playoffs. Middlesborough have some experienced operators in their side, with the smart addition of Sam Gaudie at 9! Again home advantage to play its part and Middlesborough to win the day. Boro by 10.


Lets hope all teams have a real crack at these playoffs and we are treated to some entertaining, high stakes rugby!

[Differ Lid]

Alnwick vs Harrogate

I think this will be a fantastic game. I've been more impressed in the 2 games I've seen of Alnwick than of Harrogate. So would've leaning towards an Alnwick Win. Home advantage is a massive factor, particularly given Alnwick record at home over the last few years.

I suppose the other factor is who actually wants to go up? It's clear as day Harrogate do, you don't invest the sort of money they have without the desire to go up. Alnwick would have one hell of a travel bill in Nat 2, but don't think that will factor into the players thoughts.

Followed abit of Nat 2 through the season I think it's going to be Otley vs Alnwick for a spot in Nat 2

Middlesbrough vs York

Well the rumblings of York having a stag do that weekend taking a number of regular 1st team players out of contention. However assuming both sides are full strength.
Middlesbroughs recent form has been impressive, with some massive results. York similarly have been fighting for their lives. That being said both sides have faced teams with very little to play for in the last 3 games.
Home advantage for Middlesbrough to be the biggest factor, making Middlesbrough the first promoted side in a number of years to stay in the league.

York vs Pocklington in the playoff final would make for one hell of a fixture

[backrowbandit]

If it did end up York v Pock, who would you fancy?

[Range]

Looking forward to the pros and cons being presented for and against by DAA and Pockroach

[Ribbflagman]

Please dont forget that North Ribb will be playing somewhere at level five. We have expressed our desire to come back to NE but who knows where we will emnd up. Would be great to play Ilkley, York, Sandal (first time ever) and a few North-East teams. Lets see after the play-offs that nobody really wanted.

[BishBashBosh]

Alnwick in fine form, so will start as favourites, especially at home. Harrogate however do have some big game players who can win a game all by themselves, so not counting them out just yet.
Lot so of chat on what they've invested this season, but the only new players are Mallinson (R League, not Salem style Super League), Dalby (from Ripon) and Harrison (who is a Gate jnr who now lives back in Harrogate) Everyone else played last year
Will wait for the team sheets before predictions (winning margin less than 5 though

Midds vs York
Predicted Midds to be the surprise package and suppose it's a surprise that a promoted team has stayed up, so I'll take that. Think they'll win with the 8/9/12 combo and a very dangerous winger. Midds have some vry fine individual players, just need to mould the rest of the squad to the demands of the league.
Take Midds win by +10

York will beat whoever they play from the League below

[Differ Lid]

Lot so of chat on what they've invested this season, but the only new players are Mallinson (R League, not Salem style Super League), Dalby (from Ripon) and Harrison (who is a Gate jnr who now lives back in Harrogate) Everyone else played last year
Will wait for the team sheets before predictions (winning margin less than 5 though

The Player/DOR was some investment and didn't play last year. I'm not saying they shouldn't spend money on a DOR or a player but it was a sign of intent. (Similar to Heath with Johnson a few years ago).
Harrogate 2s playing regular fixtures this year shows some return, but promotion would have been the goal no doubt.

[Differ Lid]

If it did end up York v Pock, who would you fancy?

It's a really tough one, Pock are used to winning, York not so much this season. At York gives a big advantage, but I'm sure Pock would love the challenge.
Yorks Pack will have more then enough to handle Pocks, which by all accounts has been a big selling point for them. So would assume limiting the forward pressure York would have enough to win.

[The Sideline Savant]

Lot so of chat on what they've invested this season, but the only new players are Mallinson (R League, not Salem style Super League), Dalby (from Ripon) and Harrison (who is a Gate jnr who now lives back in Harrogate) Everyone else played last year
Will wait for the team sheets before predictions (winning margin less than 5 though

The Player/DOR was some investment and didn't play last year. I'm not saying they shouldn't spend money on a DOR or a player but it was a sign of intent. (Similar to Heath with Johnson a few years ago).
Harrogate 2s playing regular fixtures this year shows some return, but promotion would have been the goal no doubt.

From what I have heard on the touchline at a few games this year, it was always Harrogates plan to push for promotion, but ultimately had a two year plan to get back to the National Leagues. Like with any team, a new DOR will bring new ideas and systems which will take time to implement.

Interesting to see the recruitment/ retentions for next season from a few sides!

[BishBashBosh]

Lot so of chat on what they've invested this season, but the only new players are Mallinson (R League, not Salem style Super League), Dalby (from Ripon) and Harrison (who is a Gate jnr who now lives back in Harrogate) Everyone else played last year
Will wait for the team sheets before predictions (winning margin less than 5 though

The Player/DOR was some investment and didn't play last year. I'm not saying they shouldn't spend money on a DOR or a player but it was a sign of intent. (Similar to Heath with Johnson a few years ago).
Harrogate 2s playing regular fixtures this year shows some return, but promotion would have been the goal no doubt.

You're also forgetting that said DOR was a former player with 250+ Harrogate caps and Captain for a number of years. Add in his brother plays second row, current captain and again 250+ caps - that's quite the pull.
DOR's get paid at pretty much every club, I could understand if Jake had just signed as a player, but DOR is different (It's not like we've signed an ex England full back as DOR  )

[BishBashBosh]

No doubt Gate will have wanted to go up and I would expect that most teams that come from Nat 2 want to bounce straight back up. The problem for Gate is the flip flopping between the two leagues - Nat 2 is just a much stronger league and will wear down an unprepared squad before xmas. You need so much more depth to stay up.

[Differ Lid]

Not implying anything wrong with it in the slightest, clear links to the club etc.

It was an investment with aspirations of promotion. So as a club would be keen to see the promotion, if not this year the next.

[avinastella]

quote author=BishBashBosh link=msg=3612 date=1776184768]

You're also forgetting that said DOR was a former player with 250+ Harrogate caps and Captain for a number of years. Add in his brother plays second row, current captain and again 250+ caps - that's quite the pull.
DOR's get paid at pretty much every club, I could understand if Jake had just signed as a player, but DOR is different (It's not like we've signed an ex England full back as DOR  )

From personal experience this season, he's doing a very good job.

[backrowbandit]

For interest...the Director of Rugby at Scarborough and all 8 assistant directors of rugby are all unpaid volunteers.

[BishBashBosh]

Same at Ilkley as well....