Another team gone

[Grasser17]

I see Withernsea have joined Knottingley and Dearne Valley in pulling out the league. Some might say it's only small Yorkshire 3 and 4 clubs but it's still a worry that 3 teams have pulled out this season alone. Hopefully they'll be back in the merit leagues next season and hopefully back in the Yorkshire leagues in the not so distant future 

[backrowbandit]

Very sad....

I suppose the hope is that 2nd teams make up the slack. Although will 4 or 5 clubs end up playing each other at multiple levels in the leagues?

We need to maintain the magic in diversity of many clubs, large and small from all backgrounds.

Will someone from Yorkshire reach out and ask what the problem is?

I'm sure a few of us would happily offer a visit to give input if that would help.

[Ribbflagman]

This is exactly my point about bigger clubs entering the league pyramid and the smaller clubs withering on the vine. These  (3) unfortunate clubs will be only the beginning once our county hierarchy have done their worst and implemented something that we as members cannot verify as it was officially a "Secret Vote"
 Total Bollocks.
Happy to contribute in any way I can to help any struggling clubs along with you BRB.

[Differ Lid]

This is exactly my point about bigger clubs entering the league pyramid and the smaller clubs withering on the vine. These  (3) unfortunate clubs will be only the beginning once our county hierarchy have done their worst and implemented something that we as members cannot verify as it was officially a "Secret Vote"
 Total Bollocks.
Happy to contribute in any way I can to help any struggling clubs along with you BRB.

Nobody wants to see rugby clubs struggling, and even less losing them from the pyramid. But not sure how these 3 clubs can be used for the anti 2nd XV agenda?

Could Withernsea for example of potentially of benefit from some fixtures against more local lower XVs in Yorkshire 4? Hullensians 2s, Beverley 2s, Goole 2s? Might have had some benefit. BP Chemicals then liking the look of Yorkshire 4 and the Pyramid could also add value.

[Ribbflagman]

Good point well made D.Lad. However this will only be the start, in my opinion, regarding lowly clubs folding despite what out esteemed county officials Ian Cornell (Chair not connected to any Yorkshire club) and Peter Morgan (Rishies) have bulldozed through. I personally believe its totally shameful but they will no doubt be able to justify themselves at county level. But disappointingly not on here, (Peter Morgan) is a poster as I believe most people on here actually care about rugby in our county rather than the current incumbants who I believe dont give a toot and are full of their own importance rather than doing their best for Yorkshire clubs.
Lets see what happens in next few seasons, but I feel its going backwards quickly.

[backrowbandit]

I've always found Peter Morgan to be a true rugby man with the best interests of the game at heart. He's also dutifully tried to keep the Yorkshire cup competitions goings despite various very stiff headwinds.

[Ribbflagman]

Agree BRB Peter is a decent guy but is being carried along on a wave of self gratification accompanied by Ian Connell. Disaster looms for small clubs across our county.

[bobtheguilder]

With a continuing decline in Adult male players how is it possible for all clubs to continue to exist.

All sports have clubs that cease or amalgamate, why are there so many soccer clubs called United.

The real issue that needs addressing is why are the thousands of juniors not continuing into adult rugby.

Positive ideas on how to address this would be a better use of time rather than whinging about changes we don't like

[Differ Lid]

With a continuing decline in Adult male players how is it possible for all clubs to continue to exist.

All sports have clubs that cease or amalgamate, why are there so many soccer clubs called United.

The real issue that needs addressing is why are the thousands of juniors not continuing into adult rugby.

Positive ideas on how to address this would be a better use of time rather than whinging about changes we don't like

That's a great point about the transition of Juniors to Seniors.

I can only speak for my own clubs experience but believe others have a similar issue, Colts are held in isolation for the most part. Not exposed to senior training early enough, so when the transition finally does come it is very daunting and feels a big step.

So rather than starting the new season with the seniors they filter off.

For the last couple of seasons at Driffield the Colts train along side the seniors on a Thursday. So they have that integration in numbers.

It has resulted in very positive results, with many now choosing to attend Tuesday training. Over half of the squad have played at least 1 game of seniors this season, with 11 playing in either the 1st Team or 2nd Team at some point.

From the last 2 crops of Colts the club has had over 30 playing seniors this season.

This is the area that needs focus for me. Maintaining the players that the club has invested over a decade producing.