Is the gap to Nat2 closing?

[The Sideline Savant]

Having seen the results from the first three weeks of the season, all three sides are sat mid table. Heath appear to have been fairly unfortunate not to have picked up a couple of wins from their first three. Harrogate have picked up two wins before a scoring-frenzy against Preston. Huddersfield have given a good account of themselves, possibly unfortunate again to only have one win.

Historically, and from conversations with supporters on the side lines, the game from the regionals to the nationals has always been substantial. From games I have watched, particularly Ilkley v Otley, the gap has always seemed significant.

I always thought this was as a result of budgets rather than juniors sections, but with teams in the majority of leagues paying players now, has the gap closed with teams keeping their best players, or has the standard dropped/ increased?

It feels at times as though the promoted sides have been too good for the regionals, but not quite good enough for the nationals, which is a tricky place to be!

I am intrigued to know other peoples thoughts on this?
Do we think the promoted sides will survive?

[Differ Lid]

I think Heath have invested heavily in the squad during the summer, they had a very good style of play already that appeared to be built for Nat 2. The season will tell how long they can sustain it, but certainly a positive start.

Huddersfield maintained most of the Nat 2 squad, and although they have had 2 years in the regional leagues they have been right up there, and are a national league club, so they know what it takes.

Harrogate are very similar to Huddersfield, bouncing between leagues, but at core they are a Nat 2 club.

I think the gap between the top teams in the regional leagues and the bottom sides in Nat 2 has closed, but a big gulf between mid table Regional 1 and Mid table Nat 2.

[backrowbandit]

Ive watched 3 or 4 over that last couple of years....and a few R1 last season.

It's always hard to compare leagues in isolation but from what I saw it was the biggest jump between two leagues I've known.