30 replies to this topic

[Gav]

If the RFL crack on with the plans for 2012 onwards, I think we're all under no illusion that we'll struggle for numbers of town based teams south of Woodhall Services that are of a high enough quality on the pitch.

This, combined with the fact that the 2 Outlaws games so far this season have been absolute belters, got me thinking that perhaps we should cast the net a little bit wider and include Forces teams in the mix. The logistics of having the Navy, Army and RAF playing an 8-9 month season might be difficult, but they would add some much needed quality. Throw in the Civil Service and the GB Police and it would be pretty easy to get the 14 teams that the RFL are aiming for.

Just an idea, but it would be interesting to see what everyone else thought.

[bowes]

Hadn't thought of that but if they could commit to a full season I'd have no objection. I'd be worried about callups decimating the squad though.

I think they'll probably want to start at 10 teams though and there's probably just enough clubs if you include Wales (though I'm not sure of every individual club's plans) to manage that with RLC clubs.

[bowes]

Civil service and Metropolitan Police play in the leagues at RU though so is not without precedent

Edited by bowes, 25 March 2011 - 08:43 PM.

[Gav]

The call-up thing was what I'd worry about the most, especially for the Navy where shore leave might only be 4-6 weeks at a time, but they really are quality teams

[Methven Hornet]

That sounds quite a good idea if the playing resources are stable enough. I don't know whether the services have enter teams in the relevant RU leagues but I know that RAF Lossiemouth have long competed in non-league football in the north of Scotland. RAF Lossiemouth

As the website says "The almost unique nature of RAF Lossiemouth JFC means that we will probably never have the same eleven out for two games on the bounce" and I would assume the RL sides would be the same. I would also assume that the teams would be based in the towns and at the grounds where each service team plays its Challenge Cup games.

As long as they can commit to the full season, with no call-offs, then consider on an equal basis with other applicants.

[Methven Hornet]

The call-up thing was what I'd worry about the most, especially for the Navy where shore leave might only be 4-6 weeks at a time, but they really are quality teams

You'd just have to relax any squad size limits

[Gav]

Civil Service play in the East of Scotland Junior League at football as well. Please, no one ask me to explain what "Junior" football means in Scotland, it's been a long day

[Northern Sol]

Civil Service play in the East of Scotland Junior League at football as well. Please, no one ask me to explain what "Junior" football means in Scotland, it's been a long day

I imagine it means that it is a lower standard than the senior league rather than being different age groups.

[bowes]

I imagine it means that it is a lower standard than the senior league rather than being different age groups.

No it doesn't mean that either. Senior means Scottish Football League, Highland League, East of Scotland League and South of Scotland League. Junior means any (semi-)pro leagues outside of that. Ironically the clubs in the top junior leagues are often better on and off the field than even some league Division 3 clubs and all non-league sides in the West are automatically Junior just because there's no Senior League. At least that's my take on it, I think it's probably even more complicated than that

[gingerjon]

it's probably even more complicated than that

That's a good approximation although I think you've made it sound too sensible.

There's also the fact that the juniors now play in the senior Scottish Cup.

[gingerjon]

Couple of points though:

(1) The East of Scotland League is a senior league, not a junior one. I've seen Annan (now of the SFL) play in it. Annan of course being in the west of Scotland.

(2) The idea of putting service teams in the Southern Conference is inspired.

[bowes]

Though not sure rugby league's structure's any better given all the splits and Halton Simms Cross from the North Western Counties League (for example) could probably beat Gateshead or Skolars despite the latter not only being in a higher league but having the NCL in between (which is itself not BARLA) and that's before we get onto the RLC. Bring on the new format I say.

[gingerjon]

Though not sure rugby league's structure's any better given all the splits and Halton Simms Cross from the North Western Counties League (for example) could probably beat Gateshead or Skolars despite the latter not only being in a higher league but having the NCL in between (which is itself not BARLA) and that's before we get onto the RLC. Bring on the new format I say.

Halton Simms Cross have beaten the Skolars in the Challenge Cup haven't they?

[jannerboyuk]

Civil service and Metropolitan Police play in the leagues at RU though so is not without precedent

South Wales Police http://south-walespolicerfc.com/ have played in the RU leagues for years, in fact a university side, UWIC, have as well. Division 5 south central and Division 1 West respectively at the moment although they used to play a higher level thn that. Lot of mileage in this idea.

[bowes]

Halton Simms Cross have beaten the Skolars in the Challenge Cup haven't they?

Yeah when Skolars first went pro. I remember Sharlston (then in the Yorkshire League) beating Dewsbury as well.

Edited by bowes, 26 March 2011 - 04:51 PM.

[Methven Hornet]

South Wales Police http://south-walespolicerfc.com/ have played in the RU leagues for years, in fact a university side, UWIC, have as well. Division 5 south central and Division 1 West respectively at the moment although they used to play a higher level thn that. Lot of mileage in this idea.

Quite a few Scottish uni's play in the SRU league system - Edinburgh play in one of the national leagues - the difference being, of course, that it is a winter season.

[Methven Hornet]

Couple of points though:

(1) The East of Scotland League is a senior league, not a junior one. I've seen Annan (now of the SFL) play in it. Annan of course being in the west of Scotland.

(2) The idea of putting service teams in the Southern Conference is inspired.

(1) The South of Scotland League is a senior league. This, my friends, is a senior football stadium: Castlecary Park, home of Creetown FC.

(2) It is!

[bowes]

Was the South of Scotland League a lot better standard when it got senior status? I'm guessing the junior Super Leagues are much better than that.

[bowes]

Wow been looking this up and apparently some teams in Scottish Senior Leagues aren't Scottish FA members and thus can't enter the Scottish FA Cup but some clubs from outside of the senior leagues are Scottish FA members and thus can enter the Cup

[Gav]

Wow been looking this up and apparently some teams in Scottish Senior Leagues aren't Scottish FA members and thus can't enter the Scottish FA Cup but some clubs from outside of the senior leagues are Scottish FA members and thus can enter the Cup

Told you it was complicated!