44 replies to this topic

[tim2]

Tomorrow sees the first final of the season in the Midlands when Gloucestershire All Golds take on Leicester Storm in the under 18s title decider at St Peters RC School, Stroud Road, Gloucester. This final is a week early due to the Midlands 18s tour of Serbia next week that sees the best of the region take part in an international RLEF tournament.

Next Saturday (18th) sees a triple header at Haslam's, home of Derby RUFC. The division 2 final at 12.00 is an all-Derbyshire affair with favourites and existing title holders Hope Valley Hawks taking on the North Derbyshire Chargers. The Division 1 game will be between the semi-final winners - Northampton A take on Coventry Dragons and Telford Raiders take on Sleaford Spartans tomorrow in those eliminators; kick off is at 14.00.

The Premier title will be fought out at 16.00 between the big guns of Leicester Storm and Northampton Demons - expect this to be a fierce encounter for East Midlands bragging rights.

[LordCharles]

Were BARLA not criticised for asking players to pay to go on tour?

Yet the RFL want the Midland's U18's squad to pay to go to Serbia don't they?

Is this another case of RFL double standards?

The RFL are wanting representation through the Midlands U18's in Serbia but are not prepared to fund it, is this another area in which they are now cutting costs?

[bearman]

Were BARLA not criticised for asking players to pay to go on tour?

Yet the RFL want the Midland's U18's squad to pay to go to Serbia don't they?

Is this another case of RFL double standards?

The RFL are wanting representation through the Midlands U18's in Serbia but are not prepared to fund it, is this another area in which they are now cutting costs?

Where do you think the money should come from?
England Lionhearts and I believe the other home nation teams paid their own tour costs.

[Marauder]

Didn't the RFL pay for the community games open-age team? and I think just about everyone on here has had a dig at BARLA because players selected to tour have to fund their own passage.

[Marauder]

Well done anyway and good luck.

[bowes]

Didn't the RFL pay for the community games open-age team? and I think just about everyone on here has had a dig at BARLA because players selected to tour have to fund their own passage.

I think expensive tours is a bad use of funds at amateur level whether the RFL, BARLA or clubs pay for it.

[tim2]

Didn't the RFL pay for the community games open-age team? and I think just about everyone on here has had a dig at BARLA because players selected to tour have to fund their own passage.

I haven't - it's very expensive and full funding should be restricted to the highest level of representation (i.e. GB / England).

I do however worry that lads who don't have money can end up being excluded. Some of the overseas tours are great for development, but for me it shouldn't be amateur players that pay for overseas development, it should be the RLIF. But that's a whole different argument.

[Northern Sol]

Were BARLA not criticised for asking players to pay to go on tour?

Yet the RFL want the Midland's U18's squad to pay to go to Serbia don't they?

Is this another case of RFL double standards?

The RFL are wanting representation through the Midlands U18's in Serbia but are not prepared to fund it, is this another area in which they are now cutting costs?

I don't think a BARLA rep side can be compared with a MIdlands U-18 side.

[Marauder]

I don't think a BARLA rep side can be compared with a MIdlands U-18 side.

A rep side is a rep side regardless of age and standard and I think Lord Charles is correct, if the RFL want overseas development it should pay for it not the amateur players/clubs, if it can't afford it then don't organise the tours.

[tim2]

I wish I hadn't mentioned the tour now.

Back on topic, should be interesting tomorrow. I'll be presenting the trophies.

[MidlandsRugbyLeague]

How sad that a good news story of our game being played by genuine RL players is derailed by off topic trolling.

Im sure any lads playing in the final will be pleased to know that instead of wishing them good luck, certain posters decided to first try and make a political issue out of a non-issue.

The RFL have had no involvement in the tour other than its sanctioning and advise regarding insuranxe, welfare, etc - the invite came from the RLEF, lads were invited to apply on those terms and nobody has been excluded on grounds of costs. For some of the young men travelling this is their first experience away from home and in one individuals case is a temarkable achievement.

International development will be assisted but the social development of some members of the squad and their involvement will bind them to our sport for life.

Essentially this is a club tour - its just the club represents the Midlands, but that "club" is also looking for games at home to create a longer domestic season with - any takers?

[bowes]

Am I right in thinking some of these U18s will get a chance in the midlands academy next year? Not sure if restructuring of the academy league affects this at all?

Edited by bowes, 11 August 2012 - 08:28 AM.

[berkshirebronco]

What time is kick off in Gloucester today?

[MidlandsRugbyLeague]

Am I right in thinking some of these U18s will get a chance in the midlands academy next year? Not sure if restructuring of the academy league affects this at all?

[MidlandsRugbyLeague]

Am I right in thinking some of these U18s will get a chance in the midlands academy next year? Not sure if restructuring of the academy league affects this at all?

No, they are too old.

[bowes]

No, they are too old.

Ah, okay thought they were changing academies to Under 19 or is that only the SL ones?

[MidlandsRugbyLeague]

What time is kick off in Gloucester today?

12:30pm at St Peters RC School.

[bowes]

Telford 20-18 Sleaford

[bowes]

Northampton A 34-18 Coventry Dragons

[Marauder]

Am I right in thinking some of these U18s will get a chance in the midlands academy next year? Not sure if restructuring of the academy league affects this at all?

2014 season they should come under the RFL when they again change their minds on which age group to control.