8 replies to this topic

[bowes]

The fixtures are out I'll put them up in a second

Edited by bowes, 25 August 2012 - 11:59 AM.

[bowes]

Edinburgh Eagles Vs Gateshead Storm
Northampton Demons Vs Portsmouth Navy Seahawks
Gloucestershire Warriors bye
London Skolars A Vs Bedford Tigers

This is strange as Gloucestershire Warriors finished 4th in midlands premier, Bedford Tigers finished 3rd in East (which never used to have representation at this level, nor did London and South East) and London Skolars A lost the South Premier final. No representation of the Welsh or South West divisions.

My personal belief is that I'd rather the midlands, south and north east premier seasons run a few more weeks than stop early for an invitation tournament. Those who want to play nationally can enter the Community Shield.

Edited by bowes, 25 August 2012 - 12:11 PM.

[tim2]

One rep per region, all from tier 4. I think that was the plan and they appear to have stuck to it. I just hope all the sides that have accepted the invitation actually play.

We need to fit the HJ trophy in the system somewhere, as it has a history that development regions identify with. It was intended for development clubs, and that's how it should remain.

[Marauder]

Why no Fryston?

[bowes]

Why no Fryston?

They only invite expansion clubs (hence why I don't like it as this divide should go) and the heartland leagues are still ongoing.

[Marauder]

They only invite expansion clubs (hence why I don't like it as this divide should go) and the heartland leagues are still ongoing.

Doesn't bode well having a divided tier 4 summer competition.

[bowes]

Doesn't bode well having a divided tier 4 summer competition.

Agree totally

[HappyDave]

Yep, same here.

My thoughts from the main forum:

Though then again they could have Eastern Rhinos and Elmbridge in on that logic. Not sure there is much logic to it, it's a razzamatazz invitation tournament to show off rather than winning a league I guess now.

Yep, sadly it seems that way. They should have left it as the winners of each division/the runners up (if the winners weren't able to field a team) rather than making it an 'invitational'.


Mr/Ms SportEngland - "So you're telling me amateur Rugby League teams train for one or two 2 hour team training sessions during the week plus weights and fitness in their own time/as a group then play for 80 minutes on a Saturday/Sunday? Plus open-age is between the ages of 16 - in their 30s? Ah, well that doesn't meet our 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week for 14 - 25 year olds criteria so we can't fund Rugby League..."

The reason Rugby League participation is going down is most likely the same as all sports other than [Association] Football. The Government is withdrawing the funding, selling off School playing fields and SportEngland are putting up as many barriers as possible for Sports Clubs/Associations to meet the criteria for funding.

Edited by HappyDave, 27 August 2012 - 05:27 PM.

[bowes]

Northampton 24-0 Portsmouth
Edinburgh 36-12 Gateshead Storm
London Skolars A 58-12 Bedford

Don't think there was ever a risk of Portsmouth turning up, they're not known for travelling