bamfordsbeans

Don't think we're going to see Whitby in a Fax shirt anytime soon!

Normally like to see Catalans do well but like the RFL hoping for a Hull KR win. Implications on the crowd and consequently finances and image of the game is huge.

The Everton sell out is unprecedented for our game,given the capacity. Just wondered how many of these tickets have been sold to Everton fans?

Going back to the York theme-I noticed that the York v Halifax soccer game on Saturday got 7,000. I believe Oldham also get similar attendances, which must have a factor for the RL teams sharing those grounds.

I attended the filming of Rugby Town at the Rex Cinema in Elland last night. It is a 40 minute film directed by James Mellor on the history of Halifax RL and has won a series of awards at international festivals. After the showing of the above there was a Q and A session with former players Martin Moana,Damien Gibson and Frank Watene all of whom have made their homes in the town. All in all an excellent evening. The director said he has enough material to make it full feature length,although in true RL world- shortage of money is an issue.

Just look at recent Challenge Cup attendances to see what the fans think. A third competition with no history isn't the answer.

Always thought the Shay was ideal for SL.Present capacity is about 10,000 and if Davy was to develop the Skircoat stand that would increase to 13,000.

Good list.Everybody will have their own views but don't think its miles away. Two thirds of that list play for only 3 clubs leaving the remaining 9 an average of 1.

Fax were actually winning for most of the game and Fev drew level.

This game sums up why Sky keep reducing payments to SL. Poor night for the game.

Sky money is probably half of what it used to be and in real terms even more. It seems the majority of clubs have failed to find other revenue areas to compensate for this.

Great coverage from the BBC this morning.

Very encouraging. Presumably the open age teams rely on union players-hence an 8 game season. A 14 game home and away set up must surely be the aim.

Huddersfield v Salford probably the best game but least atmosphere.

The decline of Halifax in the last 20 years or so is mirrored by the neighbouring clubs that make up the Pennine spine. This area was very much at the forefront in the early days of the code and throughout the Twentieth Century the teams were always there or thereabouts and backed up by relatively large crowds. Halifax,Bradford,Huddersfield (moderate recent success on but not off the field),Oldham (hopes of a revival-but from a very low base) and Rochdale Hornets form an area of the game that has seen better days. This is in sharp contrast to the current strongholds of the game in Lancashire,Leeds/Wakefield and Humberside.