A STALWART of the grassroots game in Cumbria has offered his thoughts on the cross-conference play-offs through which the two sides to be promoted to National League Division One from the various National Conference Leagues will be determined.
Peter Tyson said: “Just a few thoughts on the Rugby Football League’s latest harebrained scheme.
“It seems 16 clubs will play a series of matches to determine who gets promoted. Surely the winners of each region should play off between themselves – they have earned it, with a full season’s efforts.
“Under the proposed scheme, some clubs will play one home game, others two. Where is the fairness in that? As most of these games will involve long distances, many teams will be travelling light because of work and other commitments, so will be disadvantaged.”
He continued: “What about the vast expense of coach travel for all these trips? Will the RFL subsidise away teams? I think not. And as for the series of games involving all the rest, what is the point? Great expense for nothing.
“Are the RFL trying to bankrupt amateur clubs? Someone more cynical than myself might think the RFL are visualising all those £500 fines for non-fulfilment of fixtures.”