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del capo

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Posts posted by del capo

  1. 18 hours ago, groundhopper said:

    Limehurst Lions 14 Leyland Warriors 40

    April 20 2024

    I have to admit despite having a modest knowledge of the amateur game, I had never heard of Limehurst. There is however a social media presence indicating they were around in 2013. This may be their first game at Open age

    Limehurst is an area of Oldham, not far from where the semi pro team were playing last season. The other clubs in the town are primarily to the East and North where the semi pro side traditionally played. What is good is the team may have developed from the junior set up.
     

    Home is Hollingwood Cricket club, which is not where the Rl team of the same name play. There is however no cricket team and the square is just possible to make out. There used to be a football club of the same name in Saturday football but they have moved to a 4g pitch.

    The rugby side seem to be the only tenant but the clubhouse was hosting a kids party.

    There are two pitches, both seem short with the first unfit but probably for juniors only. Neither even have a rope

    Leyland have played in the North West league for many years but are outside the heartlands and are rebuilding by just playing friendlies

    The game was therefore at the very lowest level played and combined with a large amount of penalties, was not a great spectacle but played in a good. This was Leylands third game of the season and that gave them the edge in fitness and a score line that flattered them

    Hopefully both will improve as the season progresses 

    If the authorities at the RFL were ever asked about their priorities I would be upset if they ommitted clubs such as these two from the top of their list.

    As Chaucer famously noted ' from little acorns mighty oaks grow....'

    They need to be carefully nurtured.  Border heartlands in one case , re- seeded innner city suburbs in another. A population to go for in both. And above all else  FACILITIES to be seized and prized. They don't make land anymore , and certainly not pitches on which to play.

    I went down to  the NCL Div 1 game at St Pats yesterday. They entertained Stanningley from Leeds in a sunny  , open game, played in good spirit and at a level to  be expected from sides such as these. Field in excellent condition. a camered  Ref ( who I think was Touch judge  for friday's Wigan / Cas match ) and his assistants all did well. Close at half time , Pats showed greater determination and fitness in the second half before Stanningley rallied later to finish down by 38 -18.

    But back to my initial point about facilities.

    St Pats have two fields on site  and 4 changing rooms, which is not enough for them.  Their girls sides are exploding in numbers and they are seeking to re-launch  their teenage boys sides , essential for the future of both the professional and their own club . New facilities to incorporate female needs ( more toilets and individual showers ) and another field an obvious target. And they are not alone among the many bigger clubs facing similar issues.

    Another priority  without doubt for that RFL list...............

    • Like 1
  2. 11 hours ago, Cumbria1 said:

    They wouldn’t be able to play for any other club though, Player can only return to the NCL for there community club 

    Yes they can. The rule provides only for a 'first call' for the heritage club on that player. If they chose not to use him the club cannot  then block his use by any other.

    See Appendix 4B - 9 , 10 and 11 of the NCL competition rules as well as the registration form itself.

    The NCL committee wrote that rule  with input from the RFL who have  now rolled it out nationally and  I have no doubt that that is how it will be interpreted

  3. On 07/04/2024 at 12:50, billybison said:

    Our club were offered our former player back on dual reg,but only for our NCL team and he would not be allowed to turn out for our YML team our coaching staff turned down the offer.

     

    And that is why the rule is framed as it is ' in the first instance '. 

    That player is now available  to any other club that feels he can be of use to them.

  4. 12 hours ago, Cumbria1 said:

    I thought this duel reg was for players who sign recently and not getting a game, One these players played for Keighley for 11 years, And I take it both players signed from West Bowling as well 

    This change is for lads who want to play and for whatever reason cannot get a run out.

    I really do not care which was there heritage club but hope that they would want to go back there first before seeking  a game within TGG.

    As for that Keighley  guy , big high fives from me . Far better than trodding the all too familiar route of going to local Ra Ra.......

  5. On 18/03/2024 at 21:44, topcentre21 said:

    Now the season is afew weeks underway, is there any idea of the number of dual reg players playing for NCL clubs?

    As of tuesday evening 17 players across all  4 Divisions are taking advantage of the dual registration system. This compares to just 3 in NWM League and 2 in YM League last year.

    • Thanks 1
  6.  There was I believe a full council meeting yesterday.

    The crucial issue is one of funding from central revenue.

    How much are in particular League 1 clubs promised for the future ? Wasn't it circa £25k this year ?

    If that was to remain or better still improved then there should be no problem with the number 12 for league 1. Absent a maniac millionaire wanting a new sports toy ,Tier 4 has the clubs in existence ( no capital investment needed ) who can match most league 1 outfits both on and off the park.

    For those who detest our beloved M62 corridor maybe just think a bit wider or even outside the box. The SCL are getting better ( didn't Skolars retain their RFL membership  when they moved  across? ) and the Forces are clearly also competitive.

    That twelfth spot wouldn't necessarily have to be permanent - it could even be rotational.

    Our game seems sometimes to lack flexible thinking.......

  7. The NCL launched the Community Game today and I wandered down to Twist Lane Leigh  to see the tussle between two of the all time Greats - Leigh Miners and Wigan St Patricks , both now re adjusting  in a Division  below that  that they had  for so long occupied at  the very top flight.

    Billed as the  ' Battle of the Borough ' this did not disappoint.

     A lack of feeder players from juniors over the recent years caused the Visitors to struggle to  even put out a team until last week - a lesson that NCL  management have been hammering- all clubs need to take note  - the kids are so vital - but a mix of youngsters and Old Guard turned up on a heavy pitch to produce a truly compelling game. No one would have argued with a draw but no doubt the Wigan side happy with a last minute  2 point penalty kick.

    The officials did really well with the new interpretations. Two touch judges and a camera ref is clearly the way to go.  Obviously instructed to ease the new interpretations into place , most infringements  involved improper play the balls. Few issues with arm pit level tackles.

    Club house packed. Double whiskey  a decent  £4.50 . Ground improvements - sheltered  spectators area and  on field grub shed - as well as pub style feel to the lounges- make for a welcoming visit. Have a look if you get the chance.

    Looking at the scores in the NCL  today listed so far the vast majority  of games have been excellent contests. We're off !

    Next week  I go to Bentley in Doncaster who entertain Hensingham from Cumbria.  Heartlands extremes meeting at another new official clubhouse opening .One not to miss you South Yorks  faithful.....

    As  one who was privileged to be at WCC , we are ' moving all up '.

    Glass more than half full for the Community Game 2024

     

    • Like 1
  8. 6 minutes ago, Cumbria1 said:

    I thought this was to give players who not getting a game at semi pro game time. Not for teams to sign established players 

    Milnes played 21 times for Siddal last year. Maybe just coming home ?

    This is all about giving players game time not available to them in the semi pro game . Whitton wanting a run out in West Yorkshire rather than Cornwall probably fits that bill....

  9. 6 hours ago, Neutralfan7 said:

    I thought eastmoor were still in div3?

    Eastmoor have withdrawn to regroup in Yorkshire Mens League. That's where Elland also play.

    Rylands play in the North West Men's League.

    Gateshead Storm appear to have returned to the North East League, though mostly playing now at junior levels. North East OA is not as healthy as it once was.

     

  10. 16 hours ago, Griff said:

    What are you saying there? Toulouse can't afford to play but all the other French clubs can?

    It was you that  raised the issue of Toulouse.

    I merely said that they would not be involved in any Euro Comp as suggested by Game caller because by 2026 I expected them to be playing in SL .

    Neither Championship nor Elite 1 sides could afford to be part of any form of a Euro Competition without massive external funding. The RFL cannot find  any of that at present. Nice idea but definitely for  the medium to long term in tray. The top of Elite 2 in France  ( thereby entitled to promotion  to Elite 1 ) gave up on the annual challenge between them and NCL Champions years ago because they could not afford the costs even at home..... and our own clubs jib at travelling to Cornwall.....

  11. 26 minutes ago, OriginalMrC said:

    Castleford now supporting fundraiser pages calling the governing body corrupt*. IMG must currently be re-evaluating their position. 

    *been deleted now

     

    Not surprised if it has been deleted.

    Castleford club could themselves be in trouble with the RFL  for endorsements such as this.....

  12. 3 x 12 is certainly do- able by 2026 but  more than 2 Champ sides  will be worried and 2 will end up distraught.

    Toulouse I expect will be in SL by then. There is not enough money in the game yet to fund a Euro Competition - certainly SL clubs will resist any further distribution cuts.

    Didn't Skolars retain their membership though, so could come back or transfer their status ( ala Hemel ) to make up the bottom 12 if the RFL could manage to engineer  demotion of 2 Championship sides at the end of 2025 ( 3 down , 1 up being the easiest way ) ?

    • Like 2
  13. 17 hours ago, Neutralfan7 said:

    I hope it's also used as a self-learning tool for the officials as well as to monitor player/spectator behaviours.

    Some could use it to see how they speak to players never mind how players speak to them.

    It serves both those purposes as well. Every piece of coverage is lodged with the Referees Department and available to support or refute any complaint raised by clubs about their appointed officials. The sound quality is good.....

  14. On 19/02/2024 at 16:05, Big Doug said:

    Last Saturday Oldham St Annes played Rochdale Mayfield in the Semi Final of the Oldham Standard Cup. It turned out to be a good pre season run out for both teams.

    What has subsequentley been interesting was that the referee on the day was sporting a Ref Camera. The match could then be watched later on You Tube. It made for a very interesting re watch. It just went to show what a difficult job a referee has. Having said that he had a good game in my opinion. 

    The interesting question is should all referees have this. What do others think about this ? 

    The aim is for all matches in the Community game to be covered. There are 200 head cams available which have been distributed to ref societies for use.The RFL have promised that if refs do not use them when available they face consequences.

    In NCL games last year a quarter of games  ( NCL had 6 cams ) were covered. Ref abuse and foul language was reduced by 30%. Crowd behaviour was also monitored.

  15. 17 minutes ago, Dave W said:

    I think that's something that should be threatened, at least. A final warning of sorts.

    Does the professional game have a Code of Conduct or is it just drugs they come down hard on? 

    The NRL seems to be a lot quicker off the mark than the RFL when it comes to dealing with stuff like this and protecting the image of the sport. 

    It shouldn't be left to clubs. 

    Criminal offences  are deemed to constitute off field misconduct and should be reported to the Games Compliance officer who can then decide what if anything should be done. ( Operational Rule Tiers 1 to 3 ) D.1:1 ( c ).

    Given this player's previous indiscretions  I would expect the RFL to at least  follow their own rulebook....... and the Compliance officer record his/her decision.

    • Like 3
    • Thanks 1
  16. 2 hours ago, graveyard johnny said:

    Watts sent off for absolutely  nothing - heard he is not happy and thinking of walking away from the game- imagine RU could use a tall off loader like him

    Dupree went for a bust but was closed down  by shoulder charges from both sides that rattled his head like it was in a pinball machine.

    Definite red and Westerman  a touch lucky not to be cited. 

    Would not be welcomed by RU.  They are tougher on this than we are as yet. Check also their Rule 19.3.3 on recognising bans imposed by other Governing Bodies.........

    • Like 2
  17. 1 hour ago, johnh1 said:

    Can anyone recommend a decent pub about 20 to 30 minutes walk away from the ground to have a drink and a pub meal before the game? Travelling west along the M61.

    Wigan Town Centre is about a 20 minute walk.Plenty of decent pubs there.  Near the rail stations ( unlike Leigh , Wigan has two ) Wigan Central or the Swan and Railway both good with plenty of cask, Berkeley or Raven just up the street or the Moon under Water ( a Wetherspoon ) Tap and Barrel serves its own ales.

    Near the ground you have the Red Robin.  Wigan Warriors own Robin Park Arena has a  great bar and will be packed with supporters. 

    If you have not been to DW before, do NOT come off the M61  at junction 5 , come off at junction 6 instead ( you'll see the Reebok on your right). It's signposted Chorley but as soon as you exit pick up the Wigan sign and drop down into town.

    Enjoy.

    • Like 3
  18. 19 minutes ago, Barley Mow said:

    They left Station Road in 1992. But played at the Moor Lane and The Willows more recently (most recently 2011).

    You could say they haven't played in Salford for a long time - but 'belong', I'd say they certainly do. Most of their fans still seem to be from in and around Swinton and they have chosen to keep the name.

    It has never been a choice to leave the area, it was necessity - If the Council had provided them with the support they have the Salford club, then I'd expect Swinton to still be playing somewhere in that area. 

    My apologies. I stand corrected, They did indeed play at moor lane for 18 months and at the Willows for one season. Other than that though  not much of a history in Salford itself for the last 30 years. Their long suffering ( and travelling ) fans have to be amongst the most loyal in the game. They have been waiting for good news about a new stadium at Agecroft since 2006...........

    • Like 3
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