groundhopper

April 13 2024 York Barbarians v Dewsbury Moor A With the wife in London for the weekend, I was in charge of the 5 year old. As he likes trains a 240 mile round trip to the National Railway Museum was his treat and by coincidence there was a match at a club I had not been to a bus ride away. My wife is already challenging the word coincidence. Barbarians play at the city’s St John’s university which has its own sport pitches. The age of the players suggested most of the team are students. This is their second season playing in open age. Facilities are good a 4g pitch inside a cage. Spectators can stand on one railed side or on a balcony attached to the dressing rooms including a club room/ cafe. Attendance grew as the game when in peaking at about 60. Comfortable home win in what is division 4 of 6 in Yorkshire, Just five now to visit in Yorkshire, four of whom Emley Moor, Sheffield Hawks, Bentley and Harrogate moved grounds at the start of the season.

March 30 2024 I think for an RL day out, Cumbria is my favourite overall, especially when everything comes right. The problem is the distance and like other areas marches being called off. Yesterday was Lowca, a real RL village, the club may be the only licensed premises and they are league champions. On arrival a girls match was taking place As for setting, a track runs between the changing rooms and pitch and 100 years up that and you are on the Coastal Path with views down to St Bees Head. Drove across from Darlington and back as wife away so football Friday and York RL this afternoon, the one major ground I need outside of France. Viewed some churches in Teasdale on the way across and the only minor point was I was naive regarding traffic at Easter on one of the main roads into the Lakes The game finished 42 26 after Lowca being 30 up in just over 20 mins. Keighley never gave up and got close a couple of times. Apart from the location, the main feature is a clubhouse behind the posts with a small viewing balcony. The pitch is raised off all four sides. One of the Lake District hills is visible but the sea only if a back is climbed behind one goal. Admission for all this was only £2. We do now have to give our game away cheap. It was £6 for a match at level 10 football in Middlesbrough the day before. Much to my pleasure because I still like them the club did a 4 page prog, possibly only their second ever having produced one against Edinburgh for the challenge cup. Now for a criticism and an annoyance, nothing to do with the hosts, visitors etc but the RFL. This was a Barla National Cup tie which means it does not exist. No doubt if I searched I would find the earlier girls game on the match centre but not this one. As far as I can see almost all of the teams entering play in Summer. There were close to 200 there but the RFL a would rather no one knew that publicise a BARLA tournament. We have enough trouble as a sport getting publicity. I would love to hear from the person making this decision as to how this can be justified.

Many people who have built up a good collection of progs are disappointed to the response when thinking of sale. Thought I would provide some background. Going back to the period when I started watching sport, kids collected almost everything, our school had a stamp and coin club, a transport club even if not one for programmes but most kinds owned the latter. you could show off something that had the name Peter Osgood or Alex Stepney within it. In the late 70's i took over the programme shop at Dulwich Hamlet in South London who were struggling financially and in the first couple of year could made over £1000 per year. we specialised in small almost unheard of clubs and we traded, swapped etc. Being near central London we even added to the attendance of the club by up to 20 on a midweek night. People collected different things, kids still wanted Man Utd and cup finals, others wanted away progs for their own team etc. Unusual items were still available, someone handed in a collection that included the oldest known Wimbledon programme. The hobby grew through the 80's as more clubs made the effort. some programmes exchanged hands for huge amount of money and there were full time dealers and a monthly magazine. Buying the right item was considered an investment. The along came the internet, programmes were less interesting to youngsters than Space Invaders let alone what has followed and the youngest end of the market declined but values could still increase. Eventually the collectors became older but also the values stopped increasing. it became clear that the prog bought for £200 might only be worth £100 in the future. this reduced the number of sales and eventually the average of collectors increased. Clubs including within RL were not interested in flogging a few progs when you could sell an overpriced replica shirt. The last decent RL shop was at Keighley which remained a treasure trove and resulted in the fact I have been to the ground more than any other non local team. I think the person running was pushed aside and treated badly. The market moved to the internet which became highest bidder rather than searching for gems. The final straw was that the collector who had almost every match for years of his team found none were being produced and collecting just odd matches is not the same. There are almost no kids collecting or anywhere to have fun buying. The consequence is visible on ebay 4000 pus items for sale and 13 bids. What sells are usually older progs 40's and 50's where long term collectors have gaps, the matches against the Aussie club sides with a degree of history and little else. Were an Acton or Streatham prog become available it would still get £100. So if you have 100 Leeds, Wigan or other clun collection from the 70's there are no buyers. I collect different clubs and have a rare collection of the summer league amateur teams from 2000 plus. Rare but of no value. i still but National Cup games involving small teams from earlier years but only find about three a year and have stopped looking. Apologies for length but may explain a few things interne

For anyone going BBC and RL express have the first game as 3pm but website, Facebook etc, which I am sure is accurate has 2pm.

Took in the Toll Bar v West Hull game Only previously visited in 2010 and thought then they were building towards the NCL. They have now established themselves as as good as any in the Yorkshire League. I was told only running one open age team was a problem but I doubt they would be alone any more and they run all ages at youth level. There has been a slight change of identity in that the programme and the badge on the short identified them as Doncaster ARL. With the village being very small, 1100 population according to Wikipedia and with Bentley only a mile or so down the road, I was told they represent the mining villages to the north such as Askern who formally ran a side. I gained the filling they were confidence of a win but it has to be remembered that West Hull are actually four divisions higher. I am sure Toll Bar could beat much of division 3 but the visitors were 12 0 up early and whilst Toll Bar closed the gap, there was always the feeling West Hull had much more in reserve. Although not local, this is the type of team, I would love to support. They handled the day well, organised parking, a great choice of food, some home made and friendly people. The ground is fully railed. Overall as good as any in YML. Hopefully not 14 years for next visit. Crowd c350. There was also a programme, Hopping Mad of this forum kindly sent me one form the first round and very similar today. Admission including this was £3. As always the best value of any sport.

There may be a Hurricanes prog this year Website indicates Eye of the Storm prog available and included in deal for season ticket holders. It does not refer to this being paper or digital. Either way don’t think there has been a prog since Cov Bears days. Will update if I get to Doncaster Game

Attended the SW Jets game at Ebbw Vale Firstly kudos to Stanningley who stayed down the night before and will also stay tonight. Hopefully they will receive traditional valley hospitality. Less so in the game. One incident ten mins from the end resulted in two Jets and one Stanningley seeing red, with some in the crowd indicating they had drunk too much, but were not adverse to throwing it at players. There were two further cards, I think yellow so we finished with 21 on field. The game was however much much more than late incidents and I was impressed with the visitors who should have scored more. NCLshould always beat a feeder league side but especially in the off season it is easy to slip up. A superb ground with a big stand and probably higher terracing on the far side than exists at any remaining RL ground. Overnight frost did not materialise and pitch played well. Our party had needed to check the weather in the build up with Jets owner who kept us informed and took time to introduce himself on what would have very busy day. First RL of the year and already a contender for day out of the year. Bring on round 2 and a pity Edinburgh are not at home.

This seems a negative thread. The reality for most Championship 1 clubs that don’t own their ground is they need a backer. The figures shown for the unpaid wages indicate the average wage depending on the squad size to be c£250/300 per week even with a backer. To put your body on the line against full time players and to have to travel for hours on a coach, this is not a lot., My 17 year old has taken on a part time summer job and will be earning close to the lower of the above figures for making Ice cream The main issue the club face long term is either too high wages which can be dismissed, or too little income. Cutting wages leads to poorer results and lower crowds. Increasing income requires investment in facilities or the squad. Even if carried out the extra support may not equate to the win bonuses. i don’t believe you can run a championship team on gates of under 1000 without the backer but as we have seen relying on the backer is dangerous. I don’t think Whitehaven have done anything wrong and are right to try and avoid relegation, especially with fewer home matches being the result along with lower central funding and minimal away support. Overall I would challenge those saying the club are badly run to draw up a successful business plan that results in the club making a profit and sustainable growth. I have no idea of the answer as to how many clubs have a significant backer and would be in trouble without their financial input throughout the three divisions but I guess it is at best a significant minority We cannot as a sport afford to lose Cumbria. There would be nowhere else in the UK that could replace it,

There was a prog yesterday at Seaton, just a fold sheet with front cover, teams on back and chairman’s and coaches comments internally. Hardly took a long time to read but still nice to get on and good set up with over 150 there despite only one previous win.

No programme for the match against Hurricanes on Sunday. Hopefully a one off.

Sitting right now in a less that sunny LLanrwst waiting for North Wales v Hurricanes. The ground is not as good a that yesterday from Torfaen Tigers v Rhondda Outlaws at Talywain. However as with any ground in this level in Wales the welcome is good and Crusaders are doing what they can in difficult circumstances. Hurricanes have just arrived finding the bridge between town and ground was narrower than the coach. Back to yesterday and an even game even if Torfaen scored most of the early and late points. I noted the score but have left the note at home but I think 32 34. You won’t find Torfaen on a road at last but it is the name of the local authority for Cwmbran and Pontypool as well as the World heritage centre of Blaenavon. Talywain is between the last two. I was told they were one of 15 RU teams competing for players in the Borough. Facilities comprise a covered enclosure half way up a grass bank and two small other areas of cover with the banking just vanishing into woodland. THis was Torfaen’s first game of the season, they have been running for 25 years frequently in national leagues and the collapse of Southern Conference West left them in limbo and early matches have been cancelled. I had seen Rhonda a couple of weeks ago and they looked really good and the Tigers performance suggested they would do OK this season. Back to today and does anyone know a good way of explaining that Father’s Day should be a day when father does what he enjoys, rather that what is expected of him. I haven’t managed to find the words myself and probably best I don’t try. Maybe a gift for the wife to celebrate the day.

I voted for a labour government but didn’t get one. it is therefore everyone’s else’s fault it took over 8 hours to get home from Shevington Sharks by train Saturday. I know Shevington is like Leigh and has no station but at least you can walk to one. Please see where did your go thread if you want to know how it took over 8 hours or alternatively plan a trip using Avanti and enjoy the experience yourself.

Shevington Sharks 28 Hinckley 10 More serious RL than in previous weeks. Shevington have stepped up in level in recent years and have moved back from a college where I had seen them before to the village. Facilities remain basic with a taped off pitch some distance from modern changing rooms and recreation room selling chocolate, coffer etc but hot food only on a Sunday morning. With a number of junior teams, I imagine a busier facility then but nearly 200 in attendance in lovely weather. Hindley have lost every game this season but you would not know that, certainly the result was about right but I doubt there is any difference on the field between the Premier Division in the North West and Conference 3. Journey home was the worst I have had on the trains. As always the lack of joined you thinking is so obvious. The line from Warrington south was closed and had to head via Manchester, having just missed a train and one cancelled off Gathurst so 58 mins on a uninteresting station. On Piccadilly by 7.20 having taken over three hours from the ground. In any other organisation the crew coming from Southport could have announced the problem before Wigan as many of us changing there and could have saved half an hour as train going to Manchester in any event. Train home from there was 8.15 departure and Avanti lived up to their reputation by cancelling at 8.25. I fail to believe that was when they realised there was a problem. Staff suggested a slow train to Stoke, then to Derby for a 16 min connection for the last train. We were then held outside for Derby for 10 mins and saw the last train go. Home by taxi paid by Railway company at just before 12.30am. All this with a four year old who had been up since 7 as we visited Southport first.

Rugeley 36 Sherwood Wolf Hound Academy !! 54 Second time, I have seen Rugeley this season , initially they played at the Leisure centre whilst the RU ground was being reseeded. Ninety points in total today and over 100 previously do not indicate a good game just poor defence. This was a match in the Midlands Merit table and that may be the best way forward at this level. Rugeley have played at least three matches this year which is more than anyone in the Midlands League so far. The benefit is that is teams don’t travel to you, you don’t play them again. There is however the difficulty of finding fixtures. Being new to the game, they are solely improving but until they do, wins will be hard to come by. Staring poorly, they did win the second half. Sherwood are one of the successes of local RL, having already played in the Challenge Cup and taking the step up to Yorkshire League and now running a second team, this was referred to as their academy but was an adult team. Rugeley is not an attractive town and whilst very basic for an RU club, the pitch had a surprising attractive setting with trees on both sides, one adjacent to a canal and behind the posts the chancel of the parish church at the top of a grass bank.

Cynon Valley Cougars 18 Rhondda Outlaws 64 I think this is the first season and first match for Cynon Valley at open age but they have a thriving juniors section as does numerous parts of South Wales. I have counted 14 open age sides in Wales this season which may be a record even if North Wales clubs only play 4 to 6 games. The total clubs may now equal or exceed the number in the former Cumberland. Todays visitors were last years champions and this showed one of the problem for expansion areas. Rhondda could play at a higher level but there is no league whilst Cynon Valley had players new to the games. Early on, one home player was tackled and went to the ground releasing it RU style whilst another beat two players for pre and then kicked past a third on the first tackle. The Cynon Valley players played well in places but inexperience showed. Venue today was Hirwaun Miners ground at the head of the valley, downstream is Mountain Ash where South Wales played semi pro for a year. Just a railed off pitch but on a nice sunny day, attractive with a view of high hills in most directions. There does still seem an appetite for the game in the valleys but the issue is it may be too spread for a semi pro side.

After the earlier question which RL side play in the grounds of an art gallery, this one is which one shares a car park with a castle. A further question that may help is who overlook an estuary with the opposite bank being in another country, at least in UK terms. The question is made harder by the fact that I had never heard of the hosts until three weeks ago and who were playing their first game at least under their present name Clwyd Cobras. Although a short season with clubs only playing 4 to 6 matches depending on success in the play offs, 5 clubs is the most I think North Wales has had at this level. Crusaders deserve some of the credit with Cobras using their kit even with the badge etc but I don’t know the extent of their involvement. A good start too, as visitors Flintshire Falcons were last years champions. The final score was 56 30 to Cobras. The standard, especially in attack play was as high if not higher than some more established leagues although was clear inexperience inevitably as well. As indicated at the top, a nice setting between Flint Castle and the football ground. The pitch is used by Flint RU, the changing rooms and bar are marked as belonging to the football club although they change inside an enclosed ground. Enjoyed the trip as did my 4 year old and nice to travel by train, especially as everything ran smoothly. In case anyone interested the five clubs are based subject to confirmation at Flint, Mold, Bethesda and Llandudno plus Rhosllanerchrug, south of Wrexham. The places are of character and 2 are coastal and a third has views into Snowdonia so I recommend to anyone, they should try one. The next round of matches includes Flintshire away at Conwy. This can be checked on Facebook but I understand at Llandudno.

Birmingham 38 Coventry 34 The original plan was Worcester v Telford but this was posted as off on Friday on the visitors Twitter. Although I prefer a ground I had not visited before, the above was an attractive and local for me, fixture. I had been to Avery Fields before, home to Bournville RU before when Birmingham previously spent a season at the venue. The other plus is that I knew it had a balcony, useful with the forecast. The ground has a 4G pitch with a white rail, identical to other clubs provided with the facilities by the RFU The two clubs had played in the Midlands final last year with Birmingham winning after Coventry had win both league meeting. Birmingham scored two early tries and were 22 up at half time. Coventry fought back strongly in the second half and on the 80 minute mark took the lead and then scored again 2 mins later. That made the score 26 34. There was then a surprising amount of additional time, 14 mins in total. The hosts got back to 32 24 and I was surprised they did not take a kick to draw level, instead kicking for touch. The players obviously knew better as they then scored beneath the posts with the conversion being the last kick of the game. Thoroughly enjoyable and spoke to the parents of two players at uni, one of whom only wanted to play RL. There had been some comments reported on here pre game about an admission charge of £6 and about Midland Hurricanes having moved into Bulldogs area. No signs of any problems on the day between two good c.ubs who have a rivalry for over 20 years. Should they charge this level. My own view is it is their choice but compared with other sports £6 is cheap for the entertainment. A programme was available for £2 in addition. To be honest paying £2.40 for a small mars bar and a 330ml bottle of water at the bar was a bigger rip off.

Twitter feed indicates prog at Birmingham tomorrow The impression is a physical prog.

April 22 @ Rugeley My home county has always been limited in terms of RL clubs. An attempt at Stoke last year may not have resulted in a game being played and before that only Burntwood for a couple of seasons and Wolverhampton playing just over the border have had teams playing in the county. I was therefore pleased to see Rugeley join the merit league for this season. It may not have been a good idea to play the first game against Telford who are always strong. Apparently the club is partly a legacy of miners moving from St Helens a long time ago. it was clear early on there was a big difference. Rugeley’s first three touches were a dropped catch and two kick offs from tries being scored, nil 16 after maybe 5 mins. I thought the hosts tried hard and made some good moves and I think the 4 tries scored is more important than the probable 15 conceded. The final score was given as 20 82 although I had more for the visitors. Rugeley at least for this game were not a combination of players from local clubs but basically their RU team. I was told the new tackle rule in RU was a factor but even if they wanted to switch, we have nothing to offer. The match was played at the local leisure centre on a poor quality pitch as the RU ground is being reseeded but they hope to be at the other venue before the season end, which will give me a chance to gauge their progress. What was good to see was over a 100:turn up to watch Hopefully another club in the small acorns category

hmm poor internet but will continue The building is Sudley House built in 1820 and belonging to Liverpool Museums. A rugby pitch has been laid out and yesterday was the first game on for the Lizards who have moved less than one mile. The grounds are otherwise a public park with the single pitch being shared with Mossley Park RU. I was told the clubs have a good rapport and share some players which was interesting yesterday with the RL at 1.30 and the RU straight after. I have nothing but praise for anyone who plays RL for 80mins but to play the other code straight afterwards is really something. At least they get long rest patches during the second game for those periods when nothing happens. I think three maybe 4 played in both but I left after the RL. The changing rooms are 300 yards away across the road as part of a multi sports club with football and tennis as at least. Lizard are not pretending to be building a super league club in Liverpool but are just a group of people who enjoy playing the game. Their twitter account encouraged anyone interested to come and watch and apart from those with the visitors no more than about 5 did do. On the field was a disaster for the Lizards. they had a small squad and suffered injuries with people paying out of position. It may not have mattered too much is the opposition were not Bank Quay who are far too good for this division. I made the score 6 to 78 but the ref who I am sure is right had it at 84. Really friendly people and hopefully a few wins will come their way this year

I doubt many could answer the question ‘ which RL side play in the grounds of an art gallery.’ The answer is Liverpool Lizards

Guiseley 22 Rycroft 24 This one was described as a friendly but was anything but. I don’t keep records of such things but in terms of penalties, punches and brawls, this had as many as any game I can remember. No obvious reason as the teams are not local, nor have any type of history with both having been in abeyance. Maybe some of the players were playing for the first time in a while and were fired up. Two red cards and probably should have been more. I don’t think I should admit but really enjoyed the biff. Guiseley we’re playing their fire match at open age for about ten years but had kept some youth teams going and I could be wrong but think they may only be playing ‘ friendlies , this year. They were not on the merit table list I saw. The pitch is part of a large park, with directions being accurate in stating opposite McDonalds. The car park is much harder to find. There is a dressing room block and separate tea bar and the pitch was roped down one side. The match was close with Guiseley two points behind intercepting the ball 3 mins from the end and the player ran 70 yard before being caught. The game could have gone either way as both sides hit the crossbar without scoring from conversions. Attendance was c70

It’s a good job I don’t chase likes. After being given a few, I mentioned going to RU. I should have just made something up such as I put a cat in a wheelie bin, it would have been more popular. Anyway just the greatest game today and Orrell SJ 12 Midland Hurricanes 19. I have been to Bankes Avenue before when OSJ put about 90 points on Chorley but much more even today. The hosts shaded the first half and Hurricanes made the same mistake twice for a 12 4 score line. I thought OSJ tackled very well. There had been some niggle in the first half but as Hurricanes fought back, there were a number of brawls and high tackles. The referee took no nonsense and 2 from Hurricanes and one OSJ were shown red cards and with 3 yellows were very briefly at 10 a side. OSJ handled every aspect of the day well including a crowd of 400 plus. The club would be an asset to the NCL with a railed off pitch, nice clubhouse and a small bit of cover attached. This was totally inadequate for the crowd and there was a choice between a restricted view or getting wet. I think they have won the North West League two years running and look a club on the up. Anyone in Wigan should give them a visit, but a dry day is suggested. I have loved the challenge cup this year and whilst the format later on is not to everyone’s liking the choice of ties in this round was brilliant.

Huddersfield A 66 Wakefield A 4 First time I had attended a reserve game at this level. With no team sheet available, hard to know the strength of each side but more youngsters with the visitors, who to be honest need to taught tacking and positioning. This was not (hopefully) players looking to step up a level. Match played at Laund Hill, once Huddersfield YMCA. A bit run down but superior to anything in the RL amateurs, three pitches and I think a 4G one under construction, a 400 seat stand and bus stop type cover opposite plus a clubhouse of character and facilities open most of the time for other usage. Attendance c200, not just family of players but many in club colours. Kick off was 10.30 so another early start for my fix. Met someone who worked with a player and picked them up. Afterwards they wanted RU so instead of Fartown for Lindsey and St Joseph’s ended up at Pontefract. I can’t stand 6 nations or premiership, but at this level the aim is to score tries, not win penalties and if you can accept how slow the game is, then watchable

British Police 18 Westgate 22 Close fought Challenge Cup Tie. In the first half the Police looked the fitter but not necessarily the more skilled. I think half time it was 12 4. Westgate turned it around in the second half and looked the more motivated as well as the better Kicking made the final score closer than it should have been, with the Police scoring three from four and Westgate 1 from 5 Crowd counted by someone else at 230 with over half from Wakefield with almost no 'home' support' The venue was Portico Vine and what a great club they are. They dropped out of open age due to lack of numbers and that is usually the end of the club. Here they have kept with youth and built a new clubhouse , only recently opened. They have then come to an agreement with the Police to be their base. Nice bar and a range of food available. The facilities had been open all day with various age group side playing in the morning. Apparently first ever Challenge Cup time at the ground The facilities include three pitches with the main one taped off today. Parking was mostly on grass but within the grounds . They even marked off the bays individually using white in the field and made some money by charging £2. There was no other admission charge but the parking and the Westgate fans would have made this is a lucrative day. Portico hope to play a few merit table games at open age this season but I was told reliable opposition can be hard to find. I would love to see them back in NW Mens league when ready This is the best part of the Challenge Cup and draw is Monday for the next round. I really recommend a fixture to anyone.