Official West Hartlepool RFC

Good to see Stu had a decent debut. hope you barred him from wearing his mams stockings though.

Well done good result.

i am getin a bit worryed cos ben as not sed awt about awer carlos in his last few postings has he chucked him in favor of stewys lycra leggins.

:oD:oD:oD:oD:oD:oD:oD:oD

good result well done lads. are there def only 2 sides going down then? does that mean 16 in our league next season?

Very Poor game to watch, not much offered in attack from either team. Defencive lapses from both teams contributed to the tries.

Well done Stu, a solid debut and bagged yourself 6 points.

Don't think anyone expected anything else. Good result considering our changes and at last an away win. Is that right that Waites got a drop goal on his debut? Takes a bit of confidence.

He did drop a goal then added a pen in windy conditions too,as usul he tackled very well and way above his weight............mind you he was the lightest on the field by a long way.Well done Stu.

I wouldn't say this was a poor game to watch. Defences may have been poor at times but I'd rather have that and a few tries to see than some of the whistle dominated, "knock-on every 5 seconds games" we've seen this season.

WPA - The drop goal was well struck as was his penalty towards the end of the game but I thought his kicking from hand could have been better, and would have to be in games where a better defence would put more pressure on. Still for a debut it was a very accomplished performance. It'll be interesting to see who is selected when Connolly is fit again.

Oldge - if I've understood correctly there are only 2 to go down so we are safe now. I could be wrong though, it wouldn't be the first time!

Stu also made a great break down the middle to set up Andy Cheslin for what would have been a certain try - if Ches hadn't dropped the ball.

Pete - you have misunderstood a little. This season only two clubs will go down from the whole of Level 5 - This is to allow Level 5 to have 14 teams next season.
I'm afraid that Darlington look doomed and it looks like Bedford Athletic from Midlands One will also be relegated.

cheers DP...so that probably means we were already safe then?

We were "safe" before Christmas!

Pete and Oldge
This is the score for next season.

ENGLISH CLUBS CHAMPIONSHIP – LEAGUE RESTRUCTURING DETAILS – SEASON 2009-2010

Last October, the RFU North Competitions Committee (RFUNCC) wrote to all Clubs (Levels 6-11), who participated in League Rugby to seek their views regarding League sizes and their willingness or not to compete in RFU Cup Competitions. Level 5 Clubs were not consulted as they, and the RFU had already made it clear that they wanted an increase in League sizes at that level. Clubs were asked to complete a Questionnaire, return it, confirming what they wished to happen. Approximately 78% of Clubs responded, which demonstrated to the RFUNCC, that there was much interest in the future of the League and Cup Competitions.

Whilst discussions are still ongoing as far as the Cup Competitions are concerned, (and we will advise at a later date what decisions have been agreed), we are now in a position to inform Clubs that effective from the 2009-2010 season, the following changes will take place to the League Structure here in the North.

Level 5. (Currently North 1). Increase number of teams from 12 to 14.

Level 6. (Currently North 2 East and North 2 West). Increase number of teams from 12 to 14.

Level 7. (Currently Durham/Northumberland 1, Yorkshire 1, North Lancashire & Cumbria, and South Lancashire/Cheshire 1).Increase number of teams from 12 to 14.

Level 8. (Currently Durham/Northumberland 2 and Yorkshire 2). No increase in number of teams. To remain at 12 maximum.

Level 8. (Currently North Lancashire 1, South Lancashire/Cheshire 2, Cumbria). Increase number of teams from 12 to 14. NB: Cumbria League size – discussions still taking place. . :

Level 9 and below. (all other remaining Leagues). Exact details of League sizes still to be fully determined, but the aim is to give Clubs – 12 team Leagues and/or a maximum of 22 League games per season.

Impact of Restructuring on Season 2008-2009’s - Promotion & Relegation issues:

In considering Promotion & Relegation issues, it should be borne in mind that the North Divisional Area, has to implement League Promotion & Relegation, in conjunction with the other three Divisional Organising Committee’s. This is necessary, in order to ensure that the total English Clubs Championship is balanced, in respect of League sizes. It is anticipated that in the next two to three seasons, the introduction of increased League sizes for 2009-2010, will have been consolidated, and thus result in any major changes necessary to enable Restructuring to take place, will be minimised.

Level 5.

Promotion: League Winners to be promoted along with the Winner of the North 1 v Midlands 1 Play Off game.

Relegation: The Two 12th placed Clubs from North 1, Midlands 1, London 1, and South West 1, with the “Best Playing Record” will be reprieved from Relegation, The Two remaining 12th placed Clubs will be relegated to Level 6. (one each into Two of the Four Divisions as above.

Level 6.

Promotion: League Winners of North 2 East & North 2 West to be Promoted to Level 5, along with the Winner of the North 2 East v North 2 West Play Off.

Relegation: There will be no Relegation from Level 6.

Level 7.

Promotion: League Winners of Durham/Northumberland 1, Yorkshire 1, North Lancashire/Cumbria, and South Lancashire/Cheshire 1 to be Promoted to Level 6.

The TWO Divisions NOT to have a Club Relegated from Level 5 to Level 6 will promote THREE of their FOUR 2nd placed Level 7 Clubs to Level 6. The TWO Clubs within each of these Divisions with the “Best Playing Record” will gain automatic Promotion.

The remaining Two 2nd placed Clubs in the Division will Play Off for the 3rd Promotion place at the ground of the Club with the “Best Playing Record”. The Play Offs in the other TWO Divisions will go ahead in the usual way with the TWO Winners promoted.

Relegation: There will be no Relegation from Level 7.

There were discussions at Darlington on Saturday that Waterloo are requesting to be relegated 3 divisions due to financial difficulties.

Good write up for Stu in tonight's Mail. Well done mate.

DP how many clubs relegated from our league next season when it goes to 14??? Not that I expect us to be one of them

I reckon we'll have us Beverley, Birkenhead Park, Cleckheaton, Boro, Morley, Sheff tigers, Stockport, West Park plus Mowden and Halifax coming down and Rochdale, Old Crosleyans and Billingham coming up

does that sound about right :-|:-|

Thanks CB. Interesting stuff (at last.)
Not sure whether CB is right on who will be in the league next season. I think I remember reading that three clubs will go down, one goes up automatically and the second team will be in a play off with the Midlands equivalent. Should make for an interesting season! On the other issue I'm in agreement with DP on this one. Where we ever offered the choose our league when we got relegation from the first division? Very very much doubt it.



Post Edited (23-03-09 15:57)

I wouldn't knock the performance on Saturday. First I have seen for way too long but some fluency considering what I understand to be many changes.

That's right there will be three going down from level 5 in season 2009-2010.