Fixtures 2021/22

Darlington then Rosslyn Park one season. Stay in York for two nights. Back Sunday. Day trip Saturday. Rosslyn was one of our closest games one season believe it or not, may have even been that one.

All teams have two away as get two home once a season.

This year though we have Darlington and then Leeds back to back, two of our furthest. Feels crazy to do the length of the country in north to South to then have to travel back and that’s before thinking Good Friday traffic on return. If TJs have a similar then one of those things for all teams but could the back to back be looked at to be more local for teams or would it be difficult as hard job anyway fixtures with Christmas local etc?! After overnighter weekends, what is great is to just be at home. Obviously people may still decide to stay away depending on location. 

On a normal fixture note, if it helps TJ fans. Quite nice when we did Canterbury before lockdown left at 10 including a stop arrived by 4. A bit of rest in the hotel ready for the evening. I personally looked forward to that exact thought arriving earlier than the 6 in York seeing closer on map.

It’s surprising how quick coach journeys can go once you get use to them. A quiz etc. Make use of the radio/ TV. Glides along.

Probably because once stuck in traffic going to Macclesfield diverting around Birmingham road works, then seeming every junction after slow moving arrived 2:30. By then the coach had started to pack in, just get to ground I was thinking every corner. Left at 8, back for 2am. Had to change coach at services for connection back.

Off topic fan story, the next time the coach broke down was Chinnor away but outside Thame football club too far from chinnor but just down the road who took us in and made us so welcome until we left at midnight!!

Time, money and time off work factors. A season fine but travelling back at north 5 days later, it’s a bit much though I expect DMP have gone south a few times many times so just those things.

We all get two away trips back to back, but those are Tonbridge's longest trips so it is a little different to them getting Blackheath and Old Elthamians as the two away trips. Especially in their first campaign.

Actually I think one side doesn't but are away on the first and last week. Similarly, one side will not get two home games.

No issue with me, just a concern that after 14 month's without income, starting off with the 2 furthest away trips will put a strain on the club's finances. 

I certainly didn't need reminding that things even themselves out over the season and, as I said, hopefully we will have a lucrative period over Christmas/New Year with 2 home games.

Well there is a simple solution to not wanting the travel associated with Nat 1 - if you are at risk of getting promoted play the 2nd XV in the last few games.

Due to the number of teams in the far South West, and the lack of sides North of the Tyne, Cambridge often had more travel in National 2 South than in National 1.

The review decided there was sufficient desire to keep a National League, but we are moving to three leagues at level  4 which will reduce most sides travel a little - though some sides may find themselves with extra travel.

But that was before any discussion of the expanding the Premiership and possibly the Championship.