NL1 Signings, Retentions and Departures 2019-20

backrowb wrote: RB, Mine was a generalisation, but one that does hold up.  I remember visiting club a few years back and chatting to some locals and they were warning us about a lowly club  that was hoovering up talent for big bucks  - Old Elthamians

And the old Elthamians II topping the Raging Bull Table must be a figment of the imagination.

SJ  I am no apologist for OE's. They, like others in Nat One (Chinnor, Cinderford, Rotherham, DMP) rely heavily on a benefactor. However many of your other points are incorrect. They run regular senior adult teams outside of the 1st XV. They have a mini and youth section with teams at most age groups and they run a women's section. Not sure what more you need to have to be a 'real' club- or is draught beer really the answer?

Sid, just when everyone thought you were getting better. If you'd been at H.I's game last Saturday you'd have seen our Extra's side beat a very good Jersey team.

SJ you are correct that the London is a big pool for any young person but it’s also huge and it depends on where the players live that becomes key. It is quicker to get to Cambridge and Bishops Stortford than it is Richmond and Roslyn Park. All the AP clubs are in West London or North West which can mean 2 hours travel for any academy players so it is normally a non starter and if they are told they must come you don’t see the best of the players. I will leave OEs to the others to comment on. I will just mention that we have seen many cases of clubs built on benefactors that implode when the money disappears even those with long histories like London Welsh

wanderer wrote: Sid, just when everyone thought you were getting better. If you'd been at H.I's game last Saturday you'd have seen our Extra's side beat a very good Jersey team.

Apology's,
Sorry to let you down.

backrowb wrote: Yes, definitely agree on draught beer being a must.

Went to OEs once (3 or 4 years ago - at the old ground)

They had a very drinkable Marsdens Oyster Stout on at £2 per pint. Unfortunately have to agree on all other visits proper beer has been lacking.

marigold wrote: SJ  I am no apologist for OE's. They, like others in Nat One (Chinnor, Cinderford, Rotherham, DMP) rely heavily on a benefactor. However many of your other points are incorrect. They run regular senior adult teams outside of the 1st XV. They have a mini and youth section with teams at most age groups and they run a women's section. Not sure what more you need to have to be a 'real' club- or is draught beer really the answer?

Surprised to see OEs stalwart Tom White named as a travelling reserve for Tonbridge Juddians last Saturday. Don't know if this is a DR or permanent move.