Round 9
Printed From: National League Rugby Discussion Forum
Category: League Rugby - www.leaguerugby.co.uk
Forum Name: The Championship
Forum Description: Discuss the 12 clubs forming the English Championship.
URL: http://www.leaguerugby.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=20096
Printed Date: 09 Jun 2024 at 07:15
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.04 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Round 9
Posted By: kempstonblue
Subject: Round 9
Date Posted: 29 Dec 2023 at 20:30
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Appears most matches are weekend 12/13 January. Not involved in predictions game. But New Years Day Bedford v Coventry. Blues have posted on Social Media, 500 tickets left. Glad to see a good festive crowd coming for this one. However it seems mad, when the RFU want a professional league, that this weekend and next no matches are being played. Leaving a three week gap. Although welcome that Blues are playing the 1st. It is then nearly three weeks until we play again. If the RFU cannot organise a fixture list, how can we trust them to run a fully professional league? ------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused. |
Replies:
Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 29 Dec 2023 at 20:32
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For my bias opinion. Blues 5 - 2 Coventry ------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused. |
Posted By: greenpower
Date Posted: 29 Dec 2023 at 20:42
| bedford 5 1 coventry |
Posted By: The Blues
Date Posted: 29 Dec 2023 at 20:47
I think there was meant to be a Christmas break, but Blues requested the game be brought forward, as I think Coventry delayed their game to maximise money. Ironically it feels like Blues have been on a break for quite a lot of the season, we are just lucky the fixture list was more home games than away and also Ampthill making it virtually another home game! The RFU can't be blamed for a club failing or the weather in Caldy.
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kempstonblue wrote:Posted By: gerg_861
Date Posted: 30 Dec 2023 at 08:54
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I'll go Bedford 5 - Coventry 2, with a real cracker of a sell out to once again embarrass Mr. Sweeney, king of the fabricators. With the pirates match being called off, and the Jersey match cancelled, Ealing will go over 40 days without a match that counts in the middle of the season. Not sure how anyone is supposed to build a narrative with that kind of gap.
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Posted By: Old Gold
Date Posted: 30 Dec 2023 at 11:22
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Bedford 5 - 2 Coventry ------------- One Club |
Posted By: Paul10
Date Posted: 30 Dec 2023 at 11:51
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I'd call this one 5-2 as well. Word amongst friends in MK is Bedford sold this out a few weeks ago so surprised to hear tickets available.
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Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 30 Dec 2023 at 13:18
Ground entry tickets are still available online - it's decades since I went to Goldington Road, I assume the view is poor, if at all.
------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Posted By: The Blues
Date Posted: 30 Dec 2023 at 13:23
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Good Blues squad, would have liked to see Curran in the squad 15. Matt Worley, 14. Sean French, 13. Jordan Venter, 12. Michael Le Bourgeois, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Will Maisey, 9. Alex Day (C); 1. Joey Conway, 2. James Fish, 3. Oisin Heffernan, 4. Tom Lockett, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Luke Frost, 7. Joe Howard, 8. Cameron King 16. Craig Wright, 17. Jamie Jack, 18. Bryan O’Connor, 19. Robin Williams, 20. Kayde Sylvester, 21. Jac Arthur, 22. James Lennon, 23. Louis Grimoldby |
Posted By: The Blues
Date Posted: 30 Dec 2023 at 13:28
When I looked recently there were 9 seats in the stand. There are a few extra areas that are stepped up now but you still want to be there early for a better view.
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Posted By: The Blues
Date Posted: 30 Dec 2023 at 13:47
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Coventry Wilson; Hutler, Wand, Rigg, Martin; Pellegrini, Chudley; Chilvers, Poole, Nairau; Tyas, Nkwocha; Ryan, Kvesic, Nayalo. |
Posted By: John Butler42
Date Posted: 30 Dec 2023 at 14:18
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Just wish I could be there, but reducing mobility means a no no for away games. Should be a cracker & you will not be surprised I am going for a 2 - 5. Alex Rae & Co well up for this . And the winners go top in this bizarre season fixture wise. ------------- John Butler |
Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 30 Dec 2023 at 14:58
Maybe they’d like to have a crack at Cov’s record BPA attendance from last Tues? (ground capacity permitting)
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Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 30 Dec 2023 at 15:00
View depends on how tall you are + how early you arrive. The shorter, the earlier, the better…
 |
Posted By: Paul10
Date Posted: 30 Dec 2023 at 17:08
I've never been there when it's been very busy. Generally Friday evening games.
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Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 30 Dec 2023 at 18:04
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I will hopefully get a decent view of the first half….a trip to the toilets at half time might alter that in the second. ------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused. |
Posted By: CJB1
Date Posted: 30 Dec 2023 at 18:44
------------- "What I need is a strong drink and a peer group" |
Posted By: The Blues
Date Posted: 30 Dec 2023 at 19:47
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I think capacity is 5,000 so can’t get to Cov’s even when we sell the now 300 tickets remaining. Someone else thought our capacity had been reduced to 4,500. Guess we’ll find out in a couple of days.
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Posted By: corporalcarrot
Date Posted: 31 Dec 2023 at 07:37
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Another cracking match which should be streamed live. ------------- Dont kick it. Pick it up and GO FORWARD. |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 31 Dec 2023 at 21:34
Having been to GR quite a few times I struggle to see how it was ever licensed for 5000. That's not to be derogatory; just a reflection of the effect of having one small grandstand, and limited raised standing. Cov's bad enough with a far larger stand. ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 31 Dec 2023 at 23:54
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Prior to Marquee and Burrow I believe, according to an online encyclopaedia it was 6,000. It certainly feels like a scrum when we have played Ampthill. However when the tannoy announces attendance thought it was under 5,000. ------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused. |
Posted By: The Blues
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 02:04
It used to be 7,500 in the Premiership days with the other temporary stand where the marquee is. Shame we built the marquee in the wrong place as that takes away a lot of space. I think it was 5,500 when we also had the smaller temporary stand for Quins and Saints near the scoreboard.
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Posted By: castleparknight
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 10:22
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I definitely think Bedford would benefit from having terraces or temporary stands on the opposite side of the pitch to the stand. I think they have a great catchment area and could get crowds of 6k if the facilities were better and some marketing (I am sure they do well with that already but casting the net wider maybe??). If you happen to be vertically challenged, like me, it is front row or bust which does detract from the experience at Goldington Road. ------------- Onward and Upwards C'mon Donny! |
Posted By: The Blues
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 10:36
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I totally agree and don’t think it would take much to get a bit more terracing in. Behind the posts where the trees are for example. Before the hospitality units and gym at the other end we used to have a large covered terraced shed.
It’s now a sell out, so don’t travel without a ticket!
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Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 12:03
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Their catchment area is getting smaller, Ampthill and Cambridge are nibbling away at it. Saints draw some away to the North and Saracens to the South. Then there are planning difficulties. ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 14:33
Agree CC - totally dreadful that this game isn't being shown, yet another reminder of the contempt from Twickenham towards any notion of promoting the 2nd tier. You've got a (public holi)day that is completely clear of any other meaningful rugby in England; two historic names going head-to-head in a derby-type (not local derby I know) top-of-table game; sell-out crowd with little prospect of streaming affecting ticket sales; no other Champ clubs in action who might have been worried about their own crowds; and some crappy NYD weather that would leave people reluctant to venture out this late in the day and looking for something to watch. And this leaves the way clear for football's 2nd tier to promote itself with a full schedule of games, and racing on ITV... Given the RFU's complete contempt for the Champ, meaning that it was certain months ago there'd be no stream organised from 'HQ', I also wonder whether the clubs might have taken it on themselves to arrange/promote a stream; we wouldn't be talking a vast amount of investment. I'm sat at home, about to put the fire on and draw the curtains, watching Singing in the Rain; I'd rather be watching rugby, but that's not available (I know there are URC games on, but not really fussed about that).  |
Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 15:45
| Blues 12 Cov 28 at HT, visitors grabbed their BP in last play... |
Posted By: The Blues
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 15:47
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HT Blues (2 tries) 12-28 (BP) Coventry Blues down to 14 for 8 mins in 2nd half. Blues go down the slope 2nd half and hope the arm of the referee keeps working the same way. Game is much closer than score suggests and hope Blues bring their attacking onslaught for the 2nd half. It is raining.
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Posted By: corporalcarrot
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 16:10
I've found radio commentary better than watching URC ------------- Dont kick it. Pick it up and GO FORWARD. |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 16:14
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Bedford's maul game working well, and Cov now short of a hooker and a lock (YCs). Doesn't look promising. Cov's usual second-half malaise coming up? ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: MarkyMark
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 16:23
| Bedford were penalised out of it first half, second half the games disjointed, struggle from here. Never seen so many penalties awarded, not helping any flow, but making sure he’s ticked all the assessors boxes |
Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 16:23
Not so far: 19-31 just after the hour. Crowd announced on TwitteX by hosts at 5,000
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Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 16:28
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And back up to 15. Shouldn't be any excuses now... but I never count chickens. ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: MarkyMark
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 16:30
| Will only be 3 mins of play left with this many stoppages |
Posted By: Paul10
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 16:42
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I've found radio commentary better than watching URC [/QUOTE]
Rain is so bad in Bridgend (Ospreys v Cardiff) that the TV coverage went down.
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Posted By: Cherub
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 17:04
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Another 5000 crowd for a Championship match. The 19-34 score line suggests a good game. And with Ampthill beating Coventry, Bedford then beating Ampthill, and now Coventry beating Bedford, match predictability in this league is also intriguing. Take note, Mr Sweeney, the Championship is alive and kicking. ------------- Always trying to stay bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. |
Posted By: corporalcarrot
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 17:05
I've found radio commentary better than watching URC [/QUOTE]
Rain is so bad in Bridgend (Ospreys v Cardiff) that the TV coverage went down. [/QUOTE] The BBC commentary was excellent and it sounded like a brilliantly competitive match in wet conditions - I would happily have paid to watch a live stream of that one.------------- Dont kick it. Pick it up and GO FORWARD. |
Posted By: Bigbluepip
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 17:34
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Well done Cov, deserved winners, took your chances and defended well, we couldn’t break it down, and when we did you recovered quickly. Lots of pressure in the 2nd half, but we couldn’t convert it to points, crazy decision to tap and go when we had a pen with the last move of the game, could have cost us a try bonus point. Only highlight for me was our forwards were in control in the set plays for the most part, line-out went wrong towards the end. We need to be able to change our game plan when it’s not working for us and I don’t think our kicking game was brilliant today. ------------- I want you all to line up in a circle and pair up in three's alphabetically by height. |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 17:35
Rain is so bad in Bridgend (Ospreys v Cardiff) that the TV coverage went down. [/QUOTE] The BBC commentary was excellent and it sounded like a brilliantly competitive match in wet conditions - I would happily have paid to watch a live stream of that one.[/QUOTE]
Cov radio commentary is usually very good. Shame we can't say as much about the club's match Twitfeed. Can't have it all, I guess. ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: RobC
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 18:22
| I switched over to the Bedford Twitter feed in the end - far more updates... |
Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 18:27
Cov radio commentary is usually very good. Shame we can't say as much about the club's match Twitfeed. Can't have it all, I guess. [/QUOTE]
Well done BBC Coventry. Shame that BBC 3CR spend all their Saturday on football. Even without Luton playing no effort from 3CR. Summed up mid morning today when they did a review of 2023 in sport. 3CR Sport should be Allen Football and Formula 1. ------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused. |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 18:48
Always the same Rob. Very poor. Bedford's is so much more comprehensive, if rather niggley as the game proceeded  ).------------- Our Club |
Posted By: RobC
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2024 at 19:29
Yep, guess that's their prerogative...
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Posted By: WEvans
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2024 at 11:26
Rain is so bad in Bridgend (Ospreys v Cardiff) that the TV coverage went down. [/QUOTE] The BBC commentary was excellent and it sounded like a brilliantly competitive match in wet conditions - I would happily have paid to watch a live stream of that one.[/QUOTE]
A bit late now but for future reference the game like a few URC games was streamed live on the BBC iPlayer. (Sometimes you need to temporarily change your location (in Settings) to Wales or N Ireland to be able to view the games). This site normally shows upcoming games. (Beware the S4C iPlayer games normally have Welsh commentary and the BBC Alba iPlayer games have Gaelic commentary!). http://www.wheresthematch.com/live-rugby-union-on-tv/" rel="nofollow - http://www.wheresthematch.com/live-rugby-union-on-tv/ |
Posted By: maire23
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2024 at 09:45
| Nottingham v London Scottish has been postponed due to extensive flooding of Lady Bay. |
Posted By: castleparknight
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2024 at 11:37
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Was in the area yesterday and the Trent was right up at the top of the river bank so no big surprises there with the amount of water I was seeing. ------------- Onward and Upwards C'mon Donny! |
Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2024 at 12:31
just found https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dw-R1v2Ooo" rel="nofollow - this on YouTube with Lady Bay shown (at around 1'00") - getting a game on within a week of this would have been miraculous
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Posted By: maire23
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2024 at 13:26
| There’s been 50k worth of damage done. Notts have started a JustGiving to cover the cost of the damage. I’ve given as much as I could but I’ve got nothing myself. I’m absolutely heartbroken for the club. Hoping and praying something can be done to help. |
Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2024 at 15:21
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I am guessing that, given the location, the club could not get flood cover. I
suppose the good news is that - due to losing the jersey match - there
is not another home game scheduled until the 23rd, giving plenty of time
for the ground to dry. Though quite how the club coffers are meant to cope until then is another matter. ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2024 at 15:48
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I'm sure the RFU will help out... ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2024 at 17:01
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I am not playing poker with you. ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: gerg_861
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2024 at 18:07
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Posted By: Old Gold
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2024 at 15:14
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Nottingham P - P Scottish Cambridge 1 - 4 Pirates Doncaster 4 - 1 Ampthill Ealing 5 - 0 Caldy ------------- One Club |
Posted By: castleparknight
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2024 at 15:15
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My guesses: Nottingham P - P Scottish Cambridge 4-1 Pirates Doncaster 5 - 1 Ampthill Ealing 5 - 0 Caldy ------------- Onward and Upwards C'mon Donny! |
Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2024 at 15:39
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I think that is the first prediction of a Cambridge win in the Championship. ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: Paul10
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2024 at 16:44
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Nottingham P - P Scottish Cambridge 2 - 4 Pirates Doncaster 4 - 0 Ampthill Ealing 5 - 0 Caldy |
Posted By: cheshire exile
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2024 at 21:43
And an interesting one given the Cup result.
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Posted By: castleparknight
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2024 at 08:03
It really is a guess, and as with most of my guesses I am invariably not on the money. But Cambridge is starting to find their way and the Pirates have a long journey so I put 1 and 1 together and got 3 😉 ------------- Onward and Upwards C'mon Donny! |
Posted By: *Stalwart
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2024 at 10:03
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Nottingham P - P Scottish Cambridge 1 - 4 Pirates Doncaster 4 - 0 Ampthill Ealing 5 - 0 Caldy ------------- *Stalwart |
Posted By: gerg_861
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2024 at 10:35
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Nottingham P - P Scottish Cambridge 1 - 4 Pirates Doncaster 5 - 0 Ampthill Ealing 5 - 0 Caldy |
Posted By: BigChief
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2024 at 11:21
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Nottingham P - P London Scottish Cambridge 1 - 5 Cornish Pirates Doncaster 5 - 1 Ampthill Ealing 5 - 0 Caldy ------------- For the ordinary purposes of conversation, a superficial knowledge of many things goes further than an intimacy with one or two. |
Posted By: All the Way
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2024 at 12:13
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Nottingham P - P London Scottish Cambridge 0 - 5 Cornish Pirates Doncaster 5 - 1 Ampthill Ealing 5 - 0 Caldy
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Posted By: A. Gorilla
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2024 at 13:52
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Nottingham P - P London Scottish Hartpury RFC BW - L Jersey Reds Cambridge 0 - 5 Cornish Pirates Doncaster 5 - 0 Ampthill Ealing 5 - 0 Caldy
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Posted By: greenpower
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2024 at 15:47
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nottingham p p scottish cambridge 1 5 pirates doncaster 5 1 ampthill ealing 5 0 caldy
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Posted By: gerg_861
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2024 at 17:29
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Ealing Trailfinders lineup to face Caldy RFC: 1 Kyle Whyte 2 Mike Willemse 3 Biyi Alo 4 Bobby De Wee 5 Barney Maddison 6 Jordy Reid 7 Richard Hardwick 8 Rayn Smid 9 Lloyd Williams 10 Craig Willis 11 Tom Collins 12 Billy Twelvetrees 13 Reuben Bird-Tulloch 14 Jonah Holmes 15 Cian Kelleher 16 Henry Walker 17 Sami Mavinga 18 George Davis 19 Will Montgomery 20 Josh Taylor 21 Jordan Burns 22 James Cordy-Redden 23 Simon Uzokwe |
Posted By: A. Gorilla
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2024 at 18:04
| That's a very strong looking Trailfinders squad. I fear for Caldy, this could be a cricket score, especially as the Ravers seem to have 5 or 6 second team players in their squad. Not sure why that is, injuries maybe, or resting some players for what is likely to be a long trip to London with no return anyway. |
Posted By: Donnyknightfan
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2024 at 12:15
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Predictions: Cambridge 1 - 5 Cornish Pirates Doncaster 4 - 1 Ampthill Ealing 5 - 0 Caldy ------------- Donny Knights - best team in Yorkshire |
Posted By: gerg_861
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2024 at 12:32
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Posted By: seagoon
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2024 at 18:16
Very pleased with a 4 try bonus point  Not one of the predictors gave us a Scooby ! ------------- Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana |
Posted By: oneagainstthehead
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2024 at 19:23
------------- Speak softly, but carry a big stick. |
Posted By: Big Eddie
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2024 at 09:20
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Caldy only have one dual registered player in their squad and when injuries need to be covered they generally reach into the 2nd xv and the form of some 2nd xv players has been such that promotion into the 1st xv match day squad has been warranted on merit alone. A hugely motivated and energetic Macclesfield side nearly toppled Caldy who just ran out winners 22-20. It was an exciting ding dong battle with the result in doubt until the final whistle. 2nd xv coaches Andrew Soutar and Christian Jones will be delighted for the players that stepped up so well to play at Ealing but will also be mightily relieved that they managed to squeak the win at Macc. ------------- ''The future isn't what it used to be'' |
Posted By: Big Eddie
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2024 at 10:23
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Having just reviewed the Caldy team sheets I will change my statement that there were 6 2ndxv players in yesterday's Caldy match day squad at Vallis Way. By my review there were actually 9 players who have regularly been in the 2ndxv squad this season !
------------- ''The future isn't what it used to be'' |
Posted By: Nat1
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2024 at 13:39
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Big Eddie, are Caldy 2 XV able to move up a league or are they at the pinnacle for a 2nd XV in the NW leagues? The reason I ask is because in the South, you have the likes of Chinnor Wildboys (3 XV) and Rams Centaurs (3 XV) competing at Level 7 against most local clubs 1st XV teams. Although they have taken a few months to get to grips with the step up, they are now holding their own a bit more. Until this season, 3 XVs in Berks, Bucks and Oxon weren't permitted to go up to this level (and are still not allowed higher - which would be Level 6 Regional 2), but it does mean that these players are getting good tough matches every week, instead of walking the leagues below putting 40 - 70 points on teams most weeks like in the CT Prem. Not sure what that achieves for anyone to be honest. Chinnor Wildboys did have what I think was a record 5 year, 70+ match unbeaten run until moving up. Above that, both Chinnor 2 XV and Rams 2 XV compete in the Raging Bull Shield against Championship, Nat 1 and a sprinkling of Nat 2 2nd XVs. Its a tough league but you rarely get 40 point drubbings either. I wondered if there was an equivalent within a few hours drive of Caldy's vicinity? I'm not that familiar with the northern leagues if I'm honest.
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Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2024 at 15:00
| We are looking forward to Caldy 2nd XV visiting Jersey in 8 weeks' time, hopefully they will remain unbeaten prior to that day. They were the only team to beat the amateur Jersey RFC team last season, so the forthcoming match will offer the chance of revenge (for the hosts) or a double (for the visitors)... |
Posted By: Big Eddie
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2024 at 15:17
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Nat 1, the Cotton Traders Premier league (the pinnacle of some 12 divisions within the North West Intermediate leagues of some some 150 or so teams) contains the 2nd xvs of a number of big clubs, like Fylde, Hoppers, Sedgley Park, Macclesfield among them. Caldy's 2nd xv have dominated this Premier league for the last few seasons and there has been a push to go into the regular RFU leagues but Caldy were informed that level 7 would be the limit and I understand when this was suggested as a pathway for Caldy's 2nd xv the other North West clubs vetoed it. I think Caldy's 2nd xv would be competitive at level 6 however there is always a steady flow from Caldy's 2nd xv to other local clubs. There is no match fee for 2nd xv players and of course some of the other local clubs at level 6 are keen to acquire ready made talent. Ensuring the talent keeps coming through is always a challenge but local players and Caldy's own home grown Mini/Junior and Colts players come to or remain at Paton Field for a number of reasons I believe there are four important factors that attract and keep good players within the Caldy 2nd xv set up: 1. The Caldy environment. Caldy is a meritocracy. If you apply yourself and you are good enough you will get selected for the 1st xv match day squad. Caldy is not a closed shop. 2. The coaching and training. Caldy has an excellent set of coaches. Matt Cairns, Richard Vasey, Andrew Soutar and Christian Jones. The Senior squad of some 50 players train together and the colts players are assimilated as soon as they are ready. No one is just a tackle bag holder. The training sessions are collective, analytical, intense and professional. 2nd xv players are pushed to be ready to be able to step up to the 1st xv squad. Andrew Soutar and Christian Jones lead the 2nd xv match event. They are inspirational, innovative and intelligent coaches. Last weekend they included the under 14's squad for the full match day event in the 2nd xv fixture against Fylde. Warm up, final pre match briefing, half time and full time circles and post match the Under 14s provided feed back on the whole event including the on field performance. Being led and coached by 'Sooty' and 'CJ' is undoubtedly special. 3. The chance to play rugby at the highest level. This season Caldy has already used nearly 40 players in the 1st xv match day squad. The youngest being 19 years of age. Playing at Paton Field (for what essentially is still a local village rugby club) in front of 1,500 - 2,000 supporters against teams like Bedford, Doncaster and Ealing is special. If they move to another local club to play 1st xv rugby they will get a match fee but are unlikely to move on to play Championship level rugby. 4.Being part of something meaningful for the local community. Some 2nd xv players who have graduated from the colts or have come from other local clubs will go on to become 1st xv regulars and some may obtain higher honours in the game. Caldy RFC is recognised as a local club that promotes a collective local ethos. This identity has helped to develop a fan base across the Wirral. Caldy RFC are about enjoyment and are known as the Ravers for a reason......their motto Win or Lose We are on The Booze is perhaps not quite as pertinent as it once was but enjoyment is still a fundamental part of why Caldy players play the game at 2nd xv and 1st xv level ------------- ''The future isn't what it used to be'' |
Posted By: Big Eddie
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2024 at 15:18
My wife and I will be there Islander....staying Thursday through to Monday. How are Jersey faring at level 6 this season? ------------- ''The future isn't what it used to be'' |
Posted By: Nat1
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2024 at 15:32
Thank you for that detailed reply. Interesting that the other NW clubs vetoed Caldy 2nd XV joining their leagues, perhaps afraid of what awaited them if they did! I'm not in favour of limiting what league any 2 or 3 XVs can be admitted to, if they're talented enough, what does it matter. That's a view shared by quite a few down south too. If Caldy 2 XV are running in 10+ tries most matches against the bigger NW clubs you mention, it would be good to see how they would fare in a step up of league standard. But equally, it looks like you have a good player pathway jumping from a notional Level 6 straight up to Level 2 - that's a considerable leap so fair play to them. Good luck for the rest of the season.
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Posted By: Big Eddie
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2024 at 15:48
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Nat 1, thanks for your good wishes. I have edited my initial response to you to add a little more detail to ensure the context is clear. ------------- ''The future isn't what it used to be'' |
Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2024 at 16:08
Great that you are making the trip with your (much younger) wife BE. I regret to say I'll be at Twickenham (have been persuaded by friends for social reasons in spite of not being a huge fan of the RFU) on the Saturday, but would hope there might be a chance to have a beer on Thursday night. JRFC going well at level 6 so far, 15 wins = 75pts. There's even a chance the league may have been won prior to your visit...
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Posted By: Big Eddie
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2024 at 17:29
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Has any team beaten Jersey this season? ------------- ''The future isn't what it used to be'' |
Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2024 at 17:34
Jersey RFC? No - 15/15; last season was 21/21 in the league, but as you know there was a Ravers-inflicted loss in the friendly...
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Posted By: Big Eddie
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2024 at 19:00
Caldy's 2nd xv record so far this season 15/15; last season 22/22 in the league and as you know also squeaked a win away from home in a friendly against Jersey RFC ------------- ''The future isn't what it used to be'' |
Posted By: cheshire exile
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2024 at 21:28
| Forgive me but I thought this was a Championship thread. |
Posted By: Big Eddie
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2024 at 22:00
Apologies.......drifted after discussion on the number of Caldy's 2nd team players that turned out on Saturday for Caldy against Ealing in the Championship fixture at Vallis Way ------------- ''The future isn't what it used to be'' |
Posted By: Breakdown
Date Posted: 15 Jan 2024 at 12:57
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I gather from an Ealing supporter that Caldy's performance on Saturday was despite being delayed on the train for a long time too, so even more power to their elbow. ------------- Broken down. Beyond repair. |
Posted By: Big Eddie
Date Posted: 16 Jan 2024 at 10:03
Perhaps that partly explains how Caldy were 21 points down after only 15 minutes. In the circumstances grabbing a four try bonus point away at Vallis Way was a pretty good effort for a 'village' club 12 tries scored in the game with most out wide and only one conversion missed!
------------- ''The future isn't what it used to be'' |
Posted By: Paul10
Date Posted: 16 Jan 2024 at 10:19
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No one thinks of Caldy as a village club. You're representing a large chunk of the Wirral and doing a cracking job. Anyone underestimating your lot are mugs. I probably predicted 0 points... lesson learned.
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Posted By: A. Gorilla
Date Posted: 16 Jan 2024 at 11:21
| Yeah Caldy haven't been a village club for a few years now. No village clubs have an Eng U20 scrum half - Nye Thomas, and a Sale Sharks reserve full back - Eliott Gourlay in their title winning Nat 1 season. Sharks flanker Reuben Birch and Ex GB 7s star Dan Bibby also played their part last season. And they signed that lanky lock from Edinburgh, good lineout merchant. Punching above their weight no doubt so good luck to them, but not a village club my friends. |
Posted By: Big Eddie
Date Posted: 16 Jan 2024 at 12:19
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Guys, if on your first visit you came to Paton Field via Caldy village you would very certainly recognise the 'village' club setting. When the club first entered the national leagues a lot of the bigger names did somewhat view Caldy as a 'village' club . A tag which Caldy relished in its battles with Fylde, Otley and other northern powerhouses. In 1996 Caldy were relegated to level 9 in the pyramid. It took 26 years of steady if unspectacular climbing up the leagues for Caldy to get into the Championship. The players and coaches that have got Caldy to this level have in the main either been home grown or have come from other local clubs. The development of the talent pool is a source of significant pride. However due to greenbelt issues and the fact that Paton Field and the surrounding land is owned by the National Trust there is a barrier of sorts to substantial infrastructure development. Elliot Gourlay was an ever present in Caldy's second tilt at National 1 but the splendid effervescent Nye Thomas (who should be playing for Wales!) featured only very occasionally.....but when he did he made an impact. Nye was the game winner in a pivotal away win against Rams late April 2022. This season Caldy has just one player on loan from Sale Sharks with the usual match day squad containing 5 players who have come through Caldy's Mini & Junior teams and another 9 or 10 players who live on the Wirral, with the remainder from Cheshire, North Wales and Merseyside Caldy is accordingly very proud of its traditional village club heritage .
------------- ''The future isn't what it used to be'' |