Ampthill RFC
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=20469
Printed Date: 21 Oct 2024 at 11:57
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.04 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Ampthill RFC
Posted By: Cherub
Subject: Ampthill RFC
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2024 at 08:14
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My love affair with Ampthill RFC is just about over. I joined the club as a player in 1971 and enjoyed 14 wonderful years there. I played for just about every team they had, served some time on their committee, and enjoyed the comradeship of the other players. As with most clubs, the banter was rife. I retired from playing in 1985 and immediately moved north to live in Yorkshire where I have followed their incredible rise through the leagues ever since. Since arriving in the Championship, they have gradually achieved a lower mid-table position, which is a magnificent achievement for such a small club. However, in my opinion, to survive in this incredibly troubled league, you need resources. And that is something the club do not have. Income, or the lack of income, from the RFU is well documented. And the increased attendances have just not happened. Getting 500-1,000 per home game is disappointing. As is the make up of the squad. Home grown players seem like an endangered species. And my perception is that putting together a matchday squad is getting harder and harder. There was only one pre-season game, and the makeup of this year’s squad was only announced after the season began. And each game it feels like a new signing is introduced and making his debut. How can you possibly build cohesion working like this. Since moving to Yorkshire I now watch the exploits of Wharfedale RFC. Sitting comfortably in National League Two North, the rugby on display is of a high standard, the squad is homegrown, and team selection is consistent. It is an enjoyable experience. I no longer have any close contacts within the club, but my perception is that Ampthill is a troubled club and they are not enjoying life in the Championship. And that makes me think that life in National One or below is a far better place to be. ------------- Always trying to stay bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. |
Replies:
Posted By: Paul10
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2024 at 10:19
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Hi Cherub. I'm local to Ampthill. Bletchley ex player and coach etc. It looks to me like the big money has run out and so a new level or new money needs to be found. It's been great watching Ampthill go up the leagues and your mini section continues to hoover up every rugby playing lad so the club is being built on sensible foundations too.
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Posted By: Stuartnottingham
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2024 at 13:07
| The RFU probably don’t think there is a place for Ampthill in tier 2 |
Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2024 at 13:29
National One is where Community (affordable & member players) club rugby is played, Championship is a bit of a mess. Amps (and Caldy & Cambridge), know your place. Article in TRP about virtues of the broken 3 straight back in, but not Jersey - maybe they've seen the light.
------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Stuartnottingham wrote:Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2024 at 14:38
I sense at least 3 Champ clubs where a significant proportion of supporters would rather be in Nat Leagues than where they are now... I guess many supporters of Wasps, Worcester Warriors and London Irish would rather be in the Champ than where they are now, as they aren't anywhere right now (altho' Wasps and LI do have amateur sides). Talking of amateur sides, that's where Jersey is focused now - an amateur side that has been promoted twice in last 2 years, and currently lie 2nd in Regional 1 SC (level 5). We are at the same level as 15 years ago, but the difference being that this is an entirely amateur set-up, with no current plans to pay anyone, whereas 15 years ago there was already a handful (4, IIRC) of professionals. And the team a point above Jersey RFC in R1SC? That'll be London Welsh, also on the up after the Championship side went pop...
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Posted By: dropout22
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2024 at 14:54
If you believe Jersey RFC aren't paying players... you will believe Richmond were amateur in the Championship like they reported.
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Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2024 at 15:06
It's not a question of believing D22, I know how things stand here in Jersey and am happy to go on record with that... Can't speak for Richmond, but as I recall they were open about paying players a match fee and/or win bonus during their time back in 2nd tier
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Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2024 at 18:11
Only 3
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Posted By: BFG1
Date Posted: 21 Oct 2024 at 07:58
| All the Sarries lads play Saturday? Sell yourself to prem clubs seems to be what the mob have done |
Posted By: FlyingRuck
Date Posted: 21 Oct 2024 at 10:34
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This is my personal opinion and not the view of the club I support but I do not like the term "Community rugby" or "Grassroots rugby" when associated with National One or indeed National Two. In my opinion it is a misnomer since the club's that make up these leagues are semi-professional rugby clubs mainly run on professional lines when you factor in coaching , medical provision, player payments, player welfare and development and general infrastructure. It would be wrong to conflate their status with that of the majority of clubs playing down the pyramid. It doesn't mean that clubs in the National Leagues don't care about or support the community aspect of rugby which is so vital. I think that the RFU are keen to apply and promote the term "Community" to the National Leagues because it suits their agenda... ------------- See you further on up the road |
Posted By: Baggins
Date Posted: 21 Oct 2024 at 10:38
I think bringing a squad together late and then moulding it in the first half of the season is just they way that the coach and DOR do things, I assume there is some rational for it and it is probably about keeping costs down and seeing who is available on the cheap when the dust has settled at the start of the season. This means the first half of the season is scrappy and they come together second half and end up comfortably mid table. It is a system that has worked in that way for a few seasons now and while it makes for unsatisfying viewing for fans until after Christmas it keeps the club viable as a mid table Championship side which is the limit of their ambitions. I also think it is unfair to say they they don't bring through players, no club is going to bring through many players at this level because they are one of the top 20 clubs in the country and the standard is very high but they have a massive and thriving mini and youth set up that provides players for them and for many other clubs in the area and beyond. ------------- Propping up the board |
Posted By: Baggins
Date Posted: 21 Oct 2024 at 10:44
They have had strong links with Sarries from the start of their rise as Paul Turner came to Ampthill from having been a coach at Sarries. It is not a new thing and a hatful of Sarries players have done seasons or more at Ampthill over the last decade or so. So if they sold anything it was a long time ago and it is the the only way a club run on very modest means for this level can stay viable at this level. Personally I wouldn't mind if they dropped a league or two I enjoyed it more when they stuffed everyone by 20-30 points  but the club think they are a viable mid table Championship side based on this model and the evidence has born that out so far------------- Propping up the board |
Posted By: Paul10
Date Posted: 21 Oct 2024 at 11:19
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I notice the hospitality is sold out for Ampthill's home game v Bath. So the punters still go for it.
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