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: 20 Oct 2024 at 22:47
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
|
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
|
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.
|
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...
|
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.
|
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
|
Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2024 at 18:11
Only 3
|