Regional 1 South East 2022/2023
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Forum Name: Regional 1
Forum Description: Discuss the 72 clubs in the fifth level of the English game.
URL: http://www.leaguerugby.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=19264
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Topic: Regional 1 South East 2022/2023
Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Subject: Regional 1 South East 2022/2023
Date Posted: 25 Jun 2022 at 15:23
Just thought I'd get this started by listing the clubs involved. Bedford Athletic Colchester CS Stags 1863 Harpenden Hertford Medway Shelford Sidcup Sudbury Tring Tunbridge Wells Westcombe Park
As envisaged, a few new clubs to visit, and old adversaries remain.
Bedford were winners of Midlands 1 East with an impressive 23 wins from 24 matches. Medway were 3rd in London 1 South Shelford, Sudbury, Colchester and Harpenden, in that order, arrive from London 1 North
Can anyone provide a run-down on what to expect from any of the newbies at this level.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Replies:
Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 25 Jun 2022 at 15:44
The Ath have played at both Midlands and London Premier before. Often yo yo from 5 to 6 to 5.
Whilst still an outer rim team, more games within reasonable travel, three Hertfordshire and one Cambridgeshire. The four Kent trips might be interesting depending how well the players travel.
Ath run a joint Colts team with Bedford Blues of the Championship. Not sure how many Colts will move into Senior team, or are University bound. Ath 2nd XV won the East Midlands Merit League (Northants, Bedfordshire, former Huntingdonshire, Milton Keynes). The 3rd XV did not seem to play, but website indicates the 3rd XV hopefully will be back.
Although youngsters go to university, not sure if the club have links to the University Campus which has a sports faculty.
Allegedly the club can host 500 spectators, but would imagine 100 is a typical turnout. Doubt they reach the 200 mark.
------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused.
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Posted By: BruceElliott
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2022 at 20:01
For any of you on Twitter I've set up a list so that if you click through you'll see a feed just from these teams. It's an easy way to see what's going on, especially on a Saturday afternoon for scores and results...
https://twitter.com/i/lists/1529062766992142336" rel="nofollow - https://twitter.com/i/lists/1529062766992142336
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2022 at 10:16
That's brilliant, thanks.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: HAVANT TONY
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2022 at 10:21
Bruce Can you do that for Regional One South Central 😠All the best for next season, hope TW's luck changes
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Posted By: Mark W-J
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2022 at 13:37
Here you go, Tony: https://twitter.com/i/lists/1529400720394436608?t=ShY-HUHUbZP0qojBKs8CQQ&s=09" rel="nofollow - https://twitter.com/i/lists/1529400720394436608?t=ShY-HUHUbZP0qojBKs8CQQ&s=09
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Posted By: HAVANT TONY
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2022 at 14:26
Mark W-J Nice one Thankyou Owe you a beer when we play you🺠I hear your lot take a decent crowd to away games...sounds like fun
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Posted By: Mark W-J
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2022 at 14:58
We've been taking a couple of hundred to some of the more local games, but I think the longer trips this year will impact the travelling numbers. Having said that, Havant is a fixture that lots of people remember from 30 years ago, so who knows.
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Posted By: Robb
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2022 at 19:41
Lots more 3G pitches joining the league with the London north lads joining us.
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Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2022 at 17:34
Nice warm day today in South East England. Hard to think 4 weeks until the league starts. Two pre season games for Ath, home to Olney away at Bury St Edmunds.
As I get older the close season gets shorter.
------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused.
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2022 at 13:50
kempstonblue wrote:
Nice warm day today in South East England. Hard to think 4 weeks until the league starts.Two pre season games for Ath, home to Olney away at Bury St Edmunds.
As I get older the close season gets shorter. |
Be a testing one at Bury St Edmunds.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: Fatty1973
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2022 at 22:41
Apologies if this has been discussed elsewhere on the forum but can anyone shed any light on why CS Rugby are still in this league after they were unable to field a side on several occasions last season?
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Posted By: Happy
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2022 at 07:47
my understanding is that last season there was no relegation, due to the seriousness of not fulfilling fixtures they were due to be relegated. However the disciplinary committee took the "no relegation season"into account and on the provision that CS could prove that they could remain competitive they would stay in the league. Hence the win against TWells and the vast improvement in performance towards the end of the season was so important to them. I also believe numerous clubs wrote in support to the RFU of no relegation for CS
I may however be completely wrong
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Posted By: Robb
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2022 at 10:39
Personally I think the RFU bent over backwards to stop one of the founder members going under. I genuinely thought that Civil Service wouldn't be here this season as they have only 1 team, no youth section and surrounded by paying clubs and really struggled last year.
I wouldn't be surprised though if clubs did ask to keep the Civil Service in the league.
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Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2022 at 06:29
First game of the season. Venue change. Tring v Bedford Athletic at Aylesbury Rugby Club. 17.00
Aths Instagram page put it down to pitch conditions at Tring.
Next weeks weather looks helpful for many pitches.
------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused.
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Posted By: Thunderpants
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2022 at 21:24
1800 Ko @Kempston,see you there
------------- It really was from the 22....
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Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2022 at 13:44
Been talk on the South Central forum about admission charges. Last season Bedford Ath was £5 (was that the programme?).
Firstly Region 1, is fifth tier rugby, I have no issue with an admission fee. Locally tier 7 football is £11, tier 8 £10.
Will confirm prices next week.
So over to you folks. How many of the other 11 clubs are free admission, or a admission price.
Enjoy the trip of season 2022/23.
------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused.
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Posted By: BruceElliott
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2022 at 09:51
kempstonblueHow many of the other 11 clubs are free admission, or a admission price. [/QUOTE wrote:
Tunbridge Wells - £5. Concessions and U16s - free entry. |
Tunbridge Wells - £5. Concessions and U16s - free entry.
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Posted By: kingsheathlad
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2022 at 11:00
Programs are zero rated for vat and admission charges stardard rated, so a cost saving.
------------- Cauliflower ear.
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Posted By: carlos fandango
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2022 at 11:58
Went down to Medway yesterday. Seemed to be free to get in, plenty of parking and dog friendly.
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Posted By: Sir_Q
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2022 at 13:28
Not wishing in any way to devalue Medway's victory but was rather surprised at the result Carlos.
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Posted By: carlos fandango
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2022 at 14:27
Hi SirQ,
Lots of changes to our set up will take a while to bed in. 10 of our squad for Saturday came through our youth set up which bodes well for the future.
I think you can sum it all up by the thought that Medway were in our 22 about 4 times and scored 3 tries and a penalty. We were camped in their half for most of the game but rustiness, injuries, dodgy decisions (by us and the ref), and stout defence meant we came second.
No complaints and the younger lads would have learnt some valuable lessons. See you later in the season.
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2022 at 22:00
Medway is always a tough place to win at. The slope is outrageous when windy.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: Rabbie Burns
Date Posted: 06 Sep 2022 at 07:33
Is that the one outside the bar Ranger 🤣🤣
------------- So many Christians not enough Lions
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 06 Sep 2022 at 10:19
Indeed Rabbie and thanks to your 2s for softening Sidcup 1s up for us in the pre-season game.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: Rabbie Burns
Date Posted: 06 Sep 2022 at 15:42
No worries Ranger always happy to help out
------------- So many Christians not enough Lions
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Posted By: carlos fandango
Date Posted: 06 Sep 2022 at 17:01
Rabbie Burns wrote:
Is that the one outside the bar Ranger �£ï¿½£ |
And there was me naively thinking he meant the pitch. ![Tongue Tongue](smileys/smiley17.gif)
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Posted By: Rabbie Burns
Date Posted: 06 Sep 2022 at 21:33
Sorry Carlos you have to be of a certain age to understand that comment, Medway didn’t always have the beautiful clubhouse they now have, it used to be a smallish building in the same position as the new one but you stepped outside and it was a slope, and after a few Sherberts and with not a lot of lighting outside it was common to walk outside lose your footing and end up sliding down the slope and on the pitch on your derrière happened to me more than once 🤣🤣🤣
------------- So many Christians not enough Lions
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2022 at 10:36
So, match week 2 this Saturday sees the following fixtures: . Bedford Athletic v Harpenden CS Stags v Medway Hertford v Tunbridge Wells Shelford v Tring Sidcup v Colchester Westcombe Park v Sudbury. . Any views on who might prevail, or just comment as you wish. This forum may not be known to some supporters, so am keen to encourage people to spread the word. The more the merrier.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2022 at 14:58
Still early doors so I won’t talk too much. Bedford Ath v Harpenden
Ath at home. No doubt wounded as the first game slipped out of their hands.
Tight match, thinking 4-2 to Ath
------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused.
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Posted By: Thunderpants
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2022 at 16:23
Unfortunate to see Civil already showing a minus, any news why?
------------- It really was from the 22....
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Posted By: Happy
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2022 at 17:54
For not playing a game last season so was carried over same for westcliff
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Posted By: Robb
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2022 at 18:19
Thunderpants wrote:
Unfortunate to see Civil already showing a minus, any news why?
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Rugby Paper said it was because they played an ineligible player last year.
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Posted By: Thunderpants
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2022 at 18:32
Last year!!!!
------------- It really was from the 22....
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Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2022 at 11:41
kempstonblue wrote:
Been talk on the South Central forum about admission charges.Last season Bedford Ath was £5 (was that the programme?).
Firstly Region 1, is fifth tier rugby, I have no issue with an admission fee. Locally tier 7 football is £11, tier 8 £10.
Will confirm prices next week.
So over to you folks. How many of the other 11 clubs are free admission, or a admission price.
Enjoy the trip of season 2022/23. |
Can confirm admission remains £5 at Bedford Ath.
I might be turning 5x next Wednesday. Yesterday’s match might have aged me prematurely. At 17-23, I thought Ath were down and out. The ref had indicated to some Harpenden players a couple of minutes injury time as the clock showed the second half tick away.
But to the delight of half the supporters (Harpenden you have a good vocal following) a try made it 22-23. The silence and respect for the penalty…wow.
24-23 FT
Thanks Harpenden you gave everything, thank you.
------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused.
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Posted By: BruceElliott
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2022 at 13:21
kempstonblue wrote:
kempstonblue wrote:
Been talk on the South Central forum about admission charges.Last season Bedford Ath was £5 (was that the programme?).
So over to you folks. How many of the other 11 clubs are free admission, or a admission price. |
Can confirm admission remains £5 at Bedford Ath.
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Hertford RFC yesterday - £4 for members £7.50 for non-members U16s free entry.
It was a good afternoon at Hertford yesterday, as it always is. Vocal home support throughout. We (TW) looked better than we've looked for a while. Pleased with the result.
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Posted By: Happy
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2022 at 13:48
Very good win for you guys hard place to go and get a result !!
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Posted By: BruceElliott
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2022 at 14:01
Happy wrote:
Very good win for you guys hard place to go and get a result !! |
It always has been.
We definitely looked better than last season yesterday... and better than last week against Shelford.
It'll take another few weeks for everything to shake out and to get a proper sense of the league... but we have Stags (H) next week, who seem improved on last season, and Westcombe Park (A) the following week. WP look like they may be the side to beat this season. We shall see.
I'm definitely more positive than I was at the tail end of last season!
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Posted By: Happy
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2022 at 14:22
Stags seem to be improving, Sudbury yesterday play some great rugby really attacking style You're right about taking a few weeks to see where the league lies as absolutely no idea on some of the sides this year such as harpenden Bedford etc and for that reason I don't think the team to beat will be known till November time ![LOL LOL](smileys/smiley36.gif)
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2022 at 14:35
The team to beat is always your next opponent. My apologies if that sounds smug ![LOL LOL](smileys/smiley36.gif)
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2022 at 11:13
Hearing some chatter, some clubs have players still on summer holidays.
------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused.
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Posted By: carlos fandango
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2022 at 17:17
I couldn't make it to the Hertford/TW game Saturday, post luncheon nap went on longer than expected. The chum I was meeting told me to go back to sleep as we were dire, so I duly obliged. A lot of young lads in our set up still getting to grips with the league.
Expect us to get better as the weeks go by.
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2022 at 04:21
Happy wrote:
Stags seem to be improving, Sudbury yesterday play some great rugby really attacking style You're right about taking a few weeks to see where the league lies as absolutely no idea on some of the sides this year such as harpenden Bedford etc and for that reason I don't think the team to beat will be known till November time |
Based on yesterday's result, CS Stags appear to be improving each and every week at a rate of knots.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: BruceElliott
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2022 at 05:56
WESTCOMBE RANGER wrote:
Based on yesterday's result, CS Stags appear to be improving each and every week at a rate of knots. |
0-13 at H/t yesterday, and honestly I fully expected TW to step up in the second half. Play was fairly even in the first half.
10-15 mins in to the second half though and a switch flicked. Over the course of the game we had two yellows and a red, which aren't really indicative of our typical play. The ref wasn't a fan, and although we clearly didn't deserve to win based on overall play, the final score wasn't a reflection on the relative strength of the teams based on 15 v 15. Our three matches so far have seen a different style of TW side each week. I'm hoping to see more of the side who played Hertford last week as the season progresses. We shall see.
Stags are definitely improved on last season though. It'll be interesting to see how they do over the coming weeks.
WP still the team to beat by the looks of it!
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2022 at 10:47
Thanks Bruce, I've always said the team to beat is your next opponent, which just happens to be you guys, so look forward to seeing you and Nick probably. Who was your referee ?
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2022 at 12:26
Am past the point of trying to predict the results of our games, but enjoy reading what other supporters may have to say about this week's (or subsequent week's) fixtures.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: PM009
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2022 at 14:25
WCP have started well Ranger, must be pleased?
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2022 at 15:19
In short, yes the results have been good but, as ever, there are aspects that can be improved upon as the season goes by. Early days yet, and the promoted teams, probably, are still getting used to playing at this level. It will be even more interesting when they do. Of the teams we've played so far, Sudbury have impressed me the most. Not that big, but very well organised, and speed everywhere.
Who is your team ? East Kent is a pretty big area to stab a guess at.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: PM009
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2022 at 16:03
I’ll be at Merton Lane tomorrow, watching behind the curtain
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Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2022 at 16:42
WESTCOMBE RANGER wrote:
Am past the point of trying to predict the results of our games, but enjoy reading what other supporters may have to say about this week's (or subsequent week's) fixtures.
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With the increase in clubs at this level, predicting has the difficulty of not knowing how all the promoted clubs will adjust.
A relatively short trip for Bedford Ath as they go to Shelford. Three games in, Ath are capable of picking up a BP. Shelford are higher up, but results suggest a tight game.
This of course will all go completely different to how I imagine.
------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused.
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Posted By: Happy
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2022 at 16:52
Bedford looked to have been unlucky with some of the results, fine margins to lose by !!
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Posted By: Robb
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2022 at 21:52
Its still too early to say anything meaningful I think. But WP have made a good start
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2022 at 23:30
PM009 wrote:
I’ll be at Merton Lane tomorrow, watching behind the curtain ![Ermm Ermm](smileys/smiley24.gif) |
I wish you well in the bigger of the Kent derbies tomorrow, Were you at the pre-season game we played there ?
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: PM009
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2022 at 10:32
Yes, I thought WP played well that evening, the last time I saw them was against Sevenoaks this time last year and there was a marked improvement. Our tight 5 was a bit to powerful but you played some good rugby. I take a keen interest with WP with our ex-coaches now involved, and have enjoyed a good rivalry with WP down the years. Wish you well.
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2022 at 11:25
Thank you. Update on last night's result CS Stags 11 Tring 13
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2022 at 09:36
This weekend's fixtures may give a further insight as to how the league is shaping up. Bedford Ath v Hertford Colchester v Shelford Harpenden v CS Stags Medway v Sudbury Tring v Westcombe Park Tunbridge Wells v Sidcup
Have to say that after watching Tunbridge Wells last week, am surprised they sit where they are, but a nice little local derby game could be just the tonic they need. Any views anybody ?
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2022 at 13:00
It’s Ladies Day at Bedford Blues (Pinks) but before clocks change they host Westcombe Park…so a clear route, I will be the one in the Argos uniform after work for that match.
------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused.
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2022 at 17:40
Regret that's one that I can't get to. And I miss the uniform !
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: Happy
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2022 at 09:51
That's the end of the first block of matches some "interesting" results this week Tring gave WP a very thorough examination yesterday by all accounts.
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Posted By: BruceElliott
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2022 at 09:53
Was anyone at the Bedford/Hertford match yesterday?
I'd be interested in some feedback on the match, or team selection issues.
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2022 at 09:55
Am waiting for Kempstonblue to wake up and realise the score wasn't a dream.
And similar from Bruce at TW ?
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: Happy
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2022 at 10:05
Medway turning over Sudbury is also worth a mention!
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Posted By: BruceElliott
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2022 at 12:22
WESTCOMBE RANGER wrote:
And similar from Bruce at TW ? |
We clicked. Better discipline, fewer pens. Set pieces all fired well. Backs given plenty of opportunity to use their pace.
15-3 towards the end of the first half. Try from Sidcup 15-10... and as someone that's watched pretty much every match over recent seasons, there was a part of me that wondered how we'd react... but with two quick tries taking it to 29-10 at half time it left us well placed for the second half.
It was a good team performance... the performance that those of us who watch us week in week out knew was in there... we just need it every week now!
I'm looking forward to the WP/Shelford showdown on the 29th! If I wasn't watching us play Colchester that day I'd be tempted to come and watch.
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Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2022 at 20:38
Sadly no.
But as I left Bedford Blues v Caldy, a glance at Twitter made me wish I could have had a time machine and have been a mile away.
------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused.
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2022 at 09:45
I anticipated the match report being one of virtual one-way traffic, and that was it. Having anticipated pre-season, Hertford to be one of the front runners, I now wonder whether Bedford are exceptionally good or Hertford just struggling to come to grips with all the changes in personnel (on and off the pitch). . Good to see T.Wells jump back on the horse, and Medway winning too. Sidcup appear to have lost their way a bit (please excuse my Kentish bias) . Lots more rugby still to be played and as it's a tight league, a wider view can be had after everyone has played each other. . Worst thing is we have a free weekend.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2022 at 13:58
WESTCOMBE RANGER wrote:
. Worst thing is we have a free weekend. |
I get the idea of player welfare, but it does feel after 5 matches, new leagues beginning to pan out, a bit sad we have a break.
Not sure if their is any real rugby on tv, except for the breakaway game with 13 players a side.
------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused.
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Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2022 at 16:02
There is the Women's World Cup on ITV and ITV 4
The premiership UFC and French leagues if you have the right pay TV channels.
The championship (I might have to get back to you on that)
Scottish S6 on the BBC website.
And of course you can catch up on highlights from this week in the national leagues on the excellent round up show on YouTube.
------------- Sweeney Delenda Est
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2022 at 19:11
Always a fountain of information, thank you Camquin. I forgot our 2s have a rearranged game.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2022 at 00:32
A couple of surprise results yesterday, with Hertford turning over previously unbeaten Shelford and Tunbridge Wells backing up kast week's victory with a comfortable looking win awat at Sudbury, Mention also to Sidcup for nearly turning Tring over (29-30) , Anyone care to throw some light on any of the games they watched.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: carlos fandango
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2022 at 07:40
I didn't go yesterday as wasn't feeling too great but it's no secret that we have had a difficult start. For one reason or another we have had to rebuild our entire first team squad (not financial I'm pleased to say). An untimely spate of injuries meant that some very young and inexperienced players have been used. Our new coach and d.o.r. (or whatever his title is) are both extremely highly regarded by the club and supporters so fingers crossed they will work some magic and get us up the table. Probably too late to think about promotion but blind faith and optimism aren't the only things making me think we will be comfortable by Christmas.
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2022 at 08:31
Thanks Carlos, I did notice you had a couple of players (one of which is a current international) making their debuts and a return of a stalwart after a year of injury woes. Still a big turnaround though and good for confidence. I'll look out for the match report during the week sometime ( yours and theirs - which usually differ )
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: BruceElliott
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2022 at 08:54
WESTCOMBE RANGER wrote:
Tunbridge Wells backing up kast week's victory with a comfortable looking win awat at Sudbury...Anyone care to throw some light on any of the games they watched. |
Early try from TW, and a really clinical first 30, with Sudbury being forced into errors and giving away pens. Set the tone, but with a change or two in our pack Sudbury gained confidence and tightened things up in the second half. Defensively we were strong throughout. Last season would have seen us shipping more points in the last 20. This is much closer to the team we want to be.
Overall, looking at results it seems almost anyone can beat anyone... with the exception of WP. Come through this batch of 5 unbeaten (and there are a couple of potential banana skins in there) and you'll definitely be strong favourites for the title.
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Posted By: Happy
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2022 at 09:16
Think getting 40 points and safety is the first target
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2022 at 09:41
Looking at the next five fixtures you appear to have an opportunity to really build and crack on, but as you say, everyone is capable of beating everyone one else. As I've said before the most important game is the next one, and see where that takes you - They are all potential banana skins, the most dangerous ones being local derbies.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: carlos fandango
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2022 at 10:40
The twitter feed during a game from Shelford is usually excellent. Congrats to whoever does it. Their fingers must never stop.
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Posted By: Happy
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2022 at 11:27
I was following it yesterday the last 10 min gave a real idea how much Hertford were fighting (literally)![LOL LOL](smileys/smiley36.gif) ![LOL LOL](smileys/smiley36.gif)
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Posted By: carlos fandango
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2022 at 11:39
Well as you know always a warm welcome at Hoe Lane. ![Wink Wink](smileys/smiley2.gif)
But after a mauling like we got a couple of weeks ago, the reaction from the team was outstanding.
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Posted By: Happy
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2022 at 11:49
I have to say I backed you to win that one with Sir_Q as thought you'd have a massive reaction, well played and good to see
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Posted By: secondrow
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2022 at 18:49
We lost a number of senior players at the end of last season, and this season so far we have had 20 debutants most of them being ex academy players, good for the future but worrying for this season. We also have had a number of long term injuries, Yesterday against Shelford we got a number of our big players back and it showed. The game was right in the balance until the last play of the game when we broke out of our 22 and went the whole length of the field to score in the corner. If we can keep putting this team out and get a couple more players back we should move up the table. It also helped it was the VP lunch so a good and noisy crowd!
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2022 at 23:36
Well beating the team in 2nd place is a pretty big statement, so don't worry too much.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2022 at 13:49
Been trying to get some info on the Bedford Athletic site but seems as though you might have to be a club member to get match reports and previews. Any ideas Kempstonblue ?
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2022 at 18:39
WESTCOMBE RANGER wrote:
Been trying to get some info on the Bedford Athletic site but seems as though you might have to be a club member to get match reports and previews. Any ideas Kempstonblue ?
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Is this the site? I think their is a Pitcheroo site but this looks more up to date. https://bedfordathleticrfc.co.uk/bedford-athletic-101-herford-21/" rel="nofollow - https://bedfordathleticrfc.co.uk/bedford-athletic-101-herford-21/
------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused.
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2022 at 18:50
Yes it is thanks. I was looking for their match report v CS Stags, so as to compare it to the Stag's report, which I have read. Looked on their Twitter Account as a last resort but that only gave their team sheet. Am only being nosy.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 26 Oct 2022 at 10:44
Little bit of ins and outs information. Stef Liebenberg (ex Cambridge, Old Albanians and Blackheath) came our of 2 year retirement to start for Shelford last Saturday. I believe his debut for Cambridge was in 2007, but stand to be corrected on that one. Presuming he features this Saturday, it will not be the first time he has appeared against us over the years.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: Thunderbird
Date Posted: 26 Oct 2022 at 10:47
Stef started with Bury St Edmunds RFC.
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 26 Oct 2022 at 13:47
Ah thank you Thunderbird.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: PM009
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2022 at 18:33
Any supporters give their thoughts on this league, very quiet in the level 5 forums compared to previous years. Obviously WP have started well, won again on Saturday against Shelford who have also started well this year.
TWells have picked up and look stronger than previous, fellow Kent sides Medway and Sidcup look to be struggling. Stags look rejuvenated after last years showing. And Tring are going well in second spot, can anyone shed any detail having watched the sides?
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Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2022 at 20:47
Oddly, last season he was playing for Cambridge Exiles against Shelford III. I thought he was coaching at the Leys School, and therefore not available on Saturdays.
------------- Sweeney Delenda Est
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Posted By: pmarsh224
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2022 at 22:09
Seen half of WP games, free scoring, great pace across the backs. New hooker making a difference to line outs.
Shelford, imho, the better of the opposition I’ve seen, physical and organised.
Looking forward to CS Stags…l
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Posted By: BruceElliott
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2022 at 23:08
PM009 wrote:
Any supporters give their thoughts on this league, very quiet in the level 5 forums compared to previous years.
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Overall it's fine fine margins.
WP have looked strong from week 1. Aside from them I wouldn't be massively surprised to see any team towards the foot beat any team towards the top. There really isn't a lot in it.
TW have tightened up on the basics, compared to last season, and have much more steel about them. Colchester came out of the blocks really quickly on Saturday. Their 15 had an early break and looked an absolute handful. There was pace throughout their backs, and their pack was dominant in the scrum. After 5 - 10 mins I thought it could be a long afternoon. We scored an early pen, but they got the first try. It took a while but we settled and got on with the job.
Last season I'm pretty sure we would have conceded another try or two by halftime, heads would have dropped, and it'd just be a scrappy second half. The mindset is completely changed this season. We're not going to win every match, but we're finally playing much closer to the way we want to.
It's the long trip to Tring next Saturday. Looking forward to it.
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 01 Nov 2022 at 02:57
Camquin wrote:
Oddly, last season he was playing for Cambridge Exiles against Shelford III. I thought he was coaching at the Leys School, and therefore not available on Saturdays.
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I managed a few chats with Stef before and after the game. He explained that the regular Shelford SH, who he described as excellent, would not be available for a few matches and he was asked to fill in during his absence, which he was happy to do. By far the most intense game I have watched all season whether in person or by post-match video. Agree with all the other comments especially the way Tunbridge Wells have picked up recently. I wish them all the best v Tring !!!
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: Happy
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2022 at 10:34
Bedford VS Sudbury should be a cracking game of attacking rugby try galore in that one
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2022 at 11:08
Happy wrote:
Bedford VS Sudbury should be a cracking game of attacking rugby try galore in that one |
So should Shelford v Sidcup, but I fear for our near neighbours that it might be one-way traffic. Most interesting one for me, given the improving Tunbridge Wells were run close at home last Saturday, is Colchester hosting CS Stags. A pretty long journey won't help.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: pmarsh224
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2022 at 17:04
WP March on relentless.Medway and TW very very close
Sid up fairly close.
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Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2022 at 10:37
I think as we start to close on mid season, we have a clear front runner, Westcombe Park.
I was unsure about Bedford Ath, they were too strong for Midlands Two East last year. So mid table is where I am happy to see them.
------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused.
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2022 at 15:27
kempstonblue wrote:
I think as we start to close on mid season, we have a clear front runner, Westcombe Park.I was unsure about Bedford Ath, they were too strong for Midlands Two East last year. So mid table is where I am happy to see them. |
MOST of the newly promoted sides all seem to have now bedded themselves in nicely to this level, some a little quicker than others, and that can happen due to various factors: Opposition played so far whether that be home or away, injuries to key players, new players joining etc etc... It's a shame we don't have posters from those other clubs, who could shed light on how and why their teams are performing as they are. I do bang the drum about this forum to people I meet, but it seems to either fall on deaf ears, or I shout too loudly. If we wait to see where we all are after 11 games, I think there could be some interesting reading and analysis going on. In the meantime, the most important game is the next one.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: WESTCOMBE RANGER
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2022 at 15:29
Talking about interesting reading, the match reports from Colchester v CS Stags are well worth the time.
------------- The older I get, the better I was.
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Posted By: pmarsh224
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2022 at 22:30
WP restricting Stags to a penalty try whilst putting on 41 points a good return from todays game.
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Posted By: Happy
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2022 at 08:29
Their backs looked a handful when they got some ball !
Some interesting results Sudbury turning over Shelford and the Tring Colchester game going all the way to the last kick
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Posted By: carlos fandango
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2022 at 18:25
Afraid all a bit gloomy up this way. I fear I may be quoting Private Fraser before too long.
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