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From ND1 and beyond... October 2007
By Claire Jones October 14 2007
The first article in our new 'From ND1 and beyond...' feature. When Kath and I had this idea a few weeks ago, most England supporters were in the slough of despair. A shocking and demoralising defeat against South Africa had many demanding heads and doubting the structure of the English game.


When Kath and I had this idea a few weeks ago, most England supporters were in the slough of despair. A shocking and demoralising defeat against South Africa had many demanding heads and doubting the structure of the English game. I must confess I was in despair too and was worried that the season structure in Europe is wrong. But there was one thing I didn't I doubt and that was the merit of relegation. This might sound a bit odd from somebody who supports a team that were relegated last season and I can't imagine there are too many chuffed Wasps supporters (the team that as I write is bottom of the GP).
So that's where this new column comes in... the strength of English rugby partly comes from its roots... those that play the amateur and part-time game... those that turn out week in week out in the junior leagues. This column is going to be about these teams... the Sedgeley Park Tigers... the Southend RFC... whether it's under 7's tag rugby or yesterday's top of the table clash in National Division 1, I want to hear your news... the ups, the downs, the mud and the glory from around the country. In the meantime, I'll also use this column to share with you my experience of the season. Email me here....

So what has life been like in National Division 1? Well as I expected my eyes have been opened to a new world... I haven't started travelling yet this season but unlike 10 years ago when I last went through this with Saints, I can see my team on its travels. Picture a tent full of Cornishmen in full voice... actually you don't need to. Try this courtesy of YouTube...

Meanwhile, in the land of Sale Sharks there is Channel M - what a fantastic highlights package of the Saints at Park Lane. Sedgley Park Tigers is a club that is well organised and building very steadily for the future. I was green with envy at those who got to travel. Seeing this was a huge bonus... Channel M - Talking Sharks.

And the local ITV station brings me news of Saints wherever they are and it's great and makes a huge difference to a supporter who is desperate to see her team.

At the moment in the National Divisions, my 'teams' are having a mixed season. Northampton Saints top National Division 1 but as yet have not really clicked. The likes of Chris Ashton and Stephen Myler are learning their trade but as a team Saints have not as yet produced a full 80 minute display. Seven wins out of seven, all with bonus points - it might seem to some that Saints will cruise to the title but I think not. Bedford, Cornish Pirates and Doncaster have all given Saints big games. I think Saints have some tough fixtures ahead.

For Barking, it's proving a tough season - at the moment Barking are in the wrong half of the table in National Division 3S. Barking's tiny ground in Dagenham is a great place to watch rugby - the team have had success in recent seasons but tough times have arrived and I for one hope things improve soon. Meanwhile in National Divison 2, Southend were going well but a 37-11 defeat at Otley sees them firmly in mid table.

For me personally, this season is also a challenge - I've have been an amateur photographer since I was at primary school when my Dad gave me a pre-war Zeiss Ikon. Now I use the latest digital SLR and ridiculously long lens to take photos of my beloved team. So to end this article I give you a picture from yesterday's game...

 

Come on England! Come on You Saints!

 

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15 Oct, 2007 09:01 Report
Kath. (IP Logged)
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Re: From ND1 and beyond... October 2007
Hi Claire

Super article to start this new venture and I love the Pirates You Tube singing

Fantastic

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15 Oct, 2007 11:08 Report
DaveAitch (IP Logged)
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Re: From ND1 and beyond... October 2007
Barking, I believe, were relegated from Nat2 at the end of last season. With relegation went most of their first team, but they appear to be regrouping as a 'proper' rugby club. Their first game this time out was against Mounts Bay, who are surely one of the strongest teams in Nat3 South. Coached and captained By Ricky Pellow (a good rugby player, and a good guy) at scrum-half and with Lee Jarvis at stand-off Mounts Bay have been scoring plenty of tries.

Where was I when England played Australia in the WC semi-final? Down in Bristol watching Clifton play Mounts Bay, that's where. They beat Clifton 55-19, a score-line that was repeated in the cup game against Barking last Saturday.

So who will win Nat3 S? It must surely be one of four. Mounts Bay are top at the moment by virtue of two more bonus points, with Canterbury second, also undefeated. Cinderford and London Scottish are a further two points behind, with one loss each.

Barking, unfortunately, look a possibility to be one of the clubs in the relegation zone come the end of the season.

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/6429/c1043634ds8.jpg

Clifton v Mounts Bay: Newqs has the ball. I, for one, would not argue with him.


Addendum: As the Clifton website is under reconstruction,I should have used the opportunity to say thanks. What a good set-up Clifton have, in terms of ground and facilities. It would appear they do not have the cash to compete with the top teams, but they do seem to be a 'members club'. Thanks Clifton, a good afternoon at your place.



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 2007:10:15:11:34:45 by DaveAitch.

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