A League 2008/9
By Prof
August 3 2008
The A league format has changed this season and there are now 2 groups of 4 and 1 group of 3 as opposed to the two conferences of 7 and 6 teams. The two missing teams are Newcastle and London Irish who are not participating this season. It does seem that the home games will be played at The Stoop.
| Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Gloucester Leicester Sale Saracens |
Bath Bristol Leeds Northampton |
Harlequins London Wasps Worcester |
Group winners automatically progress to semi-finals as does the best runner-up. The best runner-up in the semi-final will be decided by a play-off between the best runner up in the two groups of 4 and the runner-up in the group of 3 (eg Wasps/Worcester/Quins). Therefore there is the potential of a play-off game in January if we finished second in the group.
Semi-Finals are straight knockout and then the traditional two-legged final if we are still involved.
| Date | Time | Opponent | * | Score | Team | Report | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 8 Sep | 19:30 | London Wasps | A | L 37-20 | 2ndXV | AlanQuin | Q | |
| Mon 22 Sep | 19:30 | Worcester | A | W 0-33 | 2ndXV | AlanQuin | Q | |
| Mon 13 Oct | 19:30 | London Wasps | h | W 26-13 | 2ndXV | AlanQuin | ||
| Mon 10 Nov | 17:00 | Munster | H | C-C | 2nd F | AlanQuin | ||
| Mon 24 Nov | 19:30 | Bristol United | H | W 36-7 | 2nd F | AlanQuin | ||
| Mon 15 Dec | 19:30 | Bristol United | A | C-C | 2nd F | AlanQuin | ||
| Mon 5 Jan | 19:30 | Worcester | H | W 27-15 | 2ndXV | AlanQuin | ||
| Mon 19 Jan | 19:30 | Bristol United | h | W 37-3 | 2ndXV | AlanQuin | ||
| Mon 2 Mar | 19:30 | Northampton A | h | 2ndXV | AlanQuin | |||
| Mon 9 Mar | 19:30 | Saracens | A | 2nd F | AlanQuin | |||
| Mon 6 Apr | 19:30 | Final Leg 1 | - | 2ndXV | AlanQuin | |||
| Mon 20 Apr | 19:30 | Saracens | H | 2nd F | AlanQuin | |||
| Mon 27 Apr | 19:30 | Final Leg 2 | - | 2ndXV | AlanQuin |
|
H = The Stoop
|
h = Imber Court | A = Away |
| Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | BP | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | London Wasps | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 121 | 65 | 2 | 14 |
| 2 | Harlequins | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 106 | 69 | 2 | 14 |
| 3 | Worcester | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 38 | 131 | 0 | 0 |
Group 2
| Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | BP | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northampton Wanderers | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 198 | 112 | 4 | 24 |
| 2 | Bristol United | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 180 | 155 | 4 | 16 |
| 3 | Bath United | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 106 | 139 | 1 | 9 |
| 4 | Leeds Carnegie | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 67 | 145 | 1 | 5 |
Group 1
| Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | BP | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gloucester United | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 166 | 147 | 4 | 20 |
| 2 | Sale Sharks | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 126 | 109 | 4 | 16 |
| 3 | Saracens | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 153 | 109 | 3 | 15 |
| 4 | Leicester Tigers | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 106 | 186 | 1 | 9 |
A League 2008/9
Posted by: ComeAllWithin.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 03/08/2008 11:15
A League 2008/9
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Babs (IP Logged)
Date: 03/08/2008 11:45
I'd heard Glaws and Newcastle wouldn't be in it this year, but Leinster might join in. I'm bu****ed if I'm going to fly to Dublin on a Monday night though even for the pleasure of seeing SK. I hope we can organise more friendlies for the A team though as the A league itself just doesn't give the guys enough game time.
How much does it cost to put a game on?
Perhaps we could find sponsorship or do so ourselves.
How much does it cost to put a game on?
Perhaps we could find sponsorship or do so ourselves.
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Alanquin (IP Logged)
Date: 03/08/2008 19:52
Prof,
You pose interesting questions. The answer generally is that if that lot out at Wycombe have anything to do with it then all those things will happen if it suits them. They have demonstrated it for the last two seasons. Why should this one be different?
You pose interesting questions. The answer generally is that if that lot out at Wycombe have anything to do with it then all those things will happen if it suits them. They have demonstrated it for the last two seasons. Why should this one be different?
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: The Prof (IP Logged)
Date: 04/08/2008 09:11
There is talk that the A League may not happen this year, there will still be A team matches but there won't be a league structure any more.
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Rocker (IP Logged)
Date: 04/08/2008 10:02
That's crazy. If there is no league structure, there is no guarantee of games happening. It is bad enough that the youngsters/ A side only get 1/2 the teams to play, but to reduce that even more potentially by not having a proper structure seems crazy. The "A-Side" needs more games not less, or they might as well pack it in and send the "A-Sides" off to ND1.
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Blank436 (IP Logged)
Date: 04/08/2008 10:03
Lunacy. Midweek games featuring, more often than not, GP players are easily marketable if anyone pulled their finger out and actually did something about it.
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Viks (IP Logged)
Date: 04/08/2008 10:31
Barney must be working nights, I can't believe he hasn't commented yet 
I agree re the league - it's a real shame. Whilst the boys gain valuable game time and experience playing for the ND1 sides, surely all the teams would want them to play for the club as much as possible so that they are used to their club's style of play. This enables them to step up to the 1st team far more easily when the call comes.
Viks
I agree re the league - it's a real shame. Whilst the boys gain valuable game time and experience playing for the ND1 sides, surely all the teams would want them to play for the club as much as possible so that they are used to their club's style of play. This enables them to step up to the 1st team far more easily when the call comes.
Viks
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: JTD (IP Logged)
Date: 04/08/2008 10:38
Maybe Guinness haven't asked Wasps yet if they would like to play in the A League. They'll probably do it around March/April time...front row injuries permitting! ;-)
Cue Barney!
Cue Barney!
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: HSBC (IP Logged)
Date: 04/08/2008 15:41
Does it really matter as most of the A team games were one sided affairs, often with players brought in from outside the clubs. Why not play mid-week friendlies for players not in the 1st team.
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: MikeGC (IP Logged)
Date: 04/08/2008 19:54
I'd heard that the A league wasn't running this term.
Isn't that why the clubs have farmed out the youngesters to ND1 clubs...
Isn't that why the clubs have farmed out the youngesters to ND1 clubs...
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Blank436 (IP Logged)
Date: 04/08/2008 22:43
Bit of a pain when it's one of the major benefits listed when you buy an ST...
Unforeseen circumstances etc I know but I do hope the club organise some games against those sides who want to.
Unforeseen circumstances etc I know but I do hope the club organise some games against those sides who want to.
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Squirrel Nutquin (IP Logged)
Date: 04/08/2008 22:51
I did enjoy those Monday evenings and often a good crowd of friendly supporters managed to turn up, even to far-flung Imber Court.
ON ON ON 'QUINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ON ON ON 'QUINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Babs (IP Logged)
Date: 05/08/2008 06:12
Perhaps we should wait for some sort of official announcement before we start renting our hair and clothes.
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Blank436 (IP Logged)
Date: 05/08/2008 09:50
Official announcment!? December then... 
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: E-Quin (IP Logged)
Date: 05/08/2008 11:44
"Will coaches bamboozle experienced professional referees by standing in front of them and telling props to go down injured?"
This has to be allowed in the A league Prof. If it wasn't how on earth would Wasps prepare their props for the Premiership? Although I suppose RADA could put on workshops for them.
On a totally separate issue I hear the Welsh props have been given a summer training exercise involving them going down on one knee whilst simultaneously shaking their head and saying "it's no good I can't go on". It's reported some can now do it without needing to look at the prepared cards to remember the words. They hope to be word perfect for the autumn internationals.
I can't think of any connection between the two items. Can you?
This has to be allowed in the A league Prof. If it wasn't how on earth would Wasps prepare their props for the Premiership? Although I suppose RADA could put on workshops for them.
On a totally separate issue I hear the Welsh props have been given a summer training exercise involving them going down on one knee whilst simultaneously shaking their head and saying "it's no good I can't go on". It's reported some can now do it without needing to look at the prepared cards to remember the words. They hope to be word perfect for the autumn internationals.
I can't think of any connection between the two items. Can you?
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Quint Eastwood (IP Logged)
Date: 05/08/2008 22:55
A thought:
There must be merit in squad members not in the 22 playing at weekends to get in some game time against real opponents.
To make thinks easier, why not reduce the amount of travel by splitting the A league into 3 regional divisions and including 2 or 3 local ND1 sides that the GP clubs already loan players to. This will assist the loan system and give a better window to up-&-coming players in the second tier.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:08:05:23:05:15 by Quint Eastwood.
There must be merit in squad members not in the 22 playing at weekends to get in some game time against real opponents.
To make thinks easier, why not reduce the amount of travel by splitting the A league into 3 regional divisions and including 2 or 3 local ND1 sides that the GP clubs already loan players to. This will assist the loan system and give a better window to up-&-coming players in the second tier.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:08:05:23:05:15 by Quint Eastwood.
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Boonie (IP Logged)
Date: 06/08/2008 12:16
Far too sensible, and also helps out the ND1 clubs which is of course not what the Premiership closed shop is all about! 
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to bleat about it all over the internet"
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to bleat about it all over the internet"
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: King of Mediocrity (IP Logged)
Date: 07/08/2008 07:27
Quote:E-Quin
"Will coaches bamboozle experienced professional referees by standing in front of them and telling props to go down injured?"
This has to be allowed in the A league Prof. If it wasn't how on earth would Wasps prepare their props for the Premiership? Although I suppose RADA could put on workshops for them.
On a totally separate issue I hear the Welsh props have been given a summer training exercise involving them going down on one knee whilst simultaneously shaking their head and saying "it's no good I can't go on". It's reported some can now do it without needing to look at the prepared cards to remember the words. They hope to be word perfect for the autumn internationals.
I can't think of any connection between the two items. Can you?
Glorious!
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Viks (IP Logged)
Date: 07/08/2008 09:39
Quint - great idea but I'm not sure that the ND1 sides would go for it as I imagine they would want to compete in their own league. Having to enter an extra league would mean they need to increase their squad size, something I doubt they can afford. Also, many are semi-pro in ND1, so have day jobs, which means that they can't necessarily be available on a Monday night to arrive at 6pm for a game.
Viks
Viks
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Steve_W (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2008 14:04
No A-league? That would be a real shame. It gives the youngsters a chance of a game, allows injured players to return sensibly, and provides us supporters with a different style of rugby to watch.
I'm not sure about letting out players to ND1. If there are too many, it could totally disrupt the ND1 season, and it would not really be fair to regular ND1 players and their supporters.
I'm not sure about letting out players to ND1. If there are too many, it could totally disrupt the ND1 season, and it would not really be fair to regular ND1 players and their supporters.
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: The Prof (IP Logged)
Date: 02/09/2008 19:07
It really is such a shame that clubs have pulled out. I would have thought it would have been Wasps, Gloucester and Bristol that pulled out.
You can see from Newcastle's point of view that it would mean a lot of travelling for little gain.
I know London Irish are a long way from London but they can't have the same excuse so I wonder why they pulled out
You can see from Newcastle's point of view that it would mean a lot of travelling for little gain.
I know London Irish are a long way from London but they can't have the same excuse so I wonder why they pulled out
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Artemis (IP Logged)
Date: 02/09/2008 19:15
they often fielded quite a decent team as well. I quite liked popping over to Sunbury for those games. I wonder if they will just play friendlies instead?
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Quinten Poulsen (IP Logged)
Date: 02/09/2008 22:46
Great news that home games are back at The Stoop.
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Jobs (IP Logged)
Date: 03/09/2008 08:24
I hope the games are played at Imber court
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: The Prof (IP Logged)
Date: 03/09/2008 10:27
Imber Court is easier for me to get home from but I still prefer the games to be at The Stoop
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Blank436 (IP Logged)
Date: 03/09/2008 11:21
Imber Court is less than ideal (games finish 5 mins after the time you need to leave if you don't want to wait 50 mins) for getting back to central London.
Two home games? Madness. I really hope we organise friendlies...but who can we play? ND1 1sts will, rightly, want to concentrate on their league while their seconds are, with all due respect, not a decent game for our A side. Who else can we find? A real shame.
Two home games? Madness. I really hope we organise friendlies...but who can we play? ND1 1sts will, rightly, want to concentrate on their league while their seconds are, with all due respect, not a decent game for our A side. Who else can we find? A real shame.
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: The Prof (IP Logged)
Date: 03/09/2008 11:30
There are 3 home games, 2 in the League and 1 friendly
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: balpw2. (IP Logged)
Date: 03/09/2008 12:12
Prof
a senior squad of only 30 players might have something to do with us pulling out of the A league this year. We would have had financial penalties for pulling out of A games if we couldn't field a team and the high probability of that happening meant it wasn't worth it. As far as I can see we never took it seriously as a competition anyway.
There will be friendlies arranged. So you might get to go to Sunbury but if one is arranged, be prepared for it to be cancelled last minute.
a senior squad of only 30 players might have something to do with us pulling out of the A league this year. We would have had financial penalties for pulling out of A games if we couldn't field a team and the high probability of that happening meant it wasn't worth it. As far as I can see we never took it seriously as a competition anyway.
There will be friendlies arranged. So you might get to go to Sunbury but if one is arranged, be prepared for it to be cancelled last minute.
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: harlequinade (IP Logged)
Date: 03/09/2008 13:24
4 home games surely?
2 in the league and two friendlies vs Sarries and Bristol??
2 in the league and two friendlies vs Sarries and Bristol??
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: The Prof (IP Logged)
Date: 03/09/2008 16:38
D'OH! I really must read what I write
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Rocker (IP Logged)
Date: 04/09/2008 17:56
I thought Walder was going to NZ, did he not go because of breaking his leg?
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: ArchQuin (IP Logged)
Date: 04/09/2008 18:21
Shame there is no Imber Court anymore although I appreciate it is not convenient for all - you can get really close up and hear all the banter with the subs a few feet away - oh well -
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Babs (IP Logged)
Date: 04/09/2008 21:27
You can get up really close at The Stoop too. No-one says you have to sit in the stands.
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: Squirrel Nutquin (IP Logged)
Date: 04/09/2008 21:32
Prof - it is amazing how much stress the institution of marriage can put on the facilities!
ON ON ON 'QUINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ON ON ON 'QUINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: St Marlowe (IP Logged)
Date: 16/02/2009 19:21
Can you explain why with 6 wins and 24 points we get an away draw against yourgoodselves?
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: GrahamJ (IP Logged)
Date: 16/02/2009 19:28
As far as I understand, it was drawn out of hat.
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: St Marlowe (IP Logged)
Date: 17/02/2009 09:10
aahhh that'll be a cup, not a league then!
Re: A League 2008/9
Posted by: The Prof (IP Logged)
Date: 17/02/2009 11:29
Blame London Irish and Newcastle for failing to provide A teams and then the rejigging of the leagues into 3 rather than 2 which had always sufficed
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