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SW League Structure - 2016-2017

Work is continuing to produce the fixtures for next season and it is anticipated they will be published by the end of the month. 

The make up of each league is now finalised (subject to any appeals concerning level transfers).  The leagues at levels 5-7 are constructed using the level transfer regulations – where clubs are moved between leagues, and in some cases, divisions based on the mileage involved travelling between teams in any one league.  This avoids the uncertainty over the number of teams relegated at each level and removes the so-called cascade effect.  At level eight and below the leagues follow the usual rules of promotion and relegation in the main, although in the county leagues there are some variations to cater for the needs of 2nd, 3rd and 4th teams. 

This structure is presented for information only.  It is not open to negotiation.  Any enquiries should initially be directed to the League Co-ordinating Secretary, Mike Gee but may then be forwarded to those responsible for the leagues in a given area.

Please click here to download the structure as a .pdf file.

 14 May 16

 

Somerset Celebrates!

Clubs from across the area were at Weston-super-Mare Rugby Club on Friday 13th May for the annual Somerset end of season presentation evening sponsored by Tribute.

Among those presented with championship shields by county president Des Chalmers were

Tribute Somerset Premier - Yatton

Tribute Somerset One - Bridgwater & Albion II

Tribute Somerset Two North - Old Redcliffians III

Tribute Somerset Three North - Whitehall II

There was also a special "You've earned it" award for Old Culverhaysians of Somerset Two North, who solidiered on throughout the season despite a variety of problems.

14 May 16

2016-17 Fixtures

With Kingsbridge beating Keynsham in the final playoff on the 7th May, the SW season is now finished.

Work is starting on next season's fixtures and it is our intention they will be published by the end of May at the latest.  Copies will be sent to the nominated league contact at each club and will be posted on this website.

Currently we are working on the structure of each league.  In some cases this involves level transfers, either within the SW or from outside.  Once these have been finalised we can begin fixture production in earnest.

In the meantime the new structured season for 2016-17 is available under Guidance.  These are the default dates the SW will be using.  The organisers of the county leagues may vary the dates for 10 and 12 club leagues to suit local requirements.

10 May 16

Barnstaple win promotion play-off

Barnstaple overcame Tonbridge Juddian by 31-30 to win a place in National 2 South - joining SW rivals Exmouth in moving from National 3 South West.

There were also play-off wins for Salisbury, Midsomer Norton and Cirencester.

Meanwhile the final play-off fixture has been decided with Kingsbridge entertaining Keynsham on Saturday 7th for a place at level six.

01 May 16

Exmouth are champions

After missing out in the playoffs last season, Exmouth have clinched the National Three SW championship and promotion to National League 2 with a 38-24 win over title rivals Barnstaple.

A crowd of over 1,000 saw a tightly fought game with the winners only becoming clear in the final stages as the Cockles scored a breakaway try to seal the tie.

Barnstaple still have a route to qualify for promotion as they travel to Tonbridge Juddian for the Level 5 playoff next Saturday (30th April).

The officers and committee of the South West sent their congratulations to Exmouth and good luck to Barnstaple for next weekend.

 

24 Apr 16

End of Season Play offs

The end of season promotion play offs will be played on the 30th April 2016.  The venue for each match is decided on the basis of the best playing record (essentially points gained as a percentage of those possible in their league)

Level 5  Tonbridge Juddians v Barnstaple

Level 6  Salisbury v Thornbury

Level 7  Midsomer Norton v Aylesbury
Kingsbridge/Okehampton v Keynsham *(to be played 7th May 2016)

Level 8 Winscombe v Cirencester
 

Clubs involved will receive full details and a match card in the next few days.

 

24 Apr 16

Withycombe prepare for Twickenham final

Withycombe, last season's beaten Senior Vase semi finalists, have put the disappointment behind them and reached this year's Twickenham Final.

After booking their place on Easter Saturday they have had to wait a fortnight to learn who they will face on the 7th May. Their opponents will be West Leeds, who beat the Midland's representatives Oundle 31-23 away from home.

West Leeds are involved in a promotion battle in their league, Yorkshire Division Two, and currently head the table by 14 points and need seven points from their last three games to clinch the championship. The Senior Vase final will kick off at 1pm.

Sadly the South West's other representatives in the RFU Cups, Matson and Widden Old Boys, were both knocked out in the National Semi Finals.

 

09 Apr 16

Rain, Rain

Since the weekend before Christmas over 200 games have been postponed due to the weather, some more than once.

The Western part of the South West Leagues has been worst affected and there are now 31 games scheduled for Easter Saturday, seven for Easter Monday and 14 on the last Saturday in April. Any further postponements involving clubs already playing on those days could well mean midweek fixtures being required.

In addition the South West MAY have to prioritise fixtures and schedule those involving promotion and relegation ahead of other matches.

Clubs who have been affected by the weather are encouraged to look at their remaining fixtures and see if any can be played midweek to free up Saturday dates for matches that involve more travelling for either team. If a game is to be moved to a midweek date, both clubs should email their agreement to the Admin Office and the details will be updated.

 

07 Feb 16

RFU Cups - squad sizes

Teams playing in the RFU Cup competitions have to have FIVE players capable of playing in the front row in a match squad of 22 players. Three in the starting XV and two others that might be called on should any of the original front row get injured or require to be replaced.

We appreciate that the match result card supplied by the RFU has only space for four replacements, the names of the other three replacements can be included elsewhere on the card.

30 Dec 15

Mike Gee presented with his BEM

Accompanied by family and friends, South West League Co-ordinating Secretary Mike Gee has been presented with his British Empire Medal in a ceremony in Truro.

Mike was one of six from Cornwall who received their awards from the Lord-Lieutenant of the county Colonel Edward Bolitho OBE, himself a keen supporter of the Cornish Pirates.

In the citation read out prior to Mike receiving his medal, his contribution to rugby for over half a century at club, county, regional and national level was outlined and met with warm applause.

As well as receiving the award, Mike and his wife Louise, will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace next summer.

06 Sep 15

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