Grounds and fixtures.

[andrewshields]

I think the only club that has definitely expressed an interest in running a 3rd XI in the league is Hockerill, and they have two squares so no problem there. Newport are thinking about it, using their current ground and Quendon Park. Should we decide to do so, then it would be dependent on us having access to another ground. Paul, we would of course make a formal request to you at High Beach and agree a fee were we to go ahead – and thanks for letting our 3rds play at your place this Saturday!

The other clubs interested in Div 6 are 2nd XIs (bar Furneux Pelham), so I assume Bob will be able to continue his excellent job of arranging the fixtures without clashes. I think most of us would be happy with occasional breaks to the home-away-home-away pattern if it was to the benefit of a healthy and expanding league.

I wouldn't want a longer league season – some clubs would run into problems with football clubs sharing their site, and losing players to rugby, football or hockey. And it's good to have September free for a few traditional Saturday friendlies.

edited by: andrewshields, Jul 15, 2004 - 11:28 AM

[pauly462]

With the league looking like it will possibly run a 6th division next year? and some clubs running 2 or maybe 3 sides, have the league had any disscussions on how clubs will find suitable venues for these matches.and is there the possibity that the fixtures will be constructed in a form where matches ( home and away) will not clash. ie 1st X1 and 3rd X1 both at the same ground? on the same day? have some clubs a second ground? or a longer season ? by a few weeks? For a smaller club like ourselves this may not be a problem? but we have already had approches for use of our ground for a 3rd X1 from South Loughton,for their non league games this year, when we are not at home.
Paul Smith HBCC

[thomaswp]

I don't think it is likely that we'll (Newport) run a 3rd XI next year in the league, but we might try a few conference matches to see how it goes. :-D