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Kendal to play in North 1 East
Stephen Green9 Jun 2019 - 13:03
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A decision by the RFU has placed Kendal in N1E next season.
After our relegation from North Premier in April, the RFU have confirmed that Kendal will play in North 1 East for the forthcoming season. Our historical and geographical ties are with the North West and we were expecting to be in North 1 West, but that is not to be. I apologise for the following lengthy explanation which I hope is of interest
When there is an imbalance between the numbers of teams in East and West the decision is normally made using mileage calculations with the lowest travel mileage being the determining factor for level transfer (RFU Regulation 13). If that was the case, Kendal would not be selected for transfer to N1E as other Clubs have significantly lower mileage.
There has been a review of the structure of rugby in the North in the last year, driven by the wish of some Lancashire and Cheshire clubs not to travel long distances to play Cumbrian teams. The restructuring proposal, which showed us in N1E was initially said to be indicative, but has become the definitive outcome. We have done our best to remain in N1W but to no avail. The decision was finally made at Twickenham and, I suspect, with no real insight into the prevailing weather conditions over the A66 in winter. Unfortunately there is no appeal against this ruling.
Instead of using Regulation 13, the RFU have calculated the distances Cumbrian clubs at level 6 would have to travel in N1E (Us, Penrith and Keswick) and we are the lowest. We are, however, the Club with the largest additional mileage if moving to N1E at 755 additional miles. We may be able to secure an increased travel grant as compensation but that is not certain. You may remember that the RFU has already announced a 60% reduction in travel support for the forthcoming season.
We shall miss our local derby games next year but will look forward to playing old rivals such as Bradford & Bingley, Cleckheaton and Morley while meeting new teams from Durham City, Moortown and Driffield.
A fixture list will be published shortly and will be circulated as soon as we receive it.
Kind regards, Stephen Green
When there is an imbalance between the numbers of teams in East and West the decision is normally made using mileage calculations with the lowest travel mileage being the determining factor for level transfer (RFU Regulation 13). If that was the case, Kendal would not be selected for transfer to N1E as other Clubs have significantly lower mileage.
There has been a review of the structure of rugby in the North in the last year, driven by the wish of some Lancashire and Cheshire clubs not to travel long distances to play Cumbrian teams. The restructuring proposal, which showed us in N1E was initially said to be indicative, but has become the definitive outcome. We have done our best to remain in N1W but to no avail. The decision was finally made at Twickenham and, I suspect, with no real insight into the prevailing weather conditions over the A66 in winter. Unfortunately there is no appeal against this ruling.
Instead of using Regulation 13, the RFU have calculated the distances Cumbrian clubs at level 6 would have to travel in N1E (Us, Penrith and Keswick) and we are the lowest. We are, however, the Club with the largest additional mileage if moving to N1E at 755 additional miles. We may be able to secure an increased travel grant as compensation but that is not certain. You may remember that the RFU has already announced a 60% reduction in travel support for the forthcoming season.
We shall miss our local derby games next year but will look forward to playing old rivals such as Bradford & Bingley, Cleckheaton and Morley while meeting new teams from Durham City, Moortown and Driffield.
A fixture list will be published shortly and will be circulated as soon as we receive it.
Kind regards, Stephen Green
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