Where Are They Now ? Part 2 : The National League 2 Years
Almost certainly the high point in the life of club, was the three years between September 2000 and Spring 2003 at Level 3 of the English Leagues
In the first season finishing fourth (so within the top thirty in England)
Three teams we faced currently then now sit at the even higher level two. As stated in the earlier piece Doncaster were within a play-off of reaching the top division. Whilst Nottingham will have been used to the higher levels of English rugby, Penzance (now Cornish Pirates) are relative newcomers.
Six teams were still at Level 3 (now called National League 1) last season, but two Wharfdale and Henley were about to relegated, although financial problems (at another club I have followed), Plymouth could have seen them forced to start from the bottom of the pyramid, which would have saved Wharfdale.
The only team we will meet next season (in out first away fixture in weekend two) is Waterloo, whilst Preston Grasshoppers and Harrogate sit a level higher in Level 4
Of the 22 teams played, only three started last season below Kendal, with two at the same level. Of three below us, two have had well documented finance problems and are on their way back, with Rugby Lions winning their level 8 League, and Orrell at a similar level. Camberley promoted next season to Level 7 had also been down lower.
| Level | Division | position | |
| Doncaster | 2 | Championship | 2 |
| Nottingham | 2 | Championship | 7 |
| Penzance (now Cornish Pirates) | 2 | Championship | 9 |
| Rosslyn Park | 3 | National League 1 | 5 |
| Esher | 3 | National League 1 | 7 |
| Plymouth | 3 | National League 1 | 8 |
| Fylde | 3 | National League 1 | 10 |
| Wharfdale | 3 | National League 1 (R) | 14 |
| Henley | 3 | National League 1 (R) | 16 |
| Sedgley Park | 4 | National League 2 North | 2 |
| Stourbridge | 4 | National League 2 North | 4 |
| Harrogate | 4 | National League 2 North | 7 |
| Preston Grasshoppers | 4 | National League 2 North | 9 |
| Launceston | 4 | National League 2 South (R) | 16 |
| Lydney | 5 | National League 3 South West | 3 |
| Waterloo (now Firwood Waterloo) | 5 | National League 3 North | 4 |
| Bracknell | 5 | National League 3 London | 11 |
| Kendal | 6 | North West One [P] | 1 |
| Newbury | 6 | South West 1 East | 3 |
| West Hartlepool | 6 | North One East | 4 |
| Camberley | 8 | London 3 South West [P] | 1 |
| Rugby Lions | 8 | Midlands 3 West (South) [P] | 1 |
| Orrell | 8 | Lancashire North | 7 |
Footnote :
Whilst looking for Rugby Lions, I found a team which may have a real location crisis. “Cheltenham North” play in the magnificently titled “Midlands 3 West (South)
NEXT SEASONS FIXTURES
Press HERE for a link to next seasons fixtures
This follow up piece has taken a bit longer to get on the site that I first planned. The next one (National League 3 : 2003-06) should follow a bit faster !