Having managed to survive at the end of the season which has just ended we are still on the move in September, as we again find ourselves in the North East. The GOOD NEWS (for the accountants at least) is we retain our local Derby against Penrith as they are also heading there.

One of the oddest moves may seem to be Huddersfield (who are just 7 miles from Heath who stay in the North East) moving in the opposite direction to the North West. However their average (one way) away mileage would have been 65 in the North East and is only 55 in the North West

None of those in the North West will be unhappy to see us (and even happier Penrith) go, as Huddersfield is closer to them than either of us. (although others may not bring our travelling support). The North East teams may be less happy as for most Huddersfield was closer to them than either us or Penrith

After rising from 82 miles in 2023/24 to 87 last season, our average trip rises again to 92. However if we had stayed in the North West, it would have risen to 103 (or around 97 (depending who dropped out) if Penrith had also stayed)

Of course distance does not always equate to time, as links to the North East are not as fast as the M6.

Only one totally new name on the fixture list in Heath (between Huddersfield and Halifax) the rest have all been played at some point in the last 20 years.

Alnwick
Finished 5th last season
We last played them in 2018/19 (not a good season !) but have since missed out on two postponed encounters in the Pizza Cup

Blaydon
Finished 10th last season, so just avoiding the drop
Again we last played them in 2018/19
One of a number of teams the Wasps have played more recently – but not next season as Blaydon were promoted (third in four seasons)
Have a 3G pitch similar to Penrith’s

Cleckheaton
Finished 6th last season
Last played in 2019/20, but did not make it to Mint Bridge, due to COVID restrictions

Driffield
Finished eighth last season
Last played in 2019/20
Another the Wasps played last season and remain on the fixture list, so may be one for a joint excursion to save on travel costs (it is our longest trip as they are East of York)

Harrogate
Relegated back to this level last season
Last played in 2018/19
Another who the Wasps have played in recent seasons, but sadly folded last season

Ilkley
Finished seventh last season
Last played in the League in 2018/19 but we visited them in the Pizza Cup in 2022/23.
The team the club has played most (47 times so far) of those to be faced in the League next season

Heath
Finished third last season

Middlesborough
Promoted into this League last season
Last played in the 2007/08 season (a GOOD season !)

Penrith

Sandal
Finished ninth last season
Last played in 2018/19

York
Finished 4th last season
Last played in 2019/20 when they won promotion, but the away game did not take place due to COVID lockdown

Scunthorpe won the League last season with Huddersfield second, whilst Percy Park and Selby were relegated.

NORTH WEST (the ones we have left behind)
Only half of the teams who started there last season will play there again next (not as drastic as it may sound as a quarter of teams change each season anyway)

Burton; Derby and Long Eaton transfer from the Midlands. joining Leek who remain but Newport (Salop) have departed (to the Midlands ?)

Bowdon (a team whose name I could never spell) are promoted from the North West; whilst Rochdale are promoted from the North East, and as mentioned above Huddersfield transfer in from the North East, and maybe favourites to be Champions.

Rossendale have moved up whilst Stoke and Birkenhead Park went in the opposite direction.

Details of games will follow once known.