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Where are you this weekend? - 2025/26

Another mini promotion for me this week Wigton v Morpeth North 2 L 6. Wigton yet to win a match in 14 attempts after promotion, (they'll be targeting this game) and Morpeth 7th and will be keen to get a result to avoid the relegation mix.
5 hours driving or a longer day at the mercy of northern rail. Decisions, Decisions!
 
You have misread that. It's West Asia Super Rugby. But your point still stands. It's not all that "Super" and there don't seem to be that many teams. Probably standard is L4/5 from the UK. Very physical though. That would be the SA influence

You're right, I have. Apologies.
Out of interest how many teams are involved?
 
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You're right, I have. Apologies.
Out of interest how many teams are involved?
7 sides in total in the top league. Most located in and around Dubai, one in Abu Dhabi. There are 2 with quite some distance and borders to cross. One in Qatar, the other in Bahrain. Not sure how they expense the flights. Seems mad coming from the UK where we'd complain if we had to travel more than an hour away

5 more clubs in the 2 lower leagues mixed in with A and Ex A XVs. Makes a total of 12 clubs in the region
 
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7 sides in total in the top league. Most located in and around Dubai, one in Abu Dhabi. There are 2 with quite some distance and borders to cross. One in Qatar, the other in Bahrain. Not sure how they expense the flights. Seems mad coming from the UK where we'd complain if we had to travel more than an hour away

5 more clubs in the 2 lower leagues mixed in with A and Ex A XVs. Makes a total of 12 clubs in the region
I suppose it is across 3 countries so perhaps it's not as hyperbolic a title as it first appears! :)
 
I'm down at Austin Huns to referee one game and AR another.

And you know what? I'm not looking forward to it. It's nothing to do with the teams, or the ground. I'm just not that interested right now.

My wife and I are now retired and contemplating the future, including where we'll live. All my favorites are at least 90 minutes from the nearest rugby ground, if rugby actually exists. I've been refereeing 32 years come this September. I wonder if it's time to find something else to do.
 
I've been refereeing 32 years come this September. I wonder if it's time to find something else to do.
I had a similar scenario a few years ago wrt coaching... I'd topped out with a colts side having coached them from U15, and it was about my third such iteration. Ie U14 or U15 to colts. I was considering approaching the next season U14 or U15 coaches to see if I could help... but rationalised that I was now probably older than many of the players' own grandparents. There comes a time where whether one is credible any longer, and I felt my coaching input was as valid, I figured I'd just appear an old knacker by a bunch of 13 year old.... so I sailed off into the sunset...
 
Durham Uni vs Bishop Auckland (L7) - 6th vs 10th but the 3G pitch should suit the students game, expect it to be fast and flowing
 
Enjoable game yesterday 40-7 6 tries inc a PT to 1. Visitors had the stronger pack but the home no 8 playeda blinder. Pack stayed straing and up and he kept getting the ball away.
Nice to have spectators of both colours shaking my hand after the game.

Sadly today's game is off.
 
I'm down at Austin Huns to referee one game and AR another.

And you know what? I'm not looking forward to it. It's nothing to do with the teams, or the ground. I'm just not that interested right now.

My wife and I are now retired and contemplating the future, including where we'll live. All my favorites are at least 90 minutes from the nearest rugby ground, if rugby actually exists. I've been refereeing 32 years come this September. I wonder if it's time to find something else to do.
84-0 to the visitors. And teh scrum was an absolute nightmare, for the first time in years for me.
 
After a trip to Ireland for Grandad duties I am back in N2N this week.

I am AR2 for:-

  • Scunthorpe v Preston Grasshoppers

Last (14th) v 11th. Given the weather outside it'll be a shitty pitch with both teams looking decidedly grey come the end. It may get binned altogether if it keeps raining. My shortest trip in N2N - 16 miles each way.

Scunthorpe looking to avoid the wooden spoon and a quick return to L5 - although the return to L5 looks inevitable. They still have a game in hand against top of the table, and as yet unbeaten, Sheffield - so there's that to look forward to next week. :LOL:

Hoppers losing last week (to Sheffield) dropped them from 8th to 11th in a very congested lower half.

Rossendale and Scunthorpe looked doomed.
 
After last weeks late change Penrith 2 12 v 24 Whitehaven on the plastic pitch, a Counties 1 Plate round 3 fixture St. Benedicts v Cockermouth.
They played each other in the league last week in reverse fixture and despite neither wanting promotion I believe it was a fiercely contested contest. 10-8.
A bit more at stake this week so expecting another tight game.
I'll enjoy a few beers and a train ride home
 
After a trip to Ireland for Grandad duties I am back in N2N this week.

I am AR2 for:-

  • Scunthorpe v Preston Grasshoppers

Last (14th) v 11th. Given the weather outside it'll be a shitty pitch with both teams looking decidedly grey come the end. It may get binned altogether if it keeps raining. My shortest trip in N2N - 16 miles each way.

Scunthorpe looking to avoid the wooden spoon and a quick return to L5 - although the return to L5 looks inevitable. They still have a game in hand against top of the table, and as yet unbeaten, Sheffield - so there's that to look forward to next week. :LOL:

Hoppers losing last week (to Sheffield) dropped them from 8th to 11th in a very congested lower half.

Rossendale and Scunthorpe looked doomed.

Bugger! Postponed. Waterlogged pitch.
 
BUCS on Wednesday: Caridff Uni VII Vs Royal Aggricultural Coll

Could be a lot of running in from half way.

Rest of the week on family duties.
 
Late call

I am AR2 for:-

  • Yorkshire Rugby Academy v Newcastle Red Bull/Falcons or whatever Academy

on the AGP at Keighley RUFC.

Speaking of Newcastle - I see Dean Richards has moved to be DoR at a L6 club in Norfolk!!?? Wymondham!! Yes - I had to look it up too.
 
Late call

I am AR2 for:-

  • Yorkshire Rugby Academy v Newcastle Red Bull/Falcons or whatever Academy

on the AGP at Keighley RUFC.

Speaking of Newcastle - I see Dean Richards has moved to be DoR at a L6 club in Norfolk!!?? Wymondham!! Yes - I had to look it up too.
I didn't. We used to have to play Wymondham College. For those who don't know, in accordance with Norfolk custom of dropping the middle syllable, it's pronounced Wyndum
 
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