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Fantasy Leagues!

Fantasy Leagues!

Dickon Moon18 Nov 2020 - 15:36
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https://www.londoncornishrfc.c

The pandemic and top level rugby combine to build the yearning for grassroots to return!

The RFU have recently issued a regionalised series of cross level leagues in the vain hope that the country might suddenly leap from Stage A on their Return to Rugby Roadmap to stage E or F in the near future. While this is laudable as an attempt to maintain the interest of clubs desperate to hear their tills clicking again and stop players kicking their heels, there is unlikely to be any action soon with over 25,000 daily cases on average, and deaths also climbing in the UK. In the meanwhile, those of us in need of our rugby fix have had to make do with the Premiership and a series of internationals, matches often played out behind closed doors. Whilst it would be true to say that there have been some exceptions (Argentina v NZ as a recent example), the turgid kick-fests that many of these matches have become betray a lack of creativity at the top level that should have the law makers scouring the detail to see what can be changed. This was epitomised by England's performance against Georgia, where the home side made darn sure Twickenham regulars were thanking their lucky stars they weren't in attendance, such was the meagre fare on offer. The Premiership returns this weekend, and is it too much to ask that Quins and Exeter open it up by throwing a little caution to the wind for a change on Friday night? All of which leads us back to the grassroots game, and many players, coaches and supporters of the game will be yearning for the more open rugby played at the lower levels. The matches at Levels 4-6 that your correspondent has witnessed (some of which require no entrance fee) in recent seasons have provided fantastic entertainment for the neutral and, with the heady prospect of three exiles sides in the same London league when the real action recommences, there is much to which to look forward in London 1 South alone. Throw in perennial challengers Medway, city club Guildford and the local derby that is Cobham, the potent Camberley and resurgent Farnham, alongside teak tough Sussex sides Chichester, Haywards Heath, and Horsham, entertainers KCS Old Boys with newly promoted Battersea Ironsides, and near neighbours Hammersmith & Fulham, and you could find excitement each weekend when the real action recommences. The real action -that means forwards being given the opportunity to be forwards, and backs having to make do in the wind and rain from time to time (though in a more creative manner than England managed). It's a fantasy league alright, giants on the road back up the league, clubs playing at their highest ever levels, and others fighting a period of gradual decline. There may be a glorified version of 7s to keep some amused in the meanwhile, but those of us who love the game, the 15 a side version, will wait patiently, and probably until September 2021. It will be worth it, as absence makes the heart grow fonder - a fantasy league awaits in every region of the country. Wherever you are, when the action returns, get out there and support your local club - you won't be disappointed!
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