Eastern Counties Rugby Union

21 clubs entered – 2 withdrew once fixtures commenced, and Huntingdon withdrew half way through the term, feeling unable to commit to Sunday rugby.
There were a few weather issues (hard ground & flooding) which hindered the start of the enterprise.
And a few clubs were unable to raise sides on the occasional Sunday – however, these withdrawals were received in time to find alternatives, so with the flexible nature of the format, (with just one exception) I was able to ensure every team able to raise a team was able to play on the 6 designated Sundays (weather difficulties excepted).
Most games were played as 3-wayers, with a few single games and one 4-wayer.
There were many occasions where clubs travelled short, but every club was very flexible, either lending players, or playing short to accommodate – the cooperation between clubs and coaches was outstanding.
I received a huge number of reports of very some really worthwhile and enjoyable Sundays (selection see below)
This was never intended to be a full blown competition, but a means by which more games could be played.
89 half games (equivalent of 44 full games) were played.
I attach my take on a summary of results, based on information reported. In several occasions, clubs combined to play another – in these occasions both clubs combining were awarded the match points. (4 points for a win, 2 for a draw, and 1 for losing by 7 points or less). I have averaged the match points over the number of half games each club played.

This has been a considerable investment in time, but I feel that it has been worth every minute spent. I believe that this exercise has more than achieved everything we set out to do – keeping many 16, 17 & 18 year olds playing.

LINK TO TABLE

Jon Brooks (Woodbridge) on Colchester v Woodbridge v Braintree - Bit of a damp day yesterday but all went well. I think each team won a game so all went home with at least ½ a smile…
Andy Higgins (L & Y) – on L & Y v Southwold. It was a great game of rugby. The lads loved the wet conditions. Scores close right till the end. Very enjoyable match. Result L&Y 24 Southwold 26

Re Holt v Ely at Norwich - It really sounds as if this was a great afternoon of rugby, with everyone working together – and from all reports, a really super game.40 boys were able to enjoy a good game. Thanks to Ely for absorbing the Norwich lads. Thanks to Norwich for hosting. This is exactly the sort of cooperation for which we were hoping when we launched the 3-way merit table concept.
Woodbridge played a combined Diss & North Walsham yesterday and narrowly winning 28-27 (21-15 at ½ time). Woodbridge had 28 players. Diss arrived with 12 players, and North Walsham with 5, and joined forces for a full game in what sounds like an interesting match.
Andy Higgins (L & Y) on L & Y v Braintree v Crusaders. It was another entertaining set of games, all played in the spirit of the game. Can I thank Braintree especially for lending players to both Crusaders and to us. It was great because it meant all their squad of 27 got more game time than they expected. They had a long way to come and stayed for all the matches.
Peter D’Amery (Holt) on Holt v Southwold. The game was a brilliant spectacle, played in a spirit that we would all wish every game was conducted. Both teams played some great off-loading free flowing Rugby and at 5 tries a piece it was only the kicking that separated the teams. Southwold travelled a long way with short numbers to ensure we all had a game, and they should be commended for that alone. Holt offered up a few players to make sure the game was 15 a side and Southwold welcomed those players into the squad as their own and made sure they played in positions of choice. James Alvis (Southwold) - Southwold had a great game at Holt yesterday, with both teams scoring 5 tries. Holt nailed 4 of their conversions and ended up 33-25 to the good. It was an exciting and enjoyable game for all concerned.
Kay Lewis (Crusaders) - we played one 70 min game against Wymondham and the final score was: Wymondham 40 Crusaders 24 (Was a fantastic match!) At half time, it was 21 to Wymondham and 15 to Crusaders (nearly even !) still buzzing !
John Elliott (Diss) on Diss, Shelford, Holt & Colchester - in the end we teamed up with Shelford and had the 3-way games, all sides lent players where needed and I must say it was a great Afternoon of Rugby . All games where played in great spirit and core values.
Kim Hooker (N Walsham) on N Walsham v W Norfolk - Great game and we were short so West leant us a player and we played 12 a side. (Their player even scored for us so hopefully he survived on the way home!!!)
Iain Keys (Saffron Walden) on Ely v Woodbridge v Saffron Walden - A good day yesterday at Ely. Woodbridge were short but were loaned players so all games played and some good rugby. Many thanks for all the hard work in arranging (and re-arranging) the whole merit table. We have enjoyed some good rugby and great to see the lads assured of match time.