Summer wind of change
Date published: 10 February 2011
Photo: Pictures by CHRIS SUNDERLAND
wipe-out... a snow-covered pitch at Waterhead ARLFC. The RFL are hoping to avoid such scenes by switching the amateur game to the summer months.
RUGBY: CONTROVERSIAL plans put forward by the RFL to switch the amateur game to the summer have received a mixed response from our local clubs.
National Conference League outfits are set to vote on the issue, with opinion seemingly split.
While some believe the move in 2012 would rob the game of its tradition, others began to waver after a large number of winter fixture postponements.
A short discussion among club officials will be followed by a vote.
Oldham St Anne’s are in favour of a change, although they are keen to hear the views of other clubs before casting a vote.
Secretary Barbara Henderson said: “We have had quite a few discussions about the proposed summer switch.
“As a club, we feel it is the players who should dictate what we do and when we play — and almost all of them are in favour of the change.
“They liked the idea of playing and training in summer, because we have had problems at this club with winter training. We had to change venues several times and travel further than we would have liked.
“If the majority of clubs are in favour, we will vote ‘yes’.”
Saddleworth Rangers are to hold several meetings before arriving at a final decision.
Secretary Peter Townsend said: “Opinion is split at our club.
“We will hold consultations to try to gauge people’s feelings.
“I think there is a lot of emotion and sentiment attached to the issue. People are used to watching rugby in the winter.
“But, those in favour of playing in summer would point out that a record amount of fixtures were cancelled in the winter.”
Tony Richmond, secretary at Waterhead, said the club will be voting against the proposal.
He added: “My feeling, and that of the club, is that things should stay the same, even though we can understand the thinking behind the idea.
“Unfortunately we have had a very bad winter, so it lends itself to change.
“One compromise worth looking at would be to have a break in December and January, rather than the overhaul being suggested.”
Higginshaw, of the North-West Counties League, are not involved in Monday’s vote, but are firmly opposed to the RFL’s plans.
“There are too many other things going on in the summer,” said secretary John Mellor.
“A lot of clubs are tied in with other sports, like cricket, so there would be clashes and the plan would not work.
“We are against the proposal.”
