There’s been a number of changes in the make-up of National Two (North) as a result of promotions and relegations. We have lost five clubs – Sheffield (as champions, on to Nat 1), Macclesfield (who’ve dropped down to North One, level 5, as they can’t sustain the travelling and other expenses involved with playing in N2 West) , and the relegated clubs Rossendale, Hull RUFC & Scunthorpe.
Taking their place, we welcome Sedgley Park (relegated from N1), Chester (level transfer from N2(W) and, promoted as champions from the regional leagues, Heath (Halifax) and Huddersfield, with Harrogate coming through the play-offs.
This results in: 7 Yorkshire clubs, 3 from the North East and 4 from the North West.
Tynedale
Ionians
DMP
Fylde
Wharfedale
Sheffield Tigers
Preston Grasshoppers
Billingham
Otley
Huddersfield
Heath
Harrogate
Chester
Sedgley Park
The National League has just released the fixture lists for all 4 divisions, including National One. The fixture list for Fylde is somewhat more balanced than last season, with six home games before Christmas and seven after the midwinter break. The opening game on the 5th September sees Fylde travel to Billingham followed immediately by the visit of ‘Hoppers to the Woodlands (12th Sept.)
The geographical distribution of the Northern clubs are illustrated in the following map – acknowledgement and thanks to creators Hull Ionians!
